This week is Economic Development Week in Maryland! This is Maryland’s 13th annual celebration and it’s an excellent opportunity to tell the story of what economic development is, why it’s so important, and the value it brings to the state. Since 2011, this week-long observation has showcased how economic development transforms lives.
Lots of communities and organizations are celebrating Business Appreciation Week during this time, like Howard County and Anne Arundel County.
The MEDA Fall Conference is also going on this week, and this year’s theme is Innovations in Manufacturing. There are many notable talks on innovations in food-based manufacturing from local manufacturers, with speakers such as a chocolate manufacturer and a representative from Tulkoff, a manufacturer of condiments and sauces. There’s a speaker from the greater Detroit partnership that’s sharing how they’re growing they’re mobility sector (not just cars, but all things related to mobility) with their Global Epicenter of Mobility. And, the Secretary of Agriculture from Maryland is speaking about value-added agriculture.
Economic Development Week in Maryland is a great time to think about how you’re sharing your story with the economic development industry and your community at large. Through sharing the ways that you’re supporting local businesses, you can showcase your organization’s effectiveness and the importance of the community’s investment.
Here are a few ways to tell your story:
- Create social media graphics that promote economic development as an investment, the return on that investment for a community, and the impact that economic development makes in transforming lives, creating opportunities, inspiring innovation, and enriching communities.
- Utilize your local media and social media outlets. You can do this by identifying the influencers in your community to help tell the story. (i.e., Chambers of Commerce, members of your city council, local reporters, etc.)
- Write a letter to the editor and send it to your local newspaper.
- Write an op-ed piece, pitch a story idea about a new program or a program that has been effective in transforming lives in your community.
Of course, these are great ways to tell your story at any time of year!
You can keep your support going of all things economic development as the holiday season approaches by setting the goal of shopping small and supporting local. We all love the convenience of online big box stores, but wouldn’t it be great to commit this year to doing everything local?
We’d love to hear how you’re celebrating Economic Development Week. Contact us to share!
Reimagining Places With you,
The PPR Strategies Team
