News

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

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

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

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

New Website Reflects DRIVE’s Commitment to Regional Innovation and LeadershipDANVILLE, PA–DRIVE, a leader in economic development in Central Pennsylvania, has launched a new, redesigned website in collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency. The new website reflects DRIVE’s commitment to visionary leadership and the promotion of the region’s assets, serving as a...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for AdvanceCT by Golden Shovel Agency.Connecticut is solidifying its position as the best state for cybersecurity and innovation, unlocking many opportunities for professionals and businesses. The state has created a dynamic ecosystem that fuels growth within the cybersecurity sector through targeted initiatives...Continue Reading

The University of Minnesota Extension has conducted extensive research on succession planning and leadership transitions within the business community. Their research and resources provide economic developers with a toolkit they can use with businesses during Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visits.Michael Darger, a seasoned Extension Specialist at the University of...Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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