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New Site Features Interactive Tools and Highlights Cultural, Recreational, and Business Opportunities in Pasadena, TXPASADENA, TX–The Pasadena Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, created in collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency. The updated site, www.pasadenaedc.com, offers a more user-friendly interface and enhanced...Continue Reading

The best economic development strategies improve the quality of life in a city, county, or state. They create a place where people are happy to live, work, and play. This means providing jobs with good wages, recruiting new businesses to meet local needs and expand employment opportunities, and offering a...Continue Reading

Empowering Business Growth with User-Friendly Features and Real-Time Property ListingsKINGSPORT, TN–The City of Kingsport Economic Development Board is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned economic development website, created in collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency. The revamped site, kingsportecondev.org, offers an enhanced user experience and features designed to...Continue Reading

Creating a successful economic development strategy is a highly organized process, but it can also be a fun, productive experience for a community. Holding meaningful discussions about the strengths and challenges everyone is facing prompts positive change and a more prosperous future. Whether you enlist assistance from a third-party expert...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for the Wyoming Economic Development Association by Golden Shovel Agency.TerraPower, in collaboration with GE Hitachi, has started construction on Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 in Western Wyoming, and development will continue through 2029. If everything stays on schedule, the first nuclear power...Continue Reading

A Robust Digital Platform Showcasing Opportunities, Resources, and Investment PotentialAUBURN, WA–The City of Auburn is proud to announce the launch of its new economic development website, https://www.ecdev.auburnwa.gov/, developed in partnership with Golden Shovel Agency. The new website is designed to support Auburn’s business community by offering valuable resources, highlighting available...Continue Reading

Quinn to Lead the Continued Growth of U.S.-Based Economic Development Strategy and Communications FirmMinneapolis, Minnesota – Golden Shovel Agency, a leading economic development strategy and communications firm, proudly announces Bethany Quinn as its new President. Founded in 2009, the Minnesota-based company has helped communities across the country attract billions of...Continue Reading

Resilient communities are set apart by their ability to weather storms – literal or metaphorical –  and emerge on the other side maintaining or thriving. The work of economic development organizations often contributes to more resilient communities through economic diversification and the nurturing of local businesses and innovation. However, purposeful...Continue Reading

Economic development strategies for rural communities and small cities share many big-picture goals with urban counterparts. Workforce development, business attraction, and quality-of-life initiatives are essential across the board. The difference in the economic development strategies begins to shift in approach and when establishing key performance indicators to judge progress toward...Continue Reading

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

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