We’ve been asking economic developers for the last several months how they are using AI. The answers range from not using it at all to using it every day to support a wide range of tasks. Those who say they are not using AI, quickly followed up that they want to learn how to use …
Dr. Marin Burton facilitated an engaging workshop on how to burn bright rather than burning out at the 2024 Women’s Economic Development Network Forum. The content resonated deeply and resulted in a lot of discussion about experiences with burn out and how to avoid it. Dr. Burton led off with an analogy that got everyone’s …
Empowering entrepreneurs isn’t just a goal—it’s a strategy for economic transformation. Developing a comprehensive toolkit to scale entrepreneurs was the 2023 Creative Give Back project for the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. The toolkit has strategies for resource navigation, incentives and capital access, data, and leadership. The 2024 Creative Give Back application opens in January. Apply …
The 2023 Creative Give Back Project: Fueling Wilmington’s Entrepreneurial Growth Read More »
Rural counties often possess untapped potential for economic growth and development with unique strengths and opportunities waiting to be leveraged. Creative EDC recently facilitated strategic plans in Surry and Vance Counties in North Carolina and Newberry County, South Carolina. They are good examples of rural communities proactively working to promote economic growth and development. All …
Almost all U.S. businesses are small businesses (99.9%) and more than half do not have a succession plan. Yikes! Additionally, 40% of small business owners are baby boomers who are retiring at a rate of 10,000 per day. Double Yikes! Succession planning should be part of a comprehensive BRE strategy to retain businesses in your …
Elected, local government, and business leaders are critical to advancing economic development policies and projects. However, most of these leaders do not work day-to-day in economic development. It is important for EDOs to inform local leaders of trends, changes in policy, challenges, and opportunities. The recent Alamance Chamber Partners in Progress event is a good …
Alamance Partners in Progress-A Model for Engagement Read More »
When companies take a look at potential sites for expansions or when entrepreneurs explore potential for starting a business, one of the top considerations is the labor market. In today’s current market the available workforce is limited, thanks in part to a strong economy and an historically low unemployment rate of 3.6%. However, there’s a …
Why Childcare Should be an Economic Development Priority Read More »
Creative Economic Development Consulting is celebrating 10 years in business. Over the last 10 years, we have added expert talent, launched innovative services, developed creative strategies, given back to the field, and endeavored to become the “go-to” economic development firm. What has stayed constant is our commitment to serving our clients and the profession. We …
Creative Economic Development Consulting Celebrates 10 Years in Business Read More »
Temperatures are already rising and summer is in sight – time to round up some of our recommendations for summer reading. Whether your book is for relaxing on the beach or for your earbuds during a workout, books can challenge us; comfort us; propel us on journeys to far away and foreign places or on …
An innovative, new and growing industry sector is set to impact North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia in the coming years presenting increased opportunities for new manufacturing establishments, new careers and employment growth and diversification of the economic base with increased scientific and energy activities. The global market for offshore wind has been growing 24% …
Offshore Wind: A New Source for Economic Growth in VA, NC, and SC Read More »
Emory & Henry College engaged Creative EDC to study how their new School of Business can drive growth in the agriculture sector in Southwest Virginia and become a hub of innovation. The college has long been a strategic partner of economic development organizations, local governments, nonprofits, and businesses. They want to leverage Emory & Henry’s …
The North Carolina Economic Development Association and Creative Economic Development Consulting surveyed local economic development agencies across North Carolina to gauge the usage and terms for incentives for economic development. The findings were compared to a 2011 study to see how incentive policy has changed in the state. The results of this study can be …
In the late twentieth century when economic development was becoming professionalized, a community might have one sheet of paper describing its ‘workforce’ which would be shared with prospects and clients. Key indicators like Total Labor Force, Unemployment Rate, and % of Workforce with a High School Diploma would be featured. It might also include a …
Check out the guest blog Crystal Morphis and Penny Whiteheart authored for our strategic partner Convergent Nonprofit Solutions. It’s a good read!
The Noquisiyi Initiative was the 2021 Creative Give Back winner. The Initiative and partners are establishing a Cultural District around the Noquisiyi Mound in Franklin, NC. This new district will honor the heritage of the Cherokee people and help to build universal understanding between cultures. The pioneering project proposed includes a learning center, education facilities, and entrepreneurship space. Creative EDC’s role was to help refine the redevelopment …
Developing a Vision for a Cultural Resources District Read More »
