Economic Development and Developers in the News # 214

Welcome to the 214th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

This week: updates from 107 executives and organizations across 23 states.

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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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Alabama

A nearly $88,000 grant from Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy program is accelerating site readiness at the 430-acre Frazier-White Site in Limestone County, funding due diligence to advance industrial recruitment and regional growth. (Bethany Shockney, president & CEO, Limestone County Economic Development Association)

Forestry remains a cornerstone of Alabama’s economy, contributing $28 billion annually and supporting tens of thousands of jobs, as the sector expands with global demand for renewable materials. Industry leaders emphasize the need for workforce development partnerships to sustain growth and align educational pathways with evolving career opportunities. (Nicole Jones Wadsworth, economic development consultant)

Arizona

The Picklr, an indoor pickleball facility, is set to open in the long-vacant Oro Valley Marketplace, aiming to boost foot traffic and support broader revitalization efforts led by the town and chamber of commerce. (Oro Valley Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher; Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Kristen Sharp)

Arkansas

The Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives honored four leaders for outstanding contributions to economic and community development at its 2025 Awards Luncheon, including chamber presidents Gary Troutman (Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce), Darryl Treat (Greater Searcy County Chamber of Commerce), Raymond Burns (Rogers Lowell Chamber), and economic developer Danny Games (Entergy Arkansas).

The Compass Report, produced by the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Center for Economic Development in partnership with Talk Business and Politics, highlights sustained economic expansion in Arkansas, with strong job growth in central and Northwest Arkansas and moderated gains in Fort Smith and Jonesboro. (Kendall Ross, associate vice chancellor and executive director, UAFS Center for Economic Development)

Florida

Tywan Arrington, formerly director of business development at Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, has been appointed economic development manager for Flagler County. Arrington brings extensive experience in regional economic initiatives and is actively pursuing certification from the International Economic Development Council.

Manatee County commissioners have opted to let their $336,900 contract with the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation expire, citing concerns over measurable returns on investment. EDC Chief Executive Officer Sharon Hillstrom emphasized the organization's role in business recruitment, workforce initiatives, and projects generating thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in capital investment, and stated that the EDC will continue its efforts through public-private partnerships.

Georgia

Georgia reported record economic development results for fiscal year 2025, with 423 projects generating $26.3 billion in investment and 23,000 new private-sector jobs, largely through expansions and international partnerships, according to Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (Commissioner Pat Wilson).

Indiana

Duke Energy has selected industrial sites in Connersville and Westfield, Indiana, for its 2025 Site Readiness Program, continuing its collaboration with local economic development organizations to prepare properties for large-scale investment and job creation. (Stan Pinegar, President, Duke Energy Indiana; Brad Colter, CEO/President, Economic Development Group of Fayette County; Jenell Fairman, Economic Development Director, City of Westfield)

Iowa

The Iowa Finance Authority has awarded over $1.3 million through the Iowa Homelessness Prevention Fund to support flexible, community-driven interventions aimed at preventing homelessness statewide, reflecting the agency’s commitment to housing stability and innovation. (Director Debi Durham, Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Economic Development Authority)

Kansas

Joshua Jefferson (Commerce Deputy Secretary for Business Development, Kansas Department of Commerce) has been named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect, recognizing his leadership in business attraction, retention, and investment strategies that have helped secure over $23 billion in private sector investment for Kansas in the past six years.

Louisiana

The Lafayette Consolidated Government has approved its largest-ever budget, totaling $803.7 million, which funds major revitalization projects, infrastructure improvements, and the addition of a dedicated economic developer for Lafayette Utilities System. (Mayor-President Monique Boulet)

Baton Rouge Area Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Lori Melancon highlighted the region's $70 billion project pipeline, driven by capital investment in carbon capture, alternative energy, and digital infrastructure, while emphasizing the importance of workforce development and BRAC’s “Better in Baton Rouge” campaign to secure long-term economic growth.

Maine

Wiscasset is considering shifting the focus of a federally funded affordable housing project toward a mixed-use development that could include a $5 billion data center tied to artificial intelligence, a move described as potentially transformative by Economic Development Director Aaron Chrostowsky. The proposal, developed with support from the Maine Community Energy Redevelopment Program, is being evaluated for its compatibility with housing goals while county officials review its alignment with American Rescue Plan Act grant requirements.

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council has approved $14 million in tax credits to support Hasbro’s relocation to Boston, a move expected to bring 700 jobs and $25 million in renovations, strengthening the state’s innovation and creative industries sector. (Peter Milano, director of strategy and business development, Massachusetts economic affairs office)

Michigan

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation received six Excellence in Economic Development Awards, including three gold and three silver, at the International Economic Development Council’s Annual Conference, also celebrating its Accredited Economic Development Organization designation, solidifying its position as a leader in talent development, placemaking, and innovative economic strategies. (Chief Executive Officer Quentin L. Messer, Jr.)

Funding for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is at the center of a high-stakes budget debate, as lawmakers weigh major cuts versus continued support for the agency’s incentive-driven job growth programs. The MEDC, led by Chief Executive Officer Quentin Messer Jr., faces increased scrutiny over transparency and results even as it touts new accreditations and continued support from statewide economic development leaders.

The Michigan Growth Office, led by Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, has launched the #MIMOMENT brand ambassador program to boost state population growth and global brand awareness by engaging residents and visitors as storytellers, building on a year of strong talent retention results and innovative statewide initiatives.

The Detroit Regional Partnership has convened the Southeast Michigan Economic Development Coalition, uniting leaders from 11 counties to advocate for policies that strengthen job creation and investment. The coalition, led by Maureen Donohue Krauss (President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Partnership), aims to modernize economic development strategies and promote statewide collaboration.

Minnesota

Duluth is expanding its workforce participation initiatives with the “Tiny Steps Child Care Grant Program,” providing over $150,000 in support to local child care providers through the 1200 Fund (Chairwoman Laura Mullen), which aims to address a key barrier for working parents and support small business owners. (Economic Developer [Angie Stier](https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-stier-7b9226230/))

Mississippi

The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at the University of Southern Mississippi is hosting its largest-ever True South Basic Economic Development course, convening almost 70 business leaders and students from multiple states to build foundational skills essential for regional economic growth. (Director Brian Henson)

Missouri

Tim Nowak (executive director of World Trade Center St. Louis) was featured on the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ podcast, discussing how the organization connects the region to the global economy and advances international trade, as well as the Federal Reserve System’s impact on its work.

New York

Ogdensburg Economic Developer Tyler Park has spearheaded a new partnership between the city and the Small Business Development Corporation to enhance support for small businesses. The Small Business Development Corporation, which has assisted over 16,000 businesses and helped create or save nearly 9,000 jobs regionally, will now provide expanded resources and guidance to local entrepreneurs.

City & State New York’s Economic and Workforce Development Summit, sponsored by the New York City Employment and Training Coalition, featured leaders such as Andrew Kimball (New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO) and Jennifer Jones Austin (FPWA CEO), highlighting strategies for inclusive job growth, minority-owned business support, and broader approaches to economic stability and equity.

The Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency and Sullivan County Resort Facilities Local Development Corporation plan to issue $585 million in bonds to acquire the non-gaming assets of Resorts World Catskills, aiming to spur investment and development on the 1,700-acre Adelaar site amid declining casino revenues. (Executive Director Jennifer Flad)

Ohio

Middleburg Heights is positioning itself as a prime destination for business growth, offering a diverse inventory of land and flexible workspaces alongside strong transportation access and progressive zoning policies. Charles Bichara (Director of Economic Development) leads efforts to attract and support businesses seeking expansion or relocation in the region.

Youngstown has unveiled a comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan aimed at expanding its development department, bolstering business retention, assembling 1,000 acres for housing and industrial growth, and launching a marketing campaign to attract investment, with Economic Development Director Stephanie Gilchrist highlighting collaboration with regional partners and a focus on workforce and innovation.

Pennsylvania

Crafton Borough is nearing adoption of a comprehensive zoning ordinance revision intended to encourage responsible development and expanded housing choices, including mixed-use projects, as part of the Crafton-Ingram Thrive plan. (Mike Tedesco, Community and Economic Development Director)

The Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Economic Development Manager Alice Wanamaker, partnered with local businesses to host a successful Trail of Flavor fundraiser supporting the maintenance and preservation of the D & L Trail, highlighting strong community engagement and strategic planning for ongoing trail development.

B. Braun, a global leader in medical device manufacturing, will invest $20 million to expand its Allentown facility, creating at least 200 new jobs with support from $1.5 million in state funding. The initiative, backed by Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (Secretary Rick Siger), strengthens the state's life sciences sector.

The Chester County Economic Development Council has appointed nine new board members representing a range of industries, aiming to enhance regional economic growth and innovation. President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Grigalonis emphasized that their expertise will strengthen the Council’s efforts in workforce development, strategic partnerships, and business community support.

South Carolina

Georgetown County has launched a request for qualifications for the redevelopment of its 46-acre port site, seeking master plan proposals that emphasize economic growth while honoring local culture and history. (Economic Development Director Kelly Robertson-Slagle) The initiative aims to transform the waterfront with mixed-use development and increased community engagement.

Texas

Fort Worth reported a record-breaking year in economic development, securing $6.2 billion in investment commitments and 4,000 new jobs in 2023 through high-impact projects led by the city and the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, according to Economic Development Manager Michael Hennig.

Larissa Philpot-Brown has been appointed as the new director of economic development for the City of Lufkin, bringing valuable experience from her previous roles as president and chief executive officer of the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation and as a municipal leader. (Economic Development Director Larissa Philpot-Brown)

Vermont

Vermont economic development officials, including Acting Commissioner Tim Tierney, joined Quebec leaders on a cross-border Lake Memphremagog cruise to promote economic collaboration and develop new programs benefitting both regions, as both sides work to strengthen ties and overcome current trade tensions. (Vermont Acting Economic Development Commissioner Tim Tierney)

Virginia

The third annual Rocky Mount Fest attracted over 10,000 attendees, showcasing local music and culture while drawing significant visitors from outside the area, bolstering the town’s reputation and economy, according to Daniel Pinard (Cultural and Economic Developer).

The Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism has launched the inaugural Make Your Mark Awards program to recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations driving innovation and economic impact. The awards will be presented during the 2025 Make Your Mark Business Celebration. (Executive Director Christina Winn)

West Virginia

Officials from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, led by Baltimore Branch Vice President Andy Bauer, convened with leaders from economic and academic organizations at a West Virginia forum to discuss strategies for rural development, emphasizing collaboration, workforce development, and leveraging over $44 million in federal grants secured by the West Virginia Grant Resource Centers (WVU Assistant Vice President of Economic Innovation Liz Vitullo).

More than 300 economic development professionals are participating in the West Virginia Economic Development Conference, where discussions are focusing on expanding energy production to 50 gigawatts by 2050 and addressing workforce needs amid major investments like the $4 billion Nucor facility. (David Lieving, President, West Virginia Economic Development Council)

The Roane County Economic Development Authority’s Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Lisha Morlan as Executive Director. She replaces longtime director Mark Whitley, who is retiring. Morlan previously served as Director of Community and Economic Development for the city of Middletown, Ohio, where she developed and led a wide range of initiatives in business attraction, retention and expansion, small business and community development.