The Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) invites all who live, earn, and learn in our community to celebrate Economic Development Week on May 9-15, 2021.
Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council, the largest professional membership organization for economic developers, to recognize the unique role that economic development has in creating vibrant communities with strong economies.
KEDCO’s goal during Economic Development Week is to create a deeper understanding about local economic development and how these efforts impact our daily lives. KEDCO will unpack the meaning of economic development by sharing stories from local businesses, highlighting local residents as they share why local economic development matters to them, responding to some frequently asked questions, and offering practical ways for residents and visitors to support the local economy.
“We’re excited about the momentum we are building at KEDCO with our broad portfolio of programs and initiatives, and our extensive network of economic development partners.” Said KEDCO CEO Alan Tio, “This week is an opportunity to celebrate the impacts of our work, which we see every day working with client companies and stakeholder communities throughout Kosciusko County.”
KEDCO’s mission is to convene, build, and show Kosciusko County’s talent, ideas, and capital. By convening people and businesses and connecting them to the right resources, building upon the community’s assets and offering useful tools, KEDCO helps show the rest of the world all that Kosciusko County has to offer.
“As a school administrator and KEDCO board member, I see the positive impact local economic development has on our communities. Good paying jobs for our community members increases the tax base which helps support the quality of life in Kosciusko County,” said Blaine Conley, Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation Superintendent.
So what is economic development anyway? In a nutshell, economic development impacts local business retention and growth, the number of new businesses relocating to the area, local entrepreneurship and startup support, talent recruitment, and the overall quality of life and experiences for those who live, work and visit Kosciusko County.
KEDCO is the leading economic development organization for these efforts in the community, and has strategic initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, housing, and talent, to sustain and grow the agribusiness, medical device, and recreation sectors that are prominent here.
Syracuse resident and local small business, InsightTRAC™, founder and CEO Anna Haldewang said, “As a growing startup, local economic development efforts and programming are critical to leveraging resources and partnerships in order to expand our operations. Better infrastructure and more jobs improve the quality of life for our community.”
Living, working and investing dollars locally in Kosciusko County makes a great impact on the economy. And here are some other ways you can positively impact the community:
1. Invest in businesses and connect with others around you by shopping locally, volunteering, and attending local events like the Farmers Market, First Fridays and KEDCO’s Outside the Fishbowl monthly meetup for newcomers.
2. Have great ideas? Share them! Attend community meetings and share your ideas for projects like Forward Kosciusko (www.forwardkosciusko.com). Your ideas will help shape our future community.
3. Spread the word. Share positive news and happenings in Kosciusko County so the rest of the world can see and hear us! Businesses and residents are also encouraged to check out the county-wide brand, Clearly Kosciusko at www.clearlykosciusko.com.
To learn more about KEDCO and how the organization is making an impact here in Kosciusko County, visit www.kosciuskoedc.com. Learn more about Economic Development Week by connecting with KEDCO on Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram @kosciuskoedc.
