News
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News Articles

Best Economic Development Websites for 2023
Dec 20 2022The Best Economic Development Websites for 2023 do an incredible job of telling a story through a dynamic combination of written content, images, and design. Golden Shovel Agency has selected the top EDC websites based on research, industry trends, and our experience as an international economic development communications agency. ...

Royse City ISD Continues to Provide Educational Abundance Through Local, Affordable Initiatives
Jun 7 2023This article originally appeared on and was written for Royse city Community Development Corporation by Golden Shovel Agency.
Royse City residents voted to approve plans to expand the current school system on May 6th. As the Dallas Metroplex continues to experience rapid economic and cultural growth, Royse City itself has...

Caldwell County Economic Development (NC) Launches New Website Full of Information to the Public
Jun 6 2023New Website Engages Visitors & Businesses to Consider a Move to Caldwell County
LENOIR, NC -- Caldwell County Economic Development is pleased to announce the launch of its new website, developed in collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency, to enhance its online presence. Located at https://www.caldwelledc.org/, the website offers a...

As an economic developer, you know that your website is an essential tool for promoting your community and attracting business and talent. It is often the first point of contact for businesses and individuals looking to relocate or invest in a community. However, just having a website is not enough...

Understanding SEO for Economic Development: Ensuring Your Organization Ranks on Search Engines
May 29 2023Search engine optimization (SEO) is a vital aspect of digital marketing that can help your economic development organization attract businesses, visitors, and investors to your community.
Steps You Need to Take to Ensure Your Organization Ranks Highly on Search Engines
#1 Identify Objectives
The first step to...

This article originally appeared on and was written for York County Development Corporation by Golden Shovel Agency.
York County Development Corporation (YCDC) is focused on workforce development so that our local companies have a steady stream of talent to hire from. Locally, we benefit from the presence of York University,...

When it comes to doing business, countless factors come into play, from access to capital to workforce availability to market demand. However, one element that is often overlooked is the location of the business itself. While many entrepreneurs and investors flock to urban centers in search of opportunities, there are...

In today’s ever-changing market, economic development is crucial for regions to grow and thrive. Economic development is promoting a region's economic well-being by creating jobs, generating revenue, and fostering a positive business environment. However, economic development success often depends on an organization’s ability to create and execute an effective strategic marketing...

This article originally appeared on and was written for Carlsbad, NM Department of Development by Golden Shovel Agency.
With the freedom to gather and a job market that needs workers, career fairs are back in the workforce development toolkit. But are they worth it? With a bevy of job-posting...

Acadiana Planning Commission Launches New Interactive Website to Serve as a Resource for The Region
May 8 2023LAFAYETTE, LA-- The Acadiana Planning Commission (APC) is excited to announce the unveiling of a brand-new website, created by Golden Shovel Agency. APC works with cities and parishes throughout Acadiana to build capacity through infrastructure and economic development investments. The agency is led by the Parish Presidents of Acadia, Evangeline,...

New Websites Engages Local Stakeholders and Business Professionals
EATON, OH -- The Preble County Development Partnership is excited to announce the launch of its new website, http://www.prebledevelopment.com/, in partnership with Golden Shovel Agency. The website is designed to be a comprehensive resource for local stakeholders and external businesses, showcasing Preble...

Driving down bumpy dirt roads surrounded by rugged hillsides and fields teeming with fauna and wildlife, it's impossible to miss the Jumay stratovolcano rising 700 meters above the earth. Being so near a volcano in this remote terrain feels surreal and a far cry from the bright blue and yellow...

Currently, there are a large number of grants available at the federal, state, and local level that economic developers can use to grow and enhance their communities. But, grants are not a fit for everything. And in some cases, grants require matching funds. This can create a need to raise...

This article originally appeared on and was written for the Benton Economic Partnership by Golden Shovel Agency.
Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) asked hundreds of state business owners a simple question: What would make it easier to start a small business? The resounding answer was, “help us hurdle...

As an economic developer, you know that your website is often the first impression potential investors and site selectors will have of your community. You must optimize your website for search engines to make a strong first impression and compete with other communities. That's where search engine optimization (SEO) comes...

There are plenty of grants available that cover the hard costs, or the direct physical costs, of construction. However, finding grants that can be allocated to cover the soft-costs of construction projects is generally much more difficult. These soft-costs are the indirect expenses that are involved in construction, such as...

This article originally appeared on and was written for Redwood Area Development Corporation by Golden Shovel Agency.
The Lower Sioux Indian Community is using hempcrete to create sustainable, low-cost housing. Earl Pendleton, Vice President of the Lower Sioux Indian Community Tribal Council, explained what hempcrete is and how it...

New Websites Engages Site Selectors, Business Owners, & Community Stakeholders
OZARK, AL -- Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEDC) is pleased to announce the launch of its newly designed website, https://www.odedc.com/, in partnership with Golden Shovel Agency. The website offers a user-friendly and personalized experience and customized content for...

Why Economic Development Organizations Need a Staff Page with Public Contact Information
Apr 10 2023Economic development organizations (EDOs) are vital in attracting businesses to their respective communities, assisting new and existing businesses, and supporting the overall growth of their regions. In today's digital age, having a dedicated staff page with contact information for each team member is essential for EDOs to effectively communicate and...

Business retention and expansion (BR&E) programs have become a large priority in a post-COVID world. Ensuring that local businesses have the foundation in place to weather economic shifts and potential disasters should be top-of-mind as we continue coming out of COVID and face economic and trade uncertainties. Fortunately, there are...

The Upton Economic Development Board & Upton Chamber of Commerce Launch Redesigned Business-Focused Websites
Mar 30 2023Redesigned Websites Provide User-Friendly Experience to Showcase Upton’s Unique Qualities and Opportunities for Growth
UPTON, WY -- The Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB) and Upton Chamber of Commerce have proudly announced the launch of their newly redesigned websites, www.uedb.org and www.uptonwy.com. The organizations worked closely with Golden Shovel Agency...

This article originally appeared on and was written for Wyandotte Economic Development Council by Golden Shovel Agency.
Over 250 manufacturers across more than 15 industries call Wyandotte County, Kansas, home. Since October was Manufacturing Month, it was the perfect time for Wyandotte Economic Development Council (WYEDC) to continue our commitment...

As an economic developer, you’re constantly seeking new ways to attract businesses and talent to your community to promote economic growth. One effective tool that can assist you in achieving these goals is a microsite, which can be utilized for specific campaigns or programs.
What is a Microsite?...

Leading Economic Development Organization, One East Kentucky Partners with Golden Shovel Agency to Launch Redesigned Website and Attract Businesses to the Region
PAINTSVILLE, KY -- One East Kentucky, the leading economic development organization in eastern Kentucky, is excited to announce the launch of its redesigned website (www.oneeastky.com). The website...