Wabash County joins cities nationwide in celebration to increase awareness of development efforts that enhance local economic impact
Wabash County, Indiana (April 27) – Grow Wabash County celebrates National Economic Development Week from May 7-12. National Economic Development Week was created and is coordinated by The International Economic Development Council, the largest professional membership organization for economic developers. It is being held during the week of the organization’s 92nd anniversary.
Typically, economic development can be described in terms of objectives. These most commonly include the creation of jobs and wealth, and the improvement of quality of life. IEDC specifically defines economic development as “A set of programs and policies that aid in the creation, retention and expansion of jobs; the development of a stable tax base; and the enhancement of wealth.”
“From a county perspective, we are excited to be partnered with Grow Wabash County to participate in the 2018 National Economic Development Week. This will be the first time we have participated in this national celebration. We are happy to give the public further insight into economic activities Grow Wabash County and Wabash County engage in that have a positive impact on our communities.” – Brian Haupert, County Commissioner and Grow Wabash County Board Member
Grow Wabash County is a not-for-profit created from the merger of the Economic Development Group of Wabash County and Wabash County Chamber of Commerce mid 2017. This more agile organization spearheads economic and community development efforts in Wabash County, Indiana. Grow Wabash County was designed around five pillars of service which include: assisting business development needs, promoting livability, fostering entrepreneurship, supporting workforce development and investor services. This mission of the organization is “Together, Creating a Prosperous Wabash County.” More information about Grow Wabash County can be found on growwabashcounty.com.
“Our team at Grow Wabash County works tirelessly to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for Wabash County by retaining and creating jobs to grow incomes and the tax base. Our vision is to make Wabash County a model for small town America, making a relevant impact on the global community by offering a vibrant cultural experience, enriching lifestyles and growing economic opportunities while building on our rich heritage. We are excited to celebrate economic development efforts so be sure to follow us on Facebook @growwabashcounty and Twitter @GrowWabashCo to get all the updates. – Keith Gillenwater, CEO & President Grow Wabash County
2018 will be the third consecutive year that National Economic Development Week was coordinated by IEDC. More than 75 communities participated in the 2016 campaign. In 2017, 170 communities and 188 organizations across North America created campaigns. In 2017, dozens of elected officials at the city, county and state level officially proclaimed the celebration week, including three U.S. governors across their entire states.
In the broadest sense, economic development encompasses three major areas:
“This national event keeps growing because it has helped economic development practitioners share their community’s unique story, and highlight details of their role in jobs creation in their community. Millions of impressions are created online and in print during National Economic Development Week, and it’s all for the greater good. At the end of the day, we should be able to show how lives are enhanced as a result of economic development. One of this year’s official Hashtags is #QualityOfLife and it’s incredibly befitting! –Craig Richard, CEcD FM, President and CEO, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation –Tampa, FL and IEDC 2018 Board Chair.
To learn more about Economic Development Week, visit IEDC online at www.iedconline.org/edw.