GREENVILLE, North Carolina (May 6, 2021) – The Greenville Eastern North Carolina (ENC) Alliance and the City of Greenville are celebrating National Economic Development Week from Sunday, May 9 to Saturday, May 15, 2021. Greenville is joining cities nationwide to increase awareness of the positive work economic developers do to enhance local economic impact.
"Economic development is vital to the prosperity of our community, and the City Council and I celebrate the work of our local economic development professionals not just during National Economic Development Week, but every week,” said Greenville Mayor P.J. Connelly. “We will continue to make efforts to establish policies that enhance economic development and contribute to the sustained success of our city."
Mayor Connelly signed a proclamation declaring May 9 – 15, 2021 as National Economic Development Week. During this time, the community will mark the contributions of positive economic development in Greenville, Pitt County, and eastern North Carolina. The proclamation celebrates economic developers in the City of Greenville and applauds their work that contributes to the expanding career opportunities and improving quality of life.
"The City of Greenville is pleased to join in the celebration of Economic Development Week because we recognize the role that economic development plays in the creation of jobs and the establishment of a vibrant community with a diversified economy,” said Greenville City Manager Ann Wall.
As part of Economic Development Week, the Greenville ENC Alliance will launch a social media campaign to explain the role of the profession in our local community. This includes sharing information on the stewardship of policies and programs explicitly directed at improving the business climate through specific efforts, marketing, workforce development, business retention and expansion, real estate development, and community involvement.
“This is an exciting week for the field of economic development. We are looking forward to taking part in this international celebration to highlight the important work that is done by local developers,” said Steve Weathers, president and CEO of the Greenville ENC Alliance. “In addition to our organization, we will showcase our partnerships with other groups in our community that prioritize economic development including Greenville Utilities Commission’s Key Accounts team and the Pitt County Development Commission. Economic development is truly a team effort and we appreciate the continuous support of our municipal investors including the City of Greenville; Towns of Ayden, Bethel, Fountain, Grimesland, and Farmville; and Village of Simpson. We also would like to extend a special thank our private sector investors that fund and support our mission and business development efforts.”
Now in its sixth year, National Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest professional membership organization for economic developers, in 2016 to recognize the unique role that economic development has in creating vibrant communities with strong economies. IEDC notes that many economic developers across the nation also are involved in government and policy efforts, including inflation control, high employment, and sustainable growth. Over the span of five years, more than 450 campaigns have been created throughout the United States and Canada, creating millions of impressions, hundreds of news stories, blog entries, videos, events and other activities. Cities, counties, and states recognized the week in past years through official proclamations, local community events, and informational campaigns online and through social media. The United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) has also issued a statement commemorating Economic Development Week in past years.
“As a new organization, this will be our first year participating in National Economic Development Week,” added Weathers. “We look forward to sharing unique content that engages our community and generates conversations to educate the public about economic development. We hope everyone will join us on our social media platforms to get involved in this weeklong celebration.”
Join the Greenville ENC Alliance on social media by following the handle @GreenvilleENCA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,YouTube, and LinkedIn. Local economic developer profiles will be available each day online at www.encalliance.com/news. On Tuesday, May 11 at 3:00pm, Weathers will host a Facebook Live conversation with the community where he will answer questions about economic development and local efforts. To learn more about Economic Development Week and nationwide events, visit IEDC online at www.iedconline.org/edw.
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Media Relations Contact: Maria Satira
Director of Marketing and Communications
Greenville - Eastern North Carolina Alliance
satira@encalliance.com
252-414-2875
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