Our Commitment to Community

We believe in using our expertise to support communities beyond our client work. A prime example is our involvement in Dos Cruces, Guatemala, where we partnered with Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) to document the life-changing impact of electrification. Through storytelling and video, we captured how access to electricity is transforming daily life—empowering local businesses, improving education, and enhancing healthcare. This project highlights the power of infrastructure to drive economic progress and create new opportunities for communities in need.

Read more about the project here.

Giving back is part of our culture. Through our Community Connection Program, our team members volunteer their time and skills to causes they care about—whether it's mentoring, supporting local businesses, or participating in charity events.

We believe the hard work of economic developers deserves to be celebrated. That’s why we support our client communities in gaining the recognition they deserve through award submissions. From identifying the right opportunities to crafting compelling nominations, we help showcase their successes on a national stage—elevating their visibility and impact in the industry.

View our client awards here!

We don’t just help communities tell their stories—we help shape the future of economic development. Our team actively contributes through:

• Speaking Engagements at leading conferences and events
• Thought Leadership Content, including articles, reports, and webinars
• Free Resource Learning Library, a collection of expert insights, guides, and training materials available to all economic developers—at no cost, whether or not they’re a Golden Shovel client

Through these efforts, we continue to push the industry forward, sharing knowledge, insights, and best practices that empower communities to succeed.