Engaging You Where You Are. In-Person and Virtually.

The needs of your community do not stop because meetings have stopped. Using the latest in virtual engagement technologies, we can help you meet the needs of your community as it recovers. We’ve pivoted, just like you.

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Strategic Planning

Engaging You Where You Are
In-Person and Virtually
Our approach, whether engaged in-person or virtually, is asset-based using a thorough SWOT Analysis that is both qualitative and quantitative. We gain stakeholder and community input using a range of virtual engagement technologies. We meet you and your community where you are in these times and deliver action steps that are realistic and ready for implementation.

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Product Development

We believe product development is an EDO’s number two challenge, just behind talent development. Our creative approach includes a first-in-the-nation online site assessment tool and Certified Industrial Buildings Program.

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Economic Impact Analysis

Too often EDOs and local officials spend public dollars without analyzing whether the project is a good deal. Creative EDC uses nationally recognized analysis tools tailored for each specific project to provide an impact analysis before any money is invested.

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We transform plain cardboard boxes into something special.

When you look around your community, do you find yourself wondering if the site that has been sitting vacant for a few years could be transformed into a new technology park? Do you want to spark young entrepreneurs to invest in your community? Can your site location project be positioned to transform your local economy? Just like kids, we like to transform plain boxes into something special.

Let us help re-invent your cardboard box.

Strategic Planning

Product Development

Economic Impact Analysis

Organizational Development

Certified Entrepreneurial Communities

Certified Industrial Buildings

Creative Site Assessment

Creative Back Office Suite of Services

Recent Blog Posts

• Why Child Care Should Be Part of Your COVID-19 Recovery StrategyJuly 12, 2020
  By Lisa Finaldi Lisa is the Community Engagement Leader at the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation. The COVID-19 crisis has made crystal clear the vital role that child care and …

  Creative Economic Development Consulting, Elkin, North Carolina Read More »

• A Small, Rural County Making a Big Difference in Workforce DevelopmentJune 24, 2020
  A Case Study of Abbeville County’s College Promise Scholarship Program Abbeville County not only has big ideas, they make them happen. The rural county of approximately 25,000 people raised funds …

  Creative Economic Development Consulting, Elkin, North Carolina Read More »

• BRE Amidst COVID-19: Business Impact & How to Reshape Your BRE ProgramJune 11, 2020
  With nearly 100% of companies reporting being impacted by COVID-19, EDOs are reshaping the BRE program to meet unprecedented needs. Virtual BRE visits, increased information sharing, financing programs, and revisiting …

  Creative Economic Development Consulting, Elkin, North Carolina Read More »

Paying It Forward

Give Back

Women’s Economic Development Network

Mentor Network

Resource Library

About Us

Creative EDC was launched in 2012 by Crystal Morphis, CEcD. With over 20 years of economic development experience, she started a firm that provides innovative consulting approaches with a commitment to give back (see The Creative Philosophy). The firm has grown to include experienced researchers, tech talent, strategic thinkers, and a wide range of strategic partners.

From our creative team come creative solutions for you.

Crystal Morphis

Penny Whiteheart

Heather Beard

Billye Carter