Economic Development 101: How Industry Builds Communities (and Why It Matters to You)
When we talk about growing our economy, we’re not just talking about shopping centers or coffee shops. We’re talking about industry — the manufacturers, tech companies, and logistics hubs that create real jobs, fuel local paychecks, and keep our communities strong.
In this lively, plain-English session, we’ll uncover:
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What economic development really means (spoiler: it’s more than ribbon-cuttings)
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Why industry — drives lasting prosperity
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How new factories, tech firms, and logistics centers land here (and why they sometimes don’t)
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How things like workforce, infrastructure, and "having a good product" impact whether we win or lose
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Why you should care — even if you don’t own a business (hint: jobs, schools, tax dollars, your neighbor’s new boat…)
Whether you’re curious, concerned, or just tired of pretending you know what "economic development" actually means, this session is for you. Come for the knowledge — stay for the bad jokes and surprising "aha" moments.
Bonus: No acronyms quiz at the end. We promise.