Economic Development and Developers in the News # 210
Econ dev news from 104 economic development executives and organizations in 22 states.
Welcome to the 210th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!
Today's issue contains news from 104 economic development executives and organizations in 22 states.
If this is your first time reading: Hello!
The Econ Dev Show is a podcast and email newsletter delivering actionable strategies, fresh news, insights, and ideas from the economic development community and your host, Dane Carlson.
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To submit your organization's news, please use this form. If you see an error, send me an email and I'll correct it.
🚨 "How far is this building from the airport?"
That's a real RFI question an economic developer I recently spoke with in North Carolina gets all the time.
His answer?
"I know -- but I always I have to go look it up."
He knows his sites better than anyone. But when RFIs demand specific, ever-changing data - broadband availability, utility diameters, drive times, college program stats - it turns into hours of research.
So I showed him what Sitehunt can do.
⚡ In one quick demo:
- It mapped sewer lines and power infrastructure from GIS - down to pipe material
- Pulled FCC broadband data and labor force reports
- Calculated airport drive time instantly
- Filled out a 60-question RFI in minutes
His response?
"Can I try it with one of my own sites?"
That's the moment I aim for in every demo: when the lightbulb goes off and they realize this isn't just software--it's hours of their life back.
If you've ever scrambled to fill out an RFI at the last minute, let's talk.
I'll show you what your next one could look like--with 90% of the work already done.
Alabama
Connie Bainbridge, Manager of Community and Economic Development at Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, has been inducted into the inaugural class of the Southern Economic Development Hall of Fame by Southern Business and Development magazine, recognizing her decades-long impact on economic growth and community advancement across Central Alabama.
The Huntsville Planning Commission is set to vote on zoning for 572 newly annexed acres, supporting a master-planned mix of residential and retail development in the city’s northern growth corridor. Urban and Economic Development Director Shane Davis emphasized that phased development will foster economic opportunity without straining city services or schools.
The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its Downtown Update, where Economic Developer Frank Robinson and his team outlined initiatives advancing downtown’s economic development, public safety enhancements, and new retail opportunities, emphasizing Montgomery’s regional impact and momentum.
Arizona
The Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber Foundation, has launched the Southern Arizona Pilot Program for ElevateEdAZ, bringing a proven education-to-workforce model to connect local students with high-wage, high-demand career pathways and strengthen the region’s talent pipeline. (President and Chief Executive Officer Randy Graf; Chief Innovation Officer Jennifer Mellor)
Arkansas
Jonesboro Unlimited received the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council for its "Always Jonesboro" initiative, which focuses on talent development and retention by promoting the city's amenities and opportunities. (Bethania Baray-Harrison, Director of Talent Attraction)
Florida
The Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport is positioned to become a major economic driver for Hernando County, with a comprehensive development plan calling for strategic infrastructure investment to attract aviation and non-aviation businesses. (Economic Development Director Valerie Pianta)
Charles Schwab & Co. is expanding its presence in the Orlando region with a major investment, marking the 200th project facilitated by the Orlando Economic Partnership (President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Giuliani) since 2017 and contributing to nearly 30,000 jobs and $3.6 billion in capital investment in the area.
Georgia
Georgia Tech’s Center for Economic Development Research has developed CEDRC™, a certification program that helps communities anticipate and plan for rapid growth sparked by major investments like Hyundai’s $5.5 billion electric vehicle plant. The tool translates projected job gains into practical needs for workforce, housing, and infrastructure. (Project Manager Betsy McGriff)
Wiregrass Georgia Tech’s Economic Development team achieved a record year by training 13,168 students and delivering 187,435 hours of instruction to 105 companies across key industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, agriculture, and construction, demonstrating significant workforce development impact. (Executive Vice President of Economic Development Michael Williams; Director of Economic Development Jessica Thornhill)
Illinois
The public-private partnership formerly known as Intersect Illinois has rebranded as the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, signaling a sharpened focus on supporting in-state business expansion and retention. President and Chief Executive Officer Christy George highlighted the organization's collaborative efforts with state agencies to drive business growth and investment.
Liz Hiemstra has been named director of the Ogle County Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit formed in 2023 to promote unified economic growth across multiple communities. Hiemstra, bringing experience in small business and community engagement, will lead efforts focused on housing, business retention, industry attraction, and strengthening regional collaboration. (Director, Ogle County Economic Development Corporation)
Indiana
James Wells has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Carroll County Economic Development Corporation, bringing significant expertise in affordable housing, public administration, and coalition-building. His leadership is expected to drive inclusive development and investment attraction for the region.
Iowa
The Greater Des Moines Partnership announced that JBS USA will purchase a production facility in Ankeny, with plans to build out the largest ready-to-eat bacon and ready-to-eat sausage plant in the company’s U.S. portfolio. (Sid Juwarker)
Kentucky
A Fortune 20 company is pursuing a 2,200-megawatt hyperscale data center project in Mason County, Kentucky, sparking controversy over land sales and community impact. Local officials, including Tyler McHugh (Maysville-Mason County Industrial Development Authority Director), have engaged with residents while maintaining confidentiality agreements, raising concerns about transparency and environmental effects of the project.
The International Economic Development Council has honored the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and Commerce Lexington with multiple 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Awards, including recognition for the Greater LEX Regional Competitiveness Plan and the Lexington Second Chance Academy Workforce Reentry Program, highlighting the region’s collaborative and innovative approach to economic growth. (Bob Quick, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Lexington)
Greater Paducah Economic Development (President Bruce Wilcox) reported major progress at the Paducah Department of Energy site, including General Matter’s record-setting nuclear enrichment investment projected to generate $71 million in annual economic impact, and Global Laser Enrichment and AI data center initiatives expected to further boost regional job creation and infrastructure growth.
Kentucky continues to attract major investment in manufacturing and site development, highlighted by Haier US Appliance Solutions’ $490 million project adding 800 jobs and Anthro Energy’s new $42 million battery facility. Economic development leaders statewide—including Greater Louisville Inc. (President/CEO Sarah Davasher-Wisdom) and the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (President/CEO Terri Bradshaw)—point to robust long-term prospects driven by sector diversification, workforce initiatives, and the Kentucky Product Development Initiative.
Louisiana
A new Economic Development Foundation has been launched to drive business growth, support small enterprise expansion, and enhance workforce development in Central, with a focus on smart growth and community assets. (Ron Erickson, Director for Economic Development)
Louisiana is seeing unprecedented industrial investment, with more than $17 billion in proposed projects including major steel and ammonia plants from Hyundai and CF Industries, as highlighted by Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois at a recent Baton Rouge Industrial Group event, signaling a significant shift in the state's economic outlook.
Mandi Mitchell (president and chief executive officer of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority) has been elected to a second term as state director for the Southern Economic Development Council, whose 1,800 members have helped facilitate nearly $600 billion in investment and 600,000 new jobs across the southern United States in recent years.
St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation has received a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council for its InveST St. Tammany business attraction microsite, highlighting innovative digital strategies in showcasing local business opportunities. (Chief Executive Officer Chris Masingill)
Maryland
At the MACo Summer Conference, Maryland county leaders and state partners highlighted the importance of aligning local strengths with state economic growth strategies, emphasizing tourism, business attraction, and small business support as key drivers. (Heather Tinelli)
Otis Rolley has assumed the role of president and chief executive officer of the Baltimore Development Corporation, outlining a vision for equitable economic development that prioritizes inclusion, community input, and sustainable growth. His leadership focuses on supporting small businesses, financial innovation, workforce development, and collaborative partnerships to ensure broad-based opportunity. (President and Chief Executive Officer Otis Rolley)
Michigan
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation received three gold and three silver International Economic Development Council Excellence Awards for its work in talent development, placemaking, mobility, and small business support, spotlighting programs like Match on Main, Michigan Mobility Funding Platform, and the Michigander Scholars initiative. (Chief Executive Officer Quentin L. Messer, Jr.)
Quentin Messer Jr. (Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation) recently highlighted the impact of MEDC’s Make it in Michigan strategy, which has driven nearly $2 billion in private investment and 3,000 job commitments in Southeast Michigan since 2022 through placemaking projects, business support, and workforce development initiatives.
The Economic Development Leaders for Michigan has announced a unified set of ten priorities aimed at strengthening the state's long-term economic growth through targeted investments in business attraction and retention, community development, innovation, and talent. (Randy Thelen, Chair, Economic Development Leaders for Michigan; Marty Fittante, Chief Executive Officer, InvestUP)
Jackson City Council has approved a $50,000 contract with Accelerate Jackson County to provide economic development support, including business retention, property marketing, redevelopment, and advising on Tax Increment Financing and brownfield projects, according to Keith Gillenwater (President and Chief Executive Officer).
Minnesota
The Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce’s annual Economic Development Bus Tour, led by David Lindahl (Economic Development Manager), spotlighted the city’s ongoing transition from traditional office spaces to new housing, commercial, and mixed-use developments, with major projects from organizations like Kraus-Anderson, Aldevron, UnitedHealth Group, and Endeavor Development reflecting broader trends in adaptive reuse and urban revitalization.
The Heartland Lakes Development Commission has unveiled a 2025-2035 strategic plan aiming to grow Park Rapids and Hubbard County’s populations and tax capacity, while expanding housing, childcare, and business infrastructure to boost regional quality of life and workforce attraction. (Executive Director Mary Thompson)
New Jersey
Carolyn Cannella has been promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Growth in the New Jersey Governor’s Office, where she will lead economic affairs and key initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, public-private partnerships, and innovation-driven policy.
New Mexico
Job Training Albuquerque, a workforce initiative by the City of Albuquerque in partnership with Central New Mexico Community College, has supported 3,433 workers from 374 small businesses, generating 1,510 new jobs and $74.8 million in added earning power. Recent expansions include industry-focused training in quantum technology and hospitality. (Economic Development Director Max Gruner)
New York
Empire State Development and Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement have selected 20 global food and agriculture startups as finalists for the seventh Grow-NY business competition, which will award $3 million in prizes to encourage innovation, job creation, and investment in Upstate New York’s agricultural economy. (President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight)
North Carolina
Sampson County Economic Development, led by Executive Director Ray Jordan, has launched a three-year strategic plan aimed at diversifying the county’s economy, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing quality of life, with support from Creative Economic Development Consulting (CEO Crystal Morphis) and broad community collaboration.
The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation (President Robert Van Geons) reports growing economic momentum in Cumberland County, highlighted by the relocation of an air dome manufacturer’s headquarters and an $870 million investment commitment from an aerospace manufacturing company, reflecting the area’s increasing success in attracting high-value industries.
Ohio
Josh Thurston (business engagement specialist, Lucas County Department of Economic Development) recently discussed the department’s Business Retention and Expansion Program at a regional event, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and resources to support and grow businesses across Lucas County.
Texas
Jenna Saucedo-Herrera (Chief Executive Officer and President of greater:SATX) highlights the evolving role of economic development organizations, emphasizing a shift beyond traditional business recruitment to include workforce strategies, international partnerships, and brand development, with recent successes such as a major global investment from JCB and enhanced trans-Atlantic connectivity for the San Antonio region.
The City of Laredo has received the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council for its "Port Laredo – We Keep the World Moving" campaign, which unified city departments to elevate Port Laredo as the nation’s top international trade port. (Economic Development Director Miriam Castillo)
Jessica Rogers has been named the new director of the Fort Worth Economic Development Department, bringing a proven record in business growth, investment attraction, and strategic planning. Rogers will lead efforts to enhance business recruitment, workforce development, and small business growth, supporting Fort Worth’s long-term economic vitality. (Director, Fort Worth Economic Development Department)
The Arlington Economic Development Corporation received two 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council, recognizing its website and the LiftFund Interest Buydown program, which has provided $625,700 in interest-free loans to local businesses and helped create and retain over 100 jobs.
The 2025 Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum, hosted by ACCELERATION by design LLC (President Lorie Vincent), will convene nationally recognized experts and practitioners to provide actionable strategies for rural economic development, covering topics from entrepreneurship to workforce and downtown revitalization, with a focus on equipping rural leaders for growth and sustainability.
Vermont
The City of Burlington’s Community and Economic Development Office, in partnership with the National League of Cities, launched a pioneering Personal Care Assistant training program using artificial intelligence translation to empower Arabic-speaking immigrants for workforce entry, advancing economic mobility and expanding healthcare job opportunities. (CEDO Director Brian Pine; Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak)
West Virginia
West Virginia has launched its first state-funded site readiness initiative, allocating $150,000 to prepare two business sites in Wood County, addressing a longstanding gap in "shovel-ready" properties that has cost the state major investments. (Lindsey Piersol, Director, Wood County Economic Development; Steve Roberts, President, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce)
Wyoming
Wyoming announced the official launch of Wyo BizLink, a free, statewide digital platform that connects entrepreneurs and business owners with vetted resources across the stae. Wyo BizLink is designed to serve as both the front door for entrepreneurs seeking trusted guidance and the central hub for ecosystem partners working to strengthen Wyoming’s economy. (Taylor Vignaroli)
