The Rural Economic Development Toolkit, created by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, outlines best practices for building an outdoor recreation economy. Outdoor recreation offers opportunities for sustainable economic and community development, and most communities need help implementing those ambitious plans. The toolkit contains a list of federal grants and technical assistance programs that can support communities in securing funding and services, along with many other resources.
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Relationships are key to successful economic development projects
Medlin Ramps of California wanted to establish a presence somewhere between its North Carolina and West Coast facilities. After visiting relatives in Alamogordo, the company CEO inquired about potential local properties and financial incentives.
Laurie Anderson, executive director of the Otero County Economic Development Council, acted quickly to demonstrate Alamogordo’s business readiness. Working with local connections, she and her project team helped the company transform an abandoned and derelict Walmart building into a 30,000 square foot facility that began manufacturing industrial ramps in February 2020.
Continue readingNew Mexico Communities Featured in Economic Development Course
By Paul Hamrick, Executive Director, CELab
The economic development field is rapidly changing and increasing in complexity. The New Mexico Basic Economic Development Course is designed to help community leaders understand legacy economic development approaches and become current with new program initiatives and best practices.
Held on the campus of Western New Mexico University in Silver City every July, the course is one of several offered by the New Mexico-based International Academy for Economic Development that prepares participants for professional certification by the International Economic Development Council.
The five-day course covers the core components of economic development, including business retention and expansion, recruitment, workforce development, real estate, finance, marketing, and ethics. Continue reading