Happy Economic Development Week!

Taking place from May 6 - 10, the week recognizes and honors the dedicated work of economic developers and their contributions to communities around the world.

The 2024 Economic Development Week is a global initiative led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

"As the local and regional economies evolve, the economic development profession must remain agile and responsive to change. The expertise of dedicated economic development professionals and organizations is vital in cultivating sustainable growth and prosperity," said IEDC President & CEO Nathan Ohle.  

The IEDC created Economic Development Week in 2016 to recognize the work that economic development organizations and professionals do in their communities. IEDC celebrates Economic Development Week every year, highlighting the programs, best practices and exceptional individuals that positively impact life in their communities. In just a few years the event has become one of the most widely recognized awareness weeks of its kind validating the, often unheralded, work of the economic development profession. 

"Economic Development Week is a crucial time to reflect on our collective achievements and to plan for a future of inclusive and sustainable growth," said Mitchell Kirk, Communications Director at the Hancock Economic Development Council.

In Hancock County, there's plenty of those achievements to reflect on. The county was the fastest-growing county in Indiana in 2023, and recent residential construction data certainly helps show why. Officials working to bring a facility providing workforce and career track education and training to the county have secured land for the development. A conference center and hotels are coming to Hancock Gateway Park. Tsuda, a Japan-based auto parts manufacturer, celebrated 10 years in the county. Greenfield-based Photon Automation started a collaboration in the cutting-edge world of batteries. Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers expanded and has plans for more. Walmart opened its largest fulfillment center. The City of Greenfield is setting its sights on an update for its comprehensive plan, and Hancock County's new comprehensive plan received statewide recognition.

Learn more about Economic Development Week at www.iedconline.org/EDW.

About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers typically work for cities, counties, states, public-private partnerships, and chambers of commerce to promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding high-quality jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development work to develop vibrant communities.