Economic Development and Developers in the News # 261

Welcome to the 261st weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.

Today's issue contains 44 stories from 25 states and Washington, D.C.

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Arkansas

Hanwha Defense USA plans a $2.2 billion Pine Bluff Arsenal campus, expecting nearly 400 jobs over seven years.

California

Los Angeles launched RELAY28, connecting local workers and businesses with opportunities tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Greater Sacramento Economic Council developed a semiconductor workforce plan, connecting education and training with the region’s growing chip industry.

Colorado

University of Colorado Colorado Springs is pursuing national economic engagement recognition, gathering community feedback on workforce, innovation, and regional partnerships.

Florida

Dan Sidler’s CareerEdge program made the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Citizens Awards finals for connecting workers with training and employers.

Georgia

Georgia Tech and the Georgia Forestry Commission chose The Langdale Company for a Valdosta pilot plant to commercialize forest-based products.

Matt Tackett’s Southern Economic Development Council is developing a federal advocacy effort guided by members across 17 states.

Idaho

Steven Jenkins will lead Nampa’s economic development department, bringing experience from Caldwell and Idaho Power.

Indiana

One Dearborn highlights Givaudan’s planned $215 million West Harrison plant, expected to create over 250 jobs by 2031.

Mitch Frazier will become president October 5 of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Grant County Economic Growth Council launched a monthly newsletter highlighting business resources, local projects, and entrepreneur workshops.

Iowa

Perry Economic Development will host a September 24 farewell for longtime chamber director Lynsi Pasutti, honoring her work supporting local businesses.

Kiana Johnson’s O’Brien County Economic Development Corporation received $99,000 to expand business lending, supporting startups and growing companies.

Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded $4.25 million for Sleepy Hollow’s expansion, alongside tourism grants for Jewell and Lee County.

Debi Durham celebrated Collins Aerospace’s expanded Z-Fab Lab, supporting advanced engineering and additive manufacturing.

Kansas

Kansas Department of Commerce won eight IEDC awards for programs supporting housing, downtowns, neighborhoods, and business investment.

Kentucky

Chris Girdler joins October 1 as economic development and public policy manager at East Kentucky Power Cooperative.

Louisiana

Louisiana Economic Development committed over $4.5 million to two ports, expanding warehouse space and heavy-load capacity for manufacturers.

Massachusetts

Emily Knight will become Boston’s economic development chief October 19, bringing experience building partnerships and supporting science and technology companies.

Michigan

Mindy Meyers reports Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance is advancing a housing needs assessment and student manufacturing programs.

Christopher Germain becomes the first full-time executive director of the Michigan Land Bank Association.

Minnesota

Maggie Brockling reports East Grand Forks’ economic development authority helped 65% of 17 prospects become operating businesses this year.

Montana

Terra Burman’s Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation will use a $45,000 grant to update its five-county economic strategy.

New Mexico

Albuquerque’s Small Business Office will connect entrepreneurs with over 40 support organizations September 24 at a free resource fair.

New York

Ithaca Area Economic Development expanded its business services team with Andrew Beckmann and Hailey Grasso, strengthening business support and lending.

Empire State Development launched planning for Buffalo’s next waterfront chapter, seeking new housing, commerce, and connections to nearby neighborhoods.

North Carolina

Jesse Trivette was named interim economic development director for Caldwell County.

Shahid Rana’s Charlotte Economic Development reported 12 recruitment announcements, representing 5,842 proposed jobs and $574.7 million in investment.

Chris Johnson highlights Ace Fabrication’s planned $6.5 million Smithfield expansion, strengthening Johnston County’s life-sciences supply chain.

Ohio

Jacob Schulte was named Middletown’s community and economic development director after joining the city as an intern in 2021.

Rachel Ray reports new roads opening at Westar Park, with five development sites totaling about 55 acres.

Oregon

Clackamas County’s economic development office and tourism partners awarded $1 million to 18 tourism businesses for improvements, workforce development, and professional services.

Paul Schuytema highlights Lincoln County’s expanded $250,000 community and economic development grant program, accepting applications through December 1.

South Carolina

Clemson University launched the Forest Products Innovation Corridor, connecting Southeast timber communities with new markets for wood-based products.

Texas

Greater SATX and Port San Antonio hosted a Czech business delegation exploring aerospace, defense, and manufacturing opportunities.

One Arts Plaza signed four new tenants, reaching 90% leased, adding momentum to downtown Dallas’ office market.

Stephanie Tucker becomes Celina’s director of strategy and partnerships, leading strategic initiatives, resource development, and economic development marketing.

Matthew Schmidt reports Austin’s business incentives and expansion team is fully staffed for the first time in over two years.

Danielle Sweat reports Wolfforth Economic Development Corporation began planning Patterson Park’s civic and mixed-use district.

Natalie Phelps joins as assistant economic development director for Cedar Hill, bringing business attraction, retention, and expansion experience.

Utah

Utah’s economic development office accepted audit recommendations to strengthen grant oversight after reviewers found inconsistent financial reporting and outcome tracking.

Virginia

Leonard Sledge becomes Hampton’s assistant city manager September 28, overseeing economic vitality, neighborhoods, and youth and families.

Washington DC

The Potomac Regional Alliance formed to develop Greater Washington’s economic strategy, bringing business, university, and government leaders together.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Economic Development Association honored Appleton’s $92 million airport expansion for improving regional connections and supporting business growth.