Department: GateKeeper
Championing Economic Development, Strategic Engagement, and Digital Innovation
With a deep commitment to economic vitality and community empowerment, Tre Akins has dedicated his career to facilitating growth through strategic partnerships, digital communications and impactful stakeholder engagement. Today, as a GateKeeper Client Manager at Golden Shovel Agency, Tre specializes in guiding economic development professionals nationwide, providing strategic oversight in website management, content development, and client relationship cultivation.
Tre's extensive experience in economic development was built during his tenure at the state of Virginia, at both the Department of Business Assistance and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). In a variety of roles, he managed economic and workforce development incentive projects generating over $100 million in capital investment and creating more than 2,500 jobs. These roles required close collaboration with local government agencies, regional stakeholders, and community leaders, honing Tre's expertise in navigating complex stakeholder environments and delivering innovative, results-driven solutions.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Tre is passionate about positively impacting communities through creative communication initiatives. His degree in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University and his early private sector work in video/media production are the building blocks for his strategic approach to marketing and engagement, ensuring clear, compelling communication tailored to diverse audiences. He is highly proficient in leveraging digital marketing tools, content strategy, and data-driven insights to enhance organizational visibility and impact.
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Tre enjoys coastal life, motorcycle rides, and attending live music performances. He remains deeply committed to continuous improvement, community service, and fostering economic opportunities through innovative communications, strategic partnerships and successful collaboration.
Experience our Economic Development Resource Learning Center!
Economic development is an ever-changing endeavor optimized through the utilization of the latest resources and technologies. Golden Shovel Agency’s Economic Development Resource Learning Center is a compilation of years of experience-based knowledge.
ShovelTalk Podcast
Business success comes to life with the Golden Shovel Agency economic development podcasts!
Expert Webinars
Golden Shovel Agency economic development webinars are at the forefront of economic development trends and technologies.
Educational Materials
Stay on top of economic development industry standards and trends.
Economic Development News that is Relevant to You!
This is your place to keep up with economic development industry standards, trends, and the latest news. Stay up-to-date by getting bi-weekly emails through Golden Shovel Agency’s newsletter! In it, we share thought leadership insights, solutions and actionable tips you can use.
A Database of Resources to Make Your Life Easier!
Economic development is an ever-changing endeavor optimized through the utilization of the latest resources and technologies. Golden Shovel Agency’s Economic Development Resource Learning Center is a compilation of years of experience-based knowledge.
The Economic Gateway Content Management System
Nothing delays economic development more if a prospective client, site selector, or business owner views a website with outdated information. The features of the Economic Gateway system ensure your website presents the absolute best you and your community have to offer. The combination of the following modules delivers the absolute best economic development content management system possible!
Comprehensive video tutorials are available for the CMS as a whole and the individual modules below. Just login and click on the 'bell' in the top right corner!
Get The Economic Developer's Edge Right To Your Inbox
