News

This article originally appeared on and was written for the City of Roseville Economic Development Authority by Golden Shovel Agency.Recycling is a way of life in Minnesota. The state ranks in the top three in the nation for cardboard, boxboard, and paper recycling.The International Paper Twin Cities Recycling Plant in...Continue Reading

Economic development organizations take a multi-track approach to sustained community growth. Supporting local small businesses is frequently a top priority for intracommunity growth, and its importance grows in economic downturns or times of crisis. There are several ways to champion these enterprises no matter the size of the program budget...Continue Reading

New Website, Crafted by Resource Bank, N.A. with Golden Shovel Agency, Empowers Rural Champions with Stories, Tools, and Resources to Drive Community RevitalizationDEKALB, IL–Resource Bank, N.A., the last locally owned community bank in DeKalb County, Illinois, recently launched a new website, www.InspireRenewEnjoy.com, designed to inspire and equip small-town leaders and...Continue Reading

Collaborating With Golden Shovel Agency, the Redesign Highlights Local Charm & Enhances User ExperienceLAKE MILLS, IA–Winn-Worth Betco is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, created in collaboration with Golden Shovel. The site’s modern look and user-friendly features are designed to improve accessibility and engagement for both...Continue Reading

New Platform Offers Real-Time Resources and Highlights Opportunities to #DevelopStCloudST. CLOUD, MN–The City of St. Cloud is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned economic development website, DevelopStCloud.com. The dynamic new platform serves as a one-stop shop for businesses, site selectors, and developers looking for opportunities in St...Continue Reading

Comprehensive economic development strategies provide a framework for organizations and communities to meet essential growth goals. Data and local knowledge shape the best strategic plans for economic development organizations and help coordinate initiatives focused on company acquisition, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and employer retention. Golden Shovel Agency has the experience, marketing...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation by Golden Shovel Agency.The Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) recently wrapped up a successful talent attraction campaign, making significant strides in strengthening its communities and workforce. The campaign's goal was to bring top-tier talent to...Continue Reading

Community collaboration is the genesis of many economic development organizations, but partnership efforts often stall at the regional level. Results-driven EDOs need to work through the barriers funding and geographic boundaries can present to drive returns. Forming strategic alliances with other groups, agencies, or local governments maximizes resources, allows for...Continue Reading

Successful downtown revitalization helps rebuild the heart of a community, often restoring buildings and public spaces central to community nostalgia and historical commerce. Revitalization projects offer a unique blend of past and present when executed well, creating unique opportunities for residential and business growth. However, downtowns are a frequently underutilized...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC by Golden Shovel Agency.Residents of Burleigh County and southern Sheridan County receive electricity from a leading cooperative in the region. Capital Electric Cooperative has supported rural North Dakota residents since 1948 and has expanded to provide electricity...Continue Reading

The landscape of marketing is evolving rapidly, and 2025 is no different. Economic developers must stay ahead by reallocating their budgets to align with modern trends and audience expectations. Based on data from over 11,000 marketers, the priorities for marketing budgets have shifted toward digital optimization, community engagement, and paid...Continue Reading

2024 is a big year for retirement with an average of 11,000 Americans turning 65 each day. The “silver tsunami” is impacting all industries, including economic development. A simple Google search for “economic developer retiring” results in pages upon pages of announcements. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough trained economic developers to...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Junction City Geary County Economic Development Commission by Golden Shovel Agency.Confidentiality is more than just a formality in economic development; it is a key ingredient in successfully attracting new businesses to Junction City and Geary County. As much as the JC-GCEDC...Continue Reading

A 500-acre mixed-use master plan takes years of planning and partnering with diverse organizations and stakeholders. Brian Rademacher, Director of Economic Development at the City of Ormond Beach, was the right person to shepherd Ormond Crossings through this process. A strong advocate for strategic planning and regional partnerships, with a...Continue Reading

According to the State of Small Business survey, 54% of U.S. business owners are over the age of 50. In rural areas, this is a concerning statistic. In communities where there are numerous restaurants and hardware stores, losing one to an owner retiring is not a significant challenge. If they...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Winn-Worth Betco by Golden Shovel Agency.Reducing Carbon Footprint and Easing CongestionAs businesses and communities become more aware of the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, finding innovative solutions to everyday challenges is critical. Commute with Enterprise is a unique concept in...Continue Reading

When executed effectively, digital ad campaigns help drive traffic and generate leads for economic development organizations. But how do you develop resonating ads able to reach your audience? For EDOs, consistent referencing of the tailored marketing strategy, or blueprint, informs strategic ad choices and the creation of ads designed to...Continue Reading

New Site Showcases Proven Fundraising Model and Expertise Across Nonprofit and Economic Development SectorsATLANTA, GA – Convergent Nonprofit Solutions is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, positioning the firm as a leader in capital campaign management and strategic fundraising for economic development, traditional nonprofits, chambers of...Continue Reading

In the International Journal of Managerial Studies and Research, James Siambi wrote, “During times of transition, strategic leadership succession planning, in conjunction with leadership development policies, provides an organization with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to retain its best and brightest employees, leaders, and talent.” Washington County, Minnesota is capitalizing on this...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for West Central Economic Development Alliance by Golden Shovel Agency.In Wadena County, the North Central Small Business Development Center at Central Lakes College (North Central SBDC) has become an indispensable resource for local businesses under the leadership of Regional Director Katie Heppner...Continue Reading

New Platform Enhances Site Selection, Economic Development, and Regional ConnectivityBLOUNTVILLE TN–NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership is happy to announce the launch of its redesigned website, Networkstn.com, created in collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency. This new platform is designed to advance economic growth and business development in Northeast Tennessee, offering enhanced tools and...Continue Reading

Ron Tillery, Executive Director of the Phelps County Development Corporation, is thinking about the future of the organization he has led for eight years. “As a leader, you have to recognize when it is time to bring someone else in. I told my board that it was time to start...Continue Reading