Economic and Community Development

ACCE Economic and Community Development Division, Chairman's Message from February 2011

How many times have you heard 'green shoots' mentioned relative to the US economy since 2008? Too many to count I'm sure. But many regions actually saw signs of growth in 2011. Here in Lexington, expansion and relocation projects added 1,300 new direct jobs and millions in new investment to the Bluegrass Region. A $17 million dollar global headquarters expansion by Tempur-Pedic that created 65 new jobs was a particular bright spot.

I'm cautiously optimistic about 2012, and after talking with colleagues across the country, I know many other regions are also seeing signs of growth. This good news can't come soon enough for our friends and neighbors who've lost a job during the downturn, but we know economic development is measured in years, not days. Today's investment announcement began years ago as careful planning, good strategy, and effective marketing led by a chamber or EDC. And more than ever, economic development success comes less from industrial recruitment and more from building a vibrant community with talented workers and a pro-business climate. This is work every chamber in the country can, and should, lead.

The ACCE Economic and Community Development Division's core goal is to provide chamber leaders access to the information, individuals, and ideas that will help them build more competitive, prosperous regions. The role has never been more difficult or more important. Over the coming year the Division will organize and produce webinars, convention speakers, magazine articles, a benchmarking survey, and new information office content all focused on helping you drive economic growth in your community.