Economic Development on Youtube This Week

Speed, risk and money all keys to statewide economic development

Bill Cork with the Mississippi Development Authority spoke to Gulf Coast Business Council members on Thursday.

New Stuff and Economic Development, Part 1

This video examines the relationship between regional economic development and new stuff in a region. But it’s not the new stuff that Peter Gabriel goes dancing in. Instead, new stuff could be people (e.g., young people or newcomers to the area), buildings (e.g., new residential housing) or new ideas (e.g., patents). The video covers information from Todd Gabe’s book titled “The Pursuit of Economic Development: Growing Good Jobs in U.S. Cities and States.”

Amenities and Economic Development, Part 2

This video further examines the relationship between regional economic development and amenities in a region. Several of my best friends have lived in California. After watching this video, you will know why. The video covers information from Todd Gabe’s book titled “The Pursuit of Economic Development: Growing Good Jobs in U.S. Cities and States.”

Podcast: 'Embracing The Utility Role Of Community & Economic Development' With Patrick Smith

While most U.S. utilities operate in a regulated market, meaning competition from other utilities for providing service in their given region isn't a concern, that doesn't mean that these power companies opt to sit back and wait for the customers to come to them. In fact, the business development departments of utilities serve some of the most critical functions. By providing a business case for major facilities and companies to set up shop in their service area, the utility can expand its customer base and thus provide more affordable and beneficial services to existing customers. Further, serving as community pillars that strive to elevate the entire economy is a unique proposition for utility companies, one that is unique among other businesses operating in a given region.

To discuss what the challenges, motivations, and success stories of such efforts in major utilities, this episode of the Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast brings on Patrick Smith, the VP of Economic, Community, and Business Development at Ameren Missouri. Patrick has seen it all in his career in the energy sector, starting as a journey lineman and climbing the ladder over the decades to ultimately end up at this latest challenge. He shares with podcast host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester how this development focus is able to open up new opportunities and offers his best practices for succeeding in this function.

Georgia Tech provides economic development help for small Georgia town

Once known as the pimiento capital of the world complete with a massive festival, the town of Woodbury struggled to maintain population when the local pimiento plant closed down. With support and a plan developed by Georgia Tech's Center for Economic Development Research, Woodbury is on the rise and businesses are once again occupying the buildings on Main Street.

Stuckey's Tour with Georgia Power Community & Economic Development

Recently, Matt Forshee, Georgia Power East Region Community Development Manager, and Heather Worthan, Senior Content Producer, met up with the CEO of Stuckey's Corporation, Stephanie Stuckey. Watch their tour to learn about the Stuckey's journey and the future of the famous pecan log roll and more.