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Economic Development and Developers in the News # 237

Econ dev news from 112 economic development executives and organizations in 39 states.

Dane Carlson
Dane Carlson
18 min read
Economic Development and Developers in the News # 237

Welcome to the 237th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

This week: updates from 112 executives and organizations across 39 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.

Dane is the founder and CEO of Sitehunt. Sitehunt automates industrial real estate research so economic developers can respond to site selection RFIs in minutes instead of days.

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Alabama

Hadrian’s new 2.2-million-square-foot Factory 4 in Alabama, developed through a $2.4 billion public-private partnership, will produce submarine components for the United States Navy and create over 1,000 high-paying jobs, underscoring the state’s emergence as a destination for advanced manufacturing investment.

The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce highlighted regional innovation initiatives at the Wiregrass Progress Report, including new partnerships led by HudsonAlpha Wiregrass to support local entrepreneurs and ag-technology pilots, alongside ongoing infrastructure investments and major projects designed to drive economic growth and job creation. (Dean Mitchell, HudsonAlpha Wiregrass; Matt Parker, President, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce)

Juliana Bolivar (Center Director, Alabama Small Business Development Center Network at Troy University) presented at at INC Monterrey, a major Latin American forum on economic growth, where she highlighted how the Small Business Development Center model supports entrepreneurs seeking to enter or expand in the United States, reinforcing Troy’s role in international small business development and cross-border collaboration.

The Calhoun County Economic Development Council has secured over $2 million from Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy program to expand the Oxford West Industrial Park, enhancing site readiness and positioning the region for future investment and job creation. (Executive Director Don Hopper; Chairman Larry Deason)

Arizona

Flagstaff and its partners marked Economic Development Week with a series of collaborative events highlighting support for entrepreneurship, workforce development, and business growth. Efforts led by the City of Flagstaff (Economic Development Manager Jeff McCormick) and organizations such as ECoNA, Local First Arizona, Moonshot, and the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance showcased their commitment to driving regional economic vitality.

Arkansas

The City of Pine Bluff is prioritizing economic development alongside public safety and city branding, with Mayor Vivian Flowers highlighting partnerships with state and federal entities, including the Little Rock Port Authority, to drive long-term growth and job creation through expanded youth programs and updated city infrastructure. (Mayor Vivian Flowers)

California

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors has adopted eight strategic objectives for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, emphasizing economic development—now including broadband—alongside housing, emergency preparedness, and new focus areas like arts and tourism to support workforce growth and community resilience.

Santa Monica City Council is reviewing a 22-point proposal that allocates $3 million for economic development initiatives, simplifies permitting for restaurants and sidewalk dining, and expands entertainment zones, aiming to boost private investment and revitalize the local economy after recent declines in restaurant and hotel sales.

Nevada County Economic Development Office, in partnership with Sierra Business Council, is launching a Pitch Night to provide entrepreneurs with a platform to present their business ideas and compete for seed funding, aiming to foster innovation and economic growth through mentorship and investment opportunities.

Hotel MOHI, a transformative $75 million boutique hotel project in Morgan Hill, is moving forward despite industry-wide delays and rising costs, with completion now expected later this year and amenities in 2027; the city, led by Economic Development Director Matt Mahood, remains actively engaged, viewing the project as a vital element of its Economic Blueprint.

The 2026 San Gabriel Valley Economic Forecast, produced by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership and Cal Poly Pomona economists, projects modest regional growth but underscores persistent challenges, including policy uncertainty, high operating costs, and sector disparities, with small businesses particularly strained. (San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership; co-authors Anthony Orlando and Gerd Welke)

Colorado

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership reported a record $195 million economic impact for 2025, driven by employment, capital investments, and the creation or retention of 224 primary jobs. The organization, led by Curtis Englehart (Executive Director), emphasized its focus on economic diversification and quality job creation to strengthen long-term regional growth.

Florida

The Orlando Economic Partnership highlighted the Orlando region’s continued rise as a global economic and creative hub during its 2026 Regional Leadership Conference, celebrating major investment, innovation milestones, record tourism, and initiatives advancing the Orlando 2045 Vision. (Tim Giuliani, President and Chief Executive Officer; Tracey Stockwell, Board Chair; Orlando Economic Partnership)

Sean Schrader (Director of Operations, Shumaker Advisors) has been selected for the Florida Economic Development Council’s highly competitive Emerge program, a statewide initiative aimed at cultivating early-career leaders in economic development, highlighting both his leadership and Shumaker Advisors’ commitment to strengthening Florida’s economic and business landscape.

Sanford city leaders are reassessing strategies for redeveloping the dormant Heritage Park site into a mixed-use economic hub, with plans under review ranging from retail and entertainment to residential components. The commission and Mayor Art Woodruff are considering new approaches for attracting the right developer, including comparative research by the city’s economic development director.

Georgia

A recent panel at the National League of Cities’ City Summit highlighted how partnerships between local businesses such as Chick-fil-A and city officials foster workforce development and community well-being, featuring mentorship programs, scholarships, and active collaboration to remove barriers and drive upward mobility. (Councilmember Andy Pierucci; Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators)

Jonathan Jackson (executive director of The Development Authority of Milledgeville and Baldwin County) highlighted at the recent Eggs & Issues event how proactive site development—particularly at Sibley Place, a major 1,500-acre industrial park—is driving significant business interest, workforce growth, and job creation efforts in the region.

Georgia Power is playing a key role in Georgia’s economic development, supporting more than $8.7 billion in new investment and 18,000 jobs statewide in 2025, while initiatives like their Retail Ready program and energy infrastructure upgrades fuel major growth in communities such as Statesboro and beyond. (Georgia Power)

The City of Albany’s Community and Economic Development department is launching a new Needs Assessment to guide its five-year Consolidated Plan, using public input to prioritize the use of Department of Housing and Urban Development grant funds for housing, infrastructure, and community services.

Georgia Public Broadcasting, in partnership with the Dublin‑Laurens County Chamber Community Foundation, is hosting Childcare Counts: Data Driving Economic Growth, an event highlighting the role of quality childcare as essential infrastructure for workforce development and long-term economic growth, and equipping stakeholders with actionable strategies to support families and providers.

Idaho

Boise State University led Idaho in National Institutes of Health funding for fiscal year 2025, securing $30.1 million in grants and contracts that generated $62 million in economic impact and 300 jobs statewide, advancing biomedical research, workforce development, and local industry. (Vice President for Research and Economic Development Nancy Glenn)

Illinois

Michael Cassa has been appointed as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Kane County Economic Development Corporation, a new public-private nonprofit focused on attracting, retaining, and expanding business investment through a coordinated, business-led approach and partnerships in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing and logistics. (Chief Executive Officer, Kane County Economic Development Corporation)

Indiana

The Town of Speedway is advancing efforts to revitalize the long-stalled Wilshaw Hotel project on Main Street, with the Speedway Redevelopment Commission set to begin the property acquisition process to address the unfinished and highly visible site.

Iowa

Three major economic development organizations in Ottumwa—Main Street Ottumwa, Meet Ottumwa, and Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress—face potential city funding cuts amid budget deliberations, putting at risk decades of downtown revitalization, over $100 million in private investment and visitor spending, and recent economic growth initiatives. (Main Street Ottumwa Executive Director Kris Patrick, Meet Ottumwa Director Laura Carrell, Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress Executive Director Marc Roe)

Clarion has received a $10,000 grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority through the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative, supporting efforts to improve pedestrian and bicycle connections as part of a broader strategy for community growth and regional tourism. (Iowa Economic Development Authority)

Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress, Main Street Ottumwa, and Meet Ottumwa—three non-profits central to local economic development and quality-of-life initiatives—face potential closure as the City of Ottumwa weighs budget cuts, raising concerns about the future impact on business attraction and tourism. (Marc Roe, Executive Director, Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress)

A proposed cryptocurrency mining facility in Cascade has sparked disagreement between the city’s mayor and economic development leaders regarding its economic benefits and community impact, highlighting broader debates over energy use and job creation in emerging technology sectors. (Local [economic development](https://www.asla.org/news-insights/dirt/how-to-use-developers-economic-language-(part-ii) leader)

Kansas

Jonathan Jank, president and chief executive officer of the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership, will step down in April after 10 years in the role, with the board commencing a search for new leadership to continue advancing the organization’s economic development initiatives and the Seward County Vision 2035. (Board Chairperson Megan Kahler)

The Salina Community Economic Development Organization marked its tenth anniversary, highlighting its role in attracting major investments—including Schwan’s $600 million facility and SkyWest’s new maintenance operation—while partnering with groups like the Kansas Department of Commerce; Pure Imagination CEO Joshua Wexler announced a forthcoming K-AIRES facility in collaboration with K-State Salina. (Executive Director Mitch Robinson)

Chick-fil-A will receive economic development assistance from the city of Hays through industrial revenue bonds, enabling a sales tax exemption on construction costs for a new $6.2 million restaurant projected to generate $5.5 million in annual sales and create up to 17 jobs. (Assistant City Manager Jarrod Kuckelman)

Jackson County leaders are being urged to formally establish relationships with economic development organizations in neighboring Shawnee County and Topeka, emphasizing board representation and partnerships as key steps to expanding the county’s tax base, attracting new industry, and leveraging regional workforce connections.

Kentucky

The United States House of Representatives has passed the Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act, which directs a federal study on the use of satellite technology to expand broadband access in underserved Appalachian communities, with the goal of supporting economic development across the region. (Congressman Dave Taylor)

Louisiana

Louisiana Economic Development (LED), under Secretary Susan Bourgeois, has implemented widespread nondisclosure agreements for elected officials as part of Governor Jeff Landry’s strategy to secure major investments like Amazon’s $12 billion artificial intelligence data centers. The NDAs, now signed by over 50 officials, are intended to enhance competitiveness and confidentiality in negotiations, but have prompted debate over transparency and public participation in economic development deals.

Maine

The city of Ellsworth, with leadership from Economic Development Director Twila Fisher, is pursuing a $1,000,000 state grant to help fund infrastructure for a proposed 36-unit workforce housing development by LB Ellsworth LLC, aiming to increase affordable homeownership for low- and median-income residents through a public-private partnership.

Maryland

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation has appointed a new chief operating officer, signaling a leadership shift as the organization continues advancing regional economic growth initiatives. (Chief Operating Officer)

Massachusetts

Western Massachusetts faces a critical shortfall of 23,000 housing units, according to a new report from the University of Massachusetts Amherst Donahue Institute and regional agencies, prompting calls for streamlined permitting and increased municipal support to address affordability and meet state housing targets. (Senior Research Manager Kerry Spitzer, UMass Donahue Institute; Executive Director Alexis Breiteneicher, Valley Community Development)

Michigan

A wave of gas station redevelopment projects is underway in Livonia, driven by the need to upgrade aging facilities and enhance city aesthetics, with several sites scheduled for new construction or major renovations. (Planning and Economic Development Director Mark Taormina)

Sault Ste. Marie city councilors Sandra Hollingsworth and Matthew Scott have proposed forming a regional economic development working group with neighboring communities to diversify the Algoma area’s economy through collaboration in small-to-mid-size industries, tourism, and agriculture and to prepare for technological change. (Sandra Hollingsworth, City Councilor; Matthew Scott, City Councilor)

Business leaders led by Rodney Lockwood (Chairman, Belle Isle Freedom City) have proposed a $50 billion plan to transform Detroit’s Belle Isle into a special economic zone featuring high-income housing, retail, and entertainment, projecting 46,000 permanent jobs and broad public support, though major approvals are still needed.

Cornerstone Alliance will host its annual meeting during International Economic Development Week, highlighting the organization's ongoing initiatives to support business growth and foster regional economic vitality. The event reinforces Cornerstone Alliance’s role as a key driver of economic development and collaboration within its broader community.

Minnesota

The Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Economic Development Summit, featuring presentations from key figures including Erick Garcia Luna (Regional Outreach Director, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis) and several economic development officials, who discussed regional labor trends, persistent inflation, and ongoing public projects aimed at supporting business growth and workforce development.

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners has approved $1.86 million in reserve funds for the Carlton County Economic Development Authority to support business and infrastructure projects, aiming to foster job creation and address capital needs in the region.

Mississippi

The 2026 Mountain Dew Bassmaster Elite tournament is underway on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in Mississippi, attracting over 100 anglers and expected to generate nearly $1 million in economic impact as participants and their families contribute to local hotels, restaurants, and retailers through Sunday.

Montana

The Resilient Energy Economies initiative—co-led by Resources for the Future, Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, the University of Notre Dame, and Montana State University—is launching a webinar series to share research findings and strategies aimed at supporting economic resilience in fossil fuel-dependent communities through informed policymaking and development planning.

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New Jersey

Hamilton, Hightstown, and Robbinsville have earned “Film Ready” certification through the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, positioning them to attract more film and television productions and associated spending. The initiative, supported by robust state tax incentives, is part of a broader strategy involving the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and local economic development offices to boost economic growth by connecting productions with area businesses and streamlining location logistics.

New Mexico

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has approved a new 10-year business site lease for Giant Four Corners, LLC (Speedway Convenience Store and Gas Station), enabling continued fuel and convenience services on Navajo trust land and supporting broader economic development efforts overseen by the Division of Economic Development.

New York

Developer Jake Johnson’s planned housing project in Watertown has been put on hold after Empire State Development’s $500,000 County Infrastructure Grant was redirected to another project outside the city, a decision Johnson attributes to political intervention by county legislators, raising broader concerns about the grant allocation process and economic development priorities in Jefferson County.

North Carolina

The City of Monroe has adopted a new performance-based economic development incentive policy designed to attract high-quality investment, foster job creation, and ensure long-term community benefits by tying incentives to measurable growth. (Economic Development Director Teresa Campo)

North Dakota

North Dakota is leveraging its surplus natural gas for economic development by converting the excess into gigawatt-scale power to attract data center and AI infrastructure projects, with facilities like those operated by Applied Digital leading this transformation. (Richard Garman, North Dakota Economic Development)

The Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation Board of Directors is guiding regional economic growth by leveraging expertise from sectors such as utilities, higher education, and finance, and recently launched the Hometown 2.0 blog series to attract and engage young professionals. (Business Development Director Alyssa Looysen)

Ohio

Quentin Sheets has been appointed as the economic development coordinator for Gallia County, taking on a leadership role in advancing local economic initiatives and fostering growth throughout the region. (Economic Development Coordinator Quentin Sheets)

Bob Evans will become the sole tenant of a new 196,400-square-foot cold storage facility, set to open in Fairborn in 2026, through a partnership supported by city-led economic development incentives. (Fairborn Economic Development Director Cherise Schell)

DeMaiolo Development is advancing commercial and residential growth in Columbiana through projects like Red Brick Commons and ongoing collaboration with city leaders. Supported by city programs such as a Community Reinvestment Area Tax Abatement, these initiatives are attracting new businesses and families, further boosting the area's economic vitality.

Hillman Solutions Corp. has received the 2026 James A. Wuenker Growth Award from REDI Cincinnati for its redevelopment of Forest Fair Mall into a 715,000-square-foot multipurpose facility, consolidating regional operations and supporting long-term economic growth in the Cincinnati area. (President and Chief Executive Officer Kimm Lauterbach)

The City of Cleveland and the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation have released initial economic impact findings for the proposed redevelopment of Burke Lakefront Airport, with ESI Solutions estimating over $600 million in one-time economic impact and more than $2.5 million in annual tax revenue. (NCWDC President and Executive Director Scott Skinner)

Oklahoma

Beale Infrastructure has withdrawn its proposed data center project in Coweta, Oklahoma—known as Project Atlas—following public opposition and failed rezoning, ending plans for an investment of nearly $195 million and potential significant community contributions. The developer remains active with similar projects in other parts of the state.

The Ardmore Development Authority highlighted major progress at its annual State of Economic Development event, including ongoing upgrades at Ardmore Airpark, a railroad expansion, and initiatives to boost job growth through nearly $2 million for local industry via the Michelin Transition Task Force. (Andrea Anderson, Ardmore Development Authority)

Oregon

Millersburg has emerged as a hub for economic development, attracting major companies to build new facilities and driving significant investment in the area, positioning the town as a key destination for large-scale business expansion initiatives.

Mid-Columbia Economic Development District will expand its federal boundary to include Gilliam County, enabling the rural area to access the district’s lending programs, regional planning, and public transportation services starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. (Executive Director Jessica Metta)

Pennsylvania

The Vermont Captive Insurance Association has launched its Philadelphia chapter with an event designed to educate risk management professionals on the strategic and regulatory advantages of captive insurance, featuring key insights from industry leaders and Vermont regulatory officials including Brittany Nevins (captive insurance economic developer, Vermont Department of Economic Development) and Christine Brown (deputy commissioner, Vermont Department of Financial Regulation).

Gary Smith will retire as chief executive officer of the Chester County Economic Development Council on July 1 after a 50-year tenure that saw the organization triple in size and expand its regional impact; Mike Grigalonis (current president and chief operating officer) will succeed him as president and chief executive officer to continue guiding economic growth initiatives.

Rhode Island

A new economic impact study finds that the University of Rhode Island generates $2 billion annually for the state’s economy, supporting 17,799 jobs and producing $135.2 million in tax revenue through its research, workforce development, and partnerships. (President Marc Parlange; Vice President for Research and Economic Development Bethany Jenkins)

South Carolina

A coalition of South Carolina economic development groups, including Alliance Pickens (Executive Director Ray Farley), partnered with local government and educational institutions to establish a new training facility supporting Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company's manufacturing expansion, which is bringing over 500 jobs and significant investment to the region.

South Dakota

The Sioux Metro Growth Alliance recognized individuals and organizations driving regional economic development at its annual meeting, announcing a new "Leadership Sioux Metro" program and honoring Dell Rapids, Sioux Valley Energy, and Tea City Administrator Justin Weiland for their significant contributions. (President and Chief Executive Officer Tyler Tordsen)

Elevate Rapid City, in partnership with the City of Rapid City and regional stakeholders, is driving a coordinated economic development strategy that includes major initiatives like the Black Hills Industrial Center, new Tax Increment Financing Districts, and the Innovation District, all aimed at fostering business expansion, revitalizing key areas, and strengthening Rapid City’s economy.

South Dakota lawmakers passed significant economic development reforms this session, including House Bill 1286, which increases oversight and transparency of the state's Employer’s Investment in South Dakota’s Future Fund, while maintaining key incentive tools; this collaborative legislation is seen as a major step.

Texas

The Dallas Economic Development Corporation, established in 2022 as an independent local government corporation, leads business recruitment, retention, and small business growth for Dallas, particularly focusing on redevelopment and job creation in underserved areas, and operates with greater flexibility than traditional city departments to advance major economic initiatives and real estate projects.

The McKinney Economic Development Corporation has invested in SyncData.ai, an artificial intelligence-powered compliance platform, to strengthen McKinney’s position as a hub for high-growth technology firms. The initiative, led by Michael Kowski (President and Chief Executive Officer, McKinney Economic Development Corporation), aims to drive innovation, support job creation, and provide businesses with advanced compliance solutions.

The New Braunfels City Council has approved an economic incentive agreement for the historic Faust Hotel, rebating up to $1 million in hotel occupancy taxes over five years to support renovations that are expected to add $10 million in value, stimulate commercial activity, and preserve the landmark property.

Officials in Bastrop County are considering the creation of a regional economic development partners corporation to attract new companies and support growth, but concerns over cost, transparency, and governance have delayed progress. Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino (interim director, Bastrop Economic Development Corporation) is leading efforts to develop a strategic plan with area cities before advancing the initiative.

Austin Economic Development is hosting a session connecting early-stage entrepreneurs with the Austin Kiva Hub, highlighting its zero percent interest microloan program and offering direct engagement with Community Development Financial Institutions to help small businesses understand funding pathways and prepare for future financing opportunities. (Austin Economic Development)

Mayor John Cowen underscored Brownsville's strong economic momentum and national recognition during the 2026 State of the City Address, citing significant investments, population growth, infrastructure enhancements, and job-creating projects as key drivers in positioning the city for continued economic development.

The Buda Economic Development Corporation has launched THRIVE, a zero-interest loan program in partnership with nonprofit lender LiftFund, aimed at supporting small business growth and retention by offering loans of up to $100,000. (Executive Director Jennifer Storm)

Austin Economic Development is launching a network of interactive digital kiosks to enhance navigation, support small businesses, and expand access to city information, all at no cost to taxpayers. The initiative, led by Deputy Director Anthony Segura, aims to strengthen Austin’s smart city infrastructure and promote visibility for local businesses.

Amazon has announced the construction of a new 116,000-square-foot last-mile delivery station in Beaumont, further strengthening its investment in Texas and highlighting the city’s role as a regional logistics hub. (Jessica Breaux, Senior Manager of Economic Development, Amazon; City of Beaumont; Beaumont Economic Development Foundation; Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce)

The Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) recently hosted leaders of the National Agency of Automotive Sector Suppliers (ANAPSA), a tri-national organization supporting automotive supply chains across North America, for a panel discussion on economic development initiatives in the Rio Grande Valley. (COSTEP Director Rick Carrera, McAllen EDC President Elizabeth Suarez)

The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation has named Dr. Andreas Eckstein as the sole finalist for President and Chief Executive Officer, recognizing his two decades of international economic development leadership and expertise in securing more than $1 billion in capital investment across multiple sectors. (AEDC Board of Directors Chair Elliot McKinney)

Utah

The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah have signed a new memorandum to enhance collaboration statewide, improving support for business growth and community development through joint outreach, a shared information portal, and coordinated engagement with site selectors and investors. (Jefferson Moss, GOEO executive director; Ryan Starks, EDCUtah executive director)

Virginia

A proposed data center campus in Appomattox County could bring a $3 billion investment, up to $65 million in annual local revenue, and 250 long-term jobs, according to Garet Bosiger (Chairman, Appomattox Economic Development Authority), though residents are voicing concerns about water usage and transparency as the project advances.

Washington

The City of Vancouver is advancing equitable development through initiatives like Reside Vancouver, an anti-displacement strategy, and major investments in place-based projects such as Fourth Plain Community Commons. Building on these efforts, the city is now developing a citywide Equitable Development Strategy to holistically connect housing stability, economic opportunity, and community investment for long-term, inclusive growth.

West Virginia

West Virginia’s approval of an Economic Opportunity Development District for the proposed Berkeley County Sports Complex enables local retention of sales tax revenues for infrastructure and development, supporting Project Allstar’s vision as a regional sports and event destination. (Berkeley County Development Authority Executive Director Jennifer Smith)

The Lewis County Economic Development Authority continues to advance economic growth through targeted initiatives aimed at attracting new businesses, supporting existing enterprises, and strengthening the local workforce, reflecting an ongoing commitment to regional economic development and strategic investment.

Harrison County is projecting significant growth in the energy, aviation, and small business sectors in 2025, driven by coordinated efforts from local economic development organizations and initiatives to support diverse industries and foster job creation across the region.

Marion County leaders are advocating for a regional approach to economic development, aiming to strengthen collaboration across neighboring communities and drive broad-based business growth in the area. The initiative underscores an increased focus on partnership and shared strategies among regional stakeholders to enhance economic opportunities.

Wisconsin

The Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development and Small Business Development Center, has launched the Innovation Foundry program to help established small businesses advance new products and services, fostering regional growth and building student talent pipelines. (Tricia Rathermel, president and chief executive officer, Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation)

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has awarded nearly two million dollars in small business technical assistance grants, supporting over two thousand entrepreneurs statewide. Northwoods recipients include Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas County Economic Development Corporations, which will expand business support, mentorship, and training programs for rural and underserved small business owners.


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