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Brittany Ashby began her work in organizational leadership over twenty years ago. Through her tenure, she has led notable organizations such as the Wyoming Economic Development Association. While growing nonprofit organizations, she has also been growing personally as a leader and strategic planner. Earlier this year, she was promoted to...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Midland Development Corporation by Golden Shovel Agency.Space Day, celebrated on the first Friday of May each year, is a time to ignite curiosity about the cosmos and inspire the next generation of space explorers. This year, on May 3rd, Space Day...Continue Reading

Ah... the glitz and glamor of city life. The Hollywood-glamorized hustle and bustle, big dreams in a big city, fabulous encounters, one-of-a-kind experiences, amenities to die for... It's the stuff of movies and dreamers. But peek behind the curtain, and you'll find that urban life isn't all it's cracked up...Continue Reading

IEDC’s Annual Excellence Awards Honor the Economic Development Organizations, Government Entities, Initiatives, and Programs That Have Demonstrated Consistent, Exemplary Performance in the ProfessionLITTLE FALLS, MN – Several Golden Shovel Agency (GSA) clients (listed below) received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Award(s) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The...Continue Reading

Airports are often seen as gateways to the sky, but for economic developers, they represent much more--an untapped economic engine waiting to be harnessed. Our whitepaper, From Runways to Revenue: Economic Benefits of Your Local Airport, dives deep into the economic opportunities airports provide to communities, particularly in rural areas...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC by Golden Shovel Agency.Note: This is a two-part series highlighting the local school districts in Bismark-Mandan. Follow Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC's News and Media page to read the follow-up post on Mandan Public Schools.Bismarck Public Schools...Continue Reading

A Fresh Look and Enhanced Features Offer a Seamless User Experience for New and Existing BusinessesMIDLAND, TX–Midland Development Corporation is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, www.midlandtxedc.com. The updated site offers a fresh, user-friendly interface while highlighting the unique qualities of Midland, TX, and providing enhanced...Continue Reading

Collaborative EcosystemsAs concerns over climate change and resource scarcity intensify, Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs) are emerging as a noteworthy tool for promoting sustainable economic growth, while minimizing environmental impact. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) defines an EIP as [a community of businesses located on common property, seeking enhanced environmental,...Continue Reading

The airport in your community provides valuable services that are often overlooked. In addition to providing a runway, fuel, and a building, airports can be a hub of economic activity. It is an economic asset with the potential to produce revenue and services for the community. General Aviation FactsGenerates over $150...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Wilmington, DE Office of Economic Development by Golden Shovel Agency.In 2014, the Delaware General Assembly enacted the Downtown Development Districts Act (DDD Act), a statewide incentive program to rejuvenate the state's struggling downtown areas. The strategic initiative aimed to attract private...Continue Reading

Downtown isn’t just for cities, urban areas or song lyrics anymore. In the realm of economic development, the concept of a "downtown" has become a focal point for communities of all sizes. Far from being limited to major urban centers, downtowns play a significant role in fostering economic growth, cultural...Continue Reading

Federal funding is available to help preserve, expand, and upgrade local airport facilities. “From Runways to Revenue: Economic Benefits of Your Local Airport” provides key information and tips on how to secure this funding. Before downloading, here is an overview of what you need to know.Federal Funding for Airports: Part...Continue Reading

Innovative Platform Centralizes Resources and Streamlines Processes for Businesses Exploring Opportunities in Butler County, OHHAMILTON, OH–The Butler County Finance Authority (BCFA) is happy to announce the launch of its new website, www.thebcfa.org, developed in collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency. This new platform is designed to provide centralized access to crucial...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Kitsap Economic Development Alliance by Golden Shovel Agency.Providing a “Gathering Space," A Beacon of Hope for Our Community Where Individuals Can Find Services, Support, and a Sense of BelongingCommunity leaders play a crucial role in shaping the future of their neighborhoods...Continue Reading

It’s widely known that spending time in nature offers a multitude of benefits- for mental, spiritual, and physical health. Yet beyond those compelling perks, the cultivation of natural spaces has been shown to yield numerous economic benefits. Natural spaces, including parks, community gardens, green belts, outdoor recreational areas, green roofs,...Continue Reading

ExperienceGuadalupeValley.com Offers Enhanced User Experience, Interactive Features, and Tools for Business AttractionGONZALES, TX–Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative’s (GVEC) economic development subsidiary, Guadalupe Valley Development Corporation (GVDC), is thrilled to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, ExperienceGuadalupeValley.com, created in collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency. This state-of-the-art website is set to...Continue Reading

Space—check. Cool activities—check. Convenient location—check. Local airports have everything you need to host vibrant community events. Next time you are planning a community gathering, consider hosting it at the airport to create awareness for the impact it makes on the local economy and how the community can participate. In our latest...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Wyandotte Economic Development Council, by Golden Shovel Agency.In a strategic move to elevate the local job-seeking experience, the Wyandotte Economic Development Council (WYEDC) has launched an innovative job board powered through JobsEQ by Chmura. This cutting-edge platform is designed to change...Continue Reading

Enhanced Digital Platform Developed in Partnership with Golden Shovel Agency to Boost Business Attraction and Site SelectionBRONSON, FL–The Nature Coast Business Development Council, Inc. (NCBDC) is thrilled to announce the launch of its newly designed website, created in collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency. The new site, accessible at www.naturecoast.org, represents...Continue Reading

Economic developers have a strong incentive to attract and retain millennial talent in their areas. Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, now make up the largest portion of the workforce. As digital natives, millennials are highly skilled in leveraging technology and adapting to new innovations. Getting this tech-savvy generation on...Continue Reading

Collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency Brings Enhanced Functionality and Visual Appeal to YCDC Online PresenceYORK, NE—The York County Development Corporation (YCDC) is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, yorkdevco.com, developed in partnership with Golden Shovel Agency. The upgraded site promises to deliver an enhanced user experience,...Continue Reading

General aviation airports contribute significantly to the economy. Airports don’t need to be large or serve major airlines to make an impact. In a report titled “Nebraska Aviation Counts!” there is a breakdown of the impact rural airports make. In South Sioux City, Martin Field, for example, has a $1.9...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Evanston, WY Economic Development, by Golden Shovel Agency.One of the best parts of living in Evanston, Wyoming is how engaged the community is. There are dozens of organizations where individuals and businesses can volunteer their time and skills to support their...Continue Reading