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Tagged: economic development

Greenup County launches economic development website – Lane Report

GREENUP, Ky. — The Greenup County Economic Development Authority (GCEDA) this week announced the launch of its websiteGreenupCountyKY.com. 

Businesses seeking to locate or expand their operations can review available industrial sites in the county. Detailed information is available for five prime sites along the Ohio River, with more listings to be added to the website shortly. Greenup County, Kentucky, is within a day’s drive of more than two-thirds of the US population and has dozens of sites ranging in acreage, including an 800-plus acreage site on the Ohio River over three tracts. 

“If you are looking for a site to expand your company’s operations, Greenup County has an affordable cost of doing business with people ready to work,” said Bobby Hall, Greenup County’s Judge Executive. 

“We are in the business of cutting red tape and welcoming investment opportunities with open arms. We want to be a business-friendly county that helps everyone be successful, and this website is an important step,” said Hall. 

Hall and the Greenup County Fiscal Court established the Greenup County Economic Development Authority (GCEDA), which comprises a broad spectrum of the area’s leaders with industry and government ties to bring in more well-paying jobs. 

GCEDA Chairman Aaron Thompson said marketing Greenup County’s assets through the website is an important step. 

“Greenup County is a special place. This website will provide details important to the industry looking for new locations to do business. The site highlights our ample, well-trained workforce, exceptional transportation options, and multiple build-ready sites with access to all utilities and infrastructure,” said Thompson. “We will continue to build content on this site as we promote the community across the state and nation.” 

GreenupCountyKY.com is one of many initiatives the county’s officials have undertaken in 2023 to improve opportunities for residents and

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Midlothian Economic Development Invites Community to Informational Session




Midlothian city officials breaking ground at SunOpta
Photo courtesy City of Midlothian

Midlothian residents are invited to learn about local economic development programs and how these efforts benefit them at an informational session set for Thursday September 7, at 6 p.m. at the offices of Midlothian Economic Development (MED), 310 N. 9th Street, Midlothian, TX.  Those attending the meeting will be introduced to the basics of local economic development, discuss how incentive agreements attract businesses, and be able to ask questions.

The focus of MED is to promote existing business expansion and retention, and attract new business development. As a Texas Type A corporation, MED is charged with the administration of sales tax to fund economic development projects. An appointed board directs and coordinates the broad-based expansion of the business and commercial tax base of the City of Midlothian, as well as promotes job growth and quality development in Midlothian.

Reserve a space soon by calling (972) 723-3800, or emailing info@midlothian-tx.org.  To learn more about MED, visit their website at www.midlothian-tx.org.






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Highland County economic development leaders to host Manufacturers Summit; commissioners updated on ACCESS program

Highland County commissioners Terry Britton, David Daniels and Brad Roades met with Highland County ACCESS Director Tim Dettwiller and Highland County Economic Development Director Julie Bolender, who shared the latest data on the ACCESS program and announced an upcoming industry summit, during their Wednesday, Oct. 11 meeting.

As announced by Bolender and Dettwiller, Highland County will host its inaugural Manufacturers Summit on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.-noon at Southern State Community College’s Central Campus in Hillsboro.

“This is our first of what I hope are very regular manufacturing summits — a roundtable of sorts, but but with a whole lot more,” Bolender said.

The free summit is open to all manufacturing leaders in the county, with representatives from the Highland County Economic Development Department, Highland County ACCESS (Alignment of Community Connections for Employer and Student Success), Highland County Chamber of Commerce, BESTOhio and Southern State Community College also present.

Bolender said, “Highland County welcomes BESTOhio to the table as we discuss their Ohio Manufacturers’ Association-endorsed sector partnerships, the new Manufacturers Internship Stipend Program and how the ACCESS and SSCC workforce initiatives can support your business and aid in its growth.”

According to its website (https://ssuinnovation.com/bestohio), “The BESTOhio (Business & Education Success Team) of south central Ohio is a new voice for our region’s manufacturers. This industry-led sector partnership is building a better workforce through the common ground synergy of industry, education, economic development, human services organizations and community-based organization leadership. BESTOhio is endorsed by The Ohio Manufacturers’  Association and covers Scioto, Ross, Pike, Adams, Jackson and Highland counties.”

The summit will also serve as a “great opportunity to network with other likeminded manufacturing leaders,” Bolender’s presentation said.

“We’re going to talk about removing hurdles to employment,” Bolender told commissioners. “We’re going to talk about paid student internships

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Bruce County launches website to attract business, development

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Bruce County has launched a website showcasing its industries, investment opportunities and the economic development supports available in an effort to attract business and investment in the region.

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Bruce County announced on Aug. 17 that InvestInBruce.ca was live as a destination for prospective entrepreneurs and investors looking to explore the region’s “abundant opportunity and unique strengths.”

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“We are excited to unveil the new website, showcasing the incredible potential of our region and encouraging business investment in our vibrant and welcoming communities,” Bruce County manager of economic development Jeffrey Loney said in the release. “The website is the doorway to Bruce County for people looking to locate their business here, whether it’s industry or retail, or a brand new business.”

The website includes profiles of communities throughout Bruce County, from Tobermory, Lion’s Head and Ferndale in the north, Lucknow and Ripley in the south, Port Elgin and Southampton in the west, Chesley and Tara in the east and everywhere in between.

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A screengrab from the Invest in Bruce website.

It also highlights various sectors that contribute to the county’s economy, including tourism, energy, agriculture, and contains information about the lifestyle the county affords, the workforce available, and the cost advantages of doing business in the area.

It highlights the team at the county working on economic and business development, current projects and programs being undertaken, and resources available.

The website is part of a broader business attraction strategy at Bruce County, which kickstarted in March, when a delegation from Bruce County attended the MIPIM real estate and property development festival in Cannes, France, in March.

While there, the delegation pitched a variety of investment opportunities in the county’s key sectors of agriculture, tourism and energy. The event attracted more than 26,000 attendees and over 2,400 companies looking for new investment

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St. Louis Development Corp. spends millions to market area

ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Development Corp. has always had a clear mission: Draw private investment and stimulate growth in the city of St. Louis. Now it’s adding image control to its responsibilities.

The agency has spent $2 million on marketing contracts that its new leader, Neal Richardson, said are meant to highlight the good that’s happening here and offset the headlines about crime and mayhem that can scare off new business.

“We want to change that narrative, shift that narrative and elevate those positive stories,” Richardson said. “So when businesses are thinking about St. Louis, they’re not just seeing some of the challenges that we have, but they see some of the opportunities that St. Louis presents to them, for their businesses, for their employees.”

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The $2 million in contracts have been awarded to an outside company, Kansas City-based Candid, to develop a marketing plan that includes TV spots, billboards and a new website.

Richardson has likened the marketing contracts, as well as other contracts that have also drawn scrutiny, to deferred maintenance of a house. They will modernize the agency, eliminate bottlenecks and improve production, he said.

But SLDC has faced criticism, including from Alderwoman Cara Spencer who sits on the SLDC board, for the amount of money Candid has received for work that previously fell to SLDC employees. Others have questioned the lack of transparency behind some of the contracts, and the awarding of the work to a Kansas City firm to tell the St. Louis development story.

In addition, the agency’s metrics for determining whether the money has been well spent are based on business attraction and retention — factors that other organizations like Greater St.

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OneWest launches new website, showcasing achievements and momentum – Lane Report

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — OneWest, the community development nonprofit committed to elevating our entire city through commercial development growth in the West End of Louisville, announced the launch of its new website, providing a comprehensive platform to showcase the organization’s achievements and ongoing progress. The user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation will ensure a seamless experience for all users. 

OneWest has steadily expanded opportunities for minority business enterprises and raised over $10M in capital funds for commercial and economic development projects in Louisville’s West End while securing loans for major commercial projects.  The organization is also helping small business owners by providing a pathway to property ownership, acquiring 200,000 square feet of commercial real estate space, improving the built environment, increasing workforce opportunities, and fostering partnerships and relationships.  The organization is a product of the 2014 Leadership Louisville Bingham Fellows class. 

“We believe that economic development is a collaborative effort, and our new website will enable us to engage with a wider audience and foster meaningful connections,” said Evon Smith, CEO and President of OneWest. “We are excited to share the stories of entrepreneurs, highlight the impact of our programs, and inspire others to join us in our efforts at creating a vibrant and inclusive economy.” 

In May, OneWest held a grand opening celebration for the opening of the organization’s retail accelerator program for community chefs looking to grow their businesses. Mayor Greenberg joined community leaders and community members for the opening of Gore’s SmokeOut BBQ in the renovated and furnished retail space at one of two previously abandoned row houses at 516 A & B S. 18th St.  Gore’s two-year residency will allow the business owners to hone their concept while also receiving support from OneWest with marketing, business operations, table rotation, human resources, bookkeeping and planning for profit and sustainability. 

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Cleco Power launches economic development initiative

Published on July 26, 2023 by Liz Carey

© Shutterstock

Cleco Power announced this week it was launching a new economic development website that would serve as a digital platform for businesses and industry looking to expand or relocate to Louisiana.

The website, ClecoDev.com, highlights aspects of the state’s economy like its diverse and engaged workforce, competitive tax incentives and robust transportation and logistics infrastructure. Additionally, the site features the company’s clean energy plan, which can help industries achieve their sustainability goals.

“ClecoDev.com is a product of our refocused strategic economic development efforts to revitalize our communities and bring new industry to Louisiana by showcasing all our great state has to offer,” Richard Cornelison, Cleco Power director of marketing and economic development, said. “The website is a robust resource for site selectors, companies and other community and state partners, connecting them to interactive maps of development-ready sites, testimonials from major employers in Cleco’s service territory, information on Louisiana’s ample natural resources, and much more.”

Cleco Power was recently recognized by Business Facilities magazine for its economic development strategy. In June, the publication awarded Cleco Power its Economic Development Organization Award to recognize its innovative program to improve the communities it serves.

“Cleco Power recognizes the importance of being able to offer our customers a clean energy future, and we’ve never been better poised to meet the growing demands of business and industry,” Cornelison said. “We’re proud to use ClecoDev.com to present the best parts of Cleco’s service territory to stakeholders and showcase our commitment to helping them thrive in Louisiana.”

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Cleveland County economic development leader resigns

Kristin Reese announced her resignation in June.

Kristin Reese announced her resignation in June.

A longtime leader of economic development efforts in Cleveland County has stepped down from her role after nearly two decades and many successful projects under her belt.

Kristin Reese resigned from her role as executive director of Cleveland County Development Partnership last month.

The announcement of her retirement was made on the Facebook page for Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership.

“With mixed emotions, today our team says goodbye to our fearless leader, Kristin Reese,” the post reads. “Her hard work, dedication, positive attitude and perseverance have been an inspiration to us all. It’s hard to imagine our office without her creative ideas, servant leadership style, and quick wit, but we know that she is ready for the next chapter in life. There are not enough accolades to acknowledge the accomplishments our county has seen under Kristin’s leadership.”

Reese gave a farewell statement on the CCEDP website and spoke about her future plans and the success the county has seen over the years.

“It is with bittersweet emotion, that after 17 years leading Cleveland County, NC’s economic development efforts, beginning today I will embark on my next new adventure; one, which in the foreseeable future will primarily include spending more time with my family and friends, traveling, and a copious amount of naps,” she wrote. “My professional journey as Executive Director of CCEDP, will undoubtedly be classified as one of the most personally rewarding, challenging, and exhausting (hence the need for naps) experiences of my life.”

Reese said she is fully confident that the economic development momentum in the county will not cease upon her departure, “because, behind every successful economic development professional lies an endless list of partners who directly contributed to their professional success – and those capable folks remain.”

She

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Maryland Putting $11M ‘Down Payment’ Toward West Baltimore Development

Gov. Wes Moore is directing $11M in state funding to revitalize a large swath of West Baltimore, he announced Friday at Coppin State University.

The West North Avenue Development Authority will receive the funds, which were included in the $63B state budget Moore and lawmakers hammered out during the General Assembly session that ended in the spring, west-north-avenue-neighborhoods/44397447″WBAL-TV reports.

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A mix of occupied and vacant homes along West Mulberry Street across from the West Baltimore MARC station.

“This is a down payment on growth in West Baltimore,” Moore said during the event. “This is a down payment on economic development in West Baltimore. This is a down payment on a community that is not just ready, but a community that is eager to shape their own destiny.”

The West North Avenue Development Authority’s responsibilities in a section of the city it describes as “hindered by historic discrimination” include supporting development and approval of a neighborhood revitalization plan, according to its website.

The organization aims to improve the area by helping tackle issues ranging from economic development to transportation. Neighborhoods under the authority’s umbrella include Bolton Hill, Coppin Heights and Easterwood. 

West Baltimore has been the target of various local and state economic development efforts for several years, particularly after demonstrations and riots, centered around Pennsylvania and North avenues, tore through the city following Sandtown-Winchester resident Freddie Gray’s death while in police custody.     

Those new development efforts have run the gamut from creating the Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts & Entertainment District to the state government launching Project C.O.R.E. in 2016 with an initial $75M aimed at demolishing blighted properties to clear the way for new development. 

Renewal efforts have attracted some new investments, such as the recently rebranded Reservoir Square mixed-use project on the site of

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Amazon Web Services Sets Sights on $7.8B Ohio Expansion

(TNS) —Amazon Web Services, a subsidiary of the Amazon retail giant, plans to invest an estimated $7.8 billion by the end of 2029 as part of an expansion its data center operations in central Ohio, creating hundreds of new jobs, the state said Monday.

Amazon Web Services’ data center project is the second-largest single private sector company investment in Ohio’s history, according to the governor’s office. The new data centers will contain computer servers, data storage drives, networking equipment, and other forms of technology infrastructure used to power cloud computing, which is on-demand access for data services, like data storage.

“Amazon is already one of the largest private-sector employers in Ohio, and the company’s continued growth here further cements Ohio as the heart of our nation’s technology and innovation,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. In 2022, Amazon Web Services directly employed nearly 1,000 Ohioans across the state.


Amazon Web Services has also already invested more than $6 billion in Ohio since 2015, said Roger Wehner, Amazon Web Services’ director of economic development. Amazon Web Services operates data center campuses in Franklin and Licking counties. To date, Amazon Web Services’ investments and operations have generated over $2 billion in economic benefit for Ohio and supported more than 3,000 local secondary jobs on an average annual basis.

“This additional investment will bring new, well-paying jobs and will continue to boost the state’s Gross Domestic Product each year,” Wehner said. “We are excited to continue our partnership with the state of Ohio and deliver new workforce development and educational programs that support the next generation of talent by emphasizing collaborative, long-term public and private partnerships across the state.”

This new investment will result in 230 direct new jobs and an estimated 1,000 support jobs, according to said JP Nauseef, president and CEO of

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