Economic Development and Developers in the News # 219
Econ dev news from 55 economic development executives and organizations in 17 states.
Welcome to the 219th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!
This week: updates from 55 executives and organizations across 17 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.
Listen now in your favorite podcast player, or subscribe.
Sitehunt (created by the Econ Dev Show's Dane Carlson) will not replace your relationships, manage your BR&E visits, or do your board politics. It will not invent workforce where none exists, and it will not make you sound smart after one login. Wit and wisdom are still on you.
But if you care about speed, clarity, and getting the RFI out the door with confidence, Sitehunt may be the smartest small investment you make this year.
Arizona
Ryan Touhill, previously Director of Arlington Economic Development in Virginia, has been named Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Phoenix, bringing extensive experience in driving investment, job creation, and innovation-focused initiatives. Touhill succeeds Christine Mackay, who now leads the Greater Phoenix Economic Council as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Colorado
The city of Pueblo is ending its contract with the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation and will seek new economic development partners through a Request for Qualifications, aiming to broaden its economic strategy beyond primary job creation. PEDCO (President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Shaw) will complete its obligations before year-end as the city initiates this transition.
Connecticut
Michael Harris has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of both the Economic Development Corporation of New Haven and REX Development, where he will oversee city and regional initiatives to advance economic opportunity, strategic growth, and collaboration across South Central Connecticut.
Florida
The Orlando Economic Partnership (led by President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Giuliani) marked eight years of economic impact during 2025 Economic Development Week, celebrating over 30,000 new jobs and $3.6 billion in capital investment from more than 200 business relocations or expansions, underscoring the region’s role as a national leader in economic growth.
Indiana
Governor Mike Braun has appointed Josh Richardson as president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, tasking him with overseeing statewide efforts to align workforce strategies and support business attraction and expansion through region-led planning. Richardson previously served as commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
Kansas
Stafford County Economic Development Inc. has partnered with Equity Bank to establish a new commercial kitchen and training facility, providing local food entrepreneurs with licensed space and business support. Executive Director Ryan Russell said the initiative aims to spur regional small business growth and strengthen value-added agriculture through training and technical assistance.
Kentucky
Tom West, Economic Development Director for the City of Covington, has announced his retirement after a transformative tenure marked by more than $240 million in private investment, 5,000 new jobs, and initiatives such as the city’s first comprehensive economic development strategy and model zoning code, as well as leadership on the Covington Central Riverfront redevelopment.
The Kentucky Association for Economic Development will convene hundreds of economic development professionals and leaders for its 2025 Economic Forum and Annual Meeting, November 5-7, highlighting Northern Kentucky’s economic momentum. Forum chair Kimberly Rossetti (Vice President, BE NKY) and KAED President and Chief Executive Officer Terri Bradshaw will lead sessions focusing on industry trends, collaboration, and innovation statewide.
Montana
The Montana Department of Commerce has allocated $24 million through its Tourism Development and Enhancement Revolving Loan Fund Program, [partnering](https://news.mt.gov/Department-of-Commerce/Commerces-Revolving-Loan-Fund-Brings-Revitalization-and-Jobs-to-[Hamilton](https://hamilton-ex.com) with local economic development organizations to spur tourism-related business growth and job creation statewide. Notably, the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (Executive Director Julie Foster) leveraged these funds to revitalize the Lost Horse Lodge, more than tripling its original employment projections.
New Jersey
Rowan University is partnering with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. John E. Harmon Sr.) to establish an academic presence at the chamber’s new Transformation Center, a major hub designed to advance entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic growth across New Jersey in collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
New Mexico
Denisse Carter has been appointed as the first Economic Development Director for Doña Ana County, bringing over 17 years of experience and recently achieving the certified Economic Developer designation. Carter will lead initiatives in business development, strategic planning, and cross-border collaboration to drive economic growth and enhance opportunities for residents.
North Carolina
C. Michael Smith (President, Chatham Economic Development Corporation) has been inducted into the Southern Economic Development Hall of Fame by Southern Business & Development for his leadership in transformative projects such as Wolfspeed and VinFast, driving major investment and establishing Chatham County among the South’s leading economic development destinations.
Ohio
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and JobsOhio have launched the $100 million Energy Opportunity Initiative, aimed at supporting investments in natural gas infrastructure, power generation, and the nuclear supply chain over five years through grants and low-interest loans, with JobsOhio (President and Chief Executive Officer J.P. Nauseef) and its regional partners identifying projects to boost Ohio’s role as an energy leader and job creator.
The Area Development Foundation of Knox County earned statewide recognition at the 2025 Ohio Economic Development Association Annual Summit, winning awards for workforce innovation and organizational leadership, with president Sam Filkins named Ohio Economic Developer of the Year for advancing projects that are serving as models for other regions. (President Sam Filkins, Vice President Julia Suggs, Area Development Foundation)
Pennsylvania
Jake Rouch, who served for more than two decades as vice president of economic development for the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, has departed the organization, according to chamber chief executive officer Brandon Mendoza. Rouch is recognized for his long-standing leadership and involvement in major regional initiatives, including his recent selection for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Business Leads Fellowship Program.
Texas
The Dallas Economic Development Corporation has received a $1.5 million grant from the Communities Foundation of Texas to support its mission of revitalizing city-owned properties and advancing marketing efforts across the city, a move that President and Chief Executive Officer Linda McMahon described as a “transformative investment” for Dallas’s economic future.
The Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Allen, has facilitated 11,000 new jobs and $9.7 billion in capital investment while preparing to launch a targeted campaign to attract Fortune 500 firms in key industries, reflecting its growing impact and success in reshaping the city’s economic landscape.
Josh Schneuker, previously the economic development director for Seguin, is leaving his post to take a regional position with Greater SATX, marking a leadership transition for the city's economic development efforts and highlighting broader regional collaboration within the economic development sector.
Tomball’s newly adopted comprehensive plan charts a course for economic growth by expanding its Medical District, revitalizing Old Town Tomball, and promoting entrepreneurship through grant and incentive programs. These initiatives, led by the Tomball Economic Development Corporation (Executive Director Kelly Violette), aim to attract employers, support small businesses, and enhance the city’s regional profile.
Vermont
Lyle Jepson, formerly executive director of the Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region, has been appointed commissioner of the Department of Economic Development by Governor Phil Scott, bringing decades of experience in economic development and education to advance statewide economic growth, workforce training, and rural housing initiatives. (Commissioner Lyle Jepson)
Washington
The Port of Bellingham, guided by Economic Development Director Tyler Schroeder, has unveiled a comprehensive economic development plan for Point Roberts, prioritizing critical infrastructure such as marina revitalization, broadband access, and upgraded sewer systems, with the Maple Beach project identified as a key first step to spur broader economic and community development. (Economic Development Director Tyler Schroeder)
Wisconsin
Progress Lakeshore has hired Lynn Palama as Community Childcare Development Specialist to support new childcare businesses, backed by an Entrepreneurship Partner Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Palama will provide guidance and foster partnerships to enable sustainable childcare solutions and strengthen the regional workforce. (Executive Director Jamie Zastrow)
