Economic development professionals face a unique set of challenges as they navigate the complexities of constant change and stakeholder dynamics. In a recent webinar provided by Denise Dahl of Epiphany Planning & Development LLC,  the Great Lakes EDC explored the importance of effective communication, innovative engagement strategies, and personal branding in driving long-term success.

Key Highlights: Understanding Your Dynamic

Economic developers operate in environments where leadership and stakeholder roles vary widely. Questions like "Are you mentoring someone?" or "Do you have a mentor?" reflect the diverse dynamics within organizations. Understanding these roles is critical in shaping effective communication and engagement strategies.

The Importance of Communication in Times of Change

Change is a constant in economic development, making communication a fundamental tool for guiding stakeholders through transitions. However, startling statistics reveal that communication often misses the mark:

• 75% of communication is misinterpreted.
• Verbal communication accounts for only 7% of effective interaction, with 93% being nonverbal.
• Readers retain just 20% of information, while listeners retain a mere 10%.

These figures highlight the need for innovative approaches to ensure messages resonate with target audiences.

The Information Overload Problem

The webinar also addressed the rise of information overload, with 80% of participants reporting they feel overwhelmed—a significant increase from 60% in 2020. This challenge emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in communication efforts.

Innovative Engagement Strategies

Economic developers were encouraged to adopt creative engagement tactics to build relationships and lighten their workload. Notable strategies included:

• Website Design & Digital Marketing Groups: Partnering with professionals to enhance online presence and messaging.
• Mentorship Programs: Connecting seasoned professionals with emerging leaders to foster growth.
• Business-to-Business (B2B) Matchmaking: Facilitating connections between companies to strengthen local supply chains.
• Housing Development Initiatives: Collaborating with builders to address community needs.
• Networking Opportunities: Organizing events to build relationships and foster collaboration.
• Workforce Development Resources: Leveraging existing resources to connect businesses and talent effectively.

Relationships Over Projects

The webinar underscored that success in economic development relies heavily on relationships rather than transactions. Professionals were encouraged to reflect on their personal brand and ensure it aligns with their goals. Building a reputation as a connector rather than a controller can foster trust and collaboration.

Next Steps for Professionals

To implement these insights, participants were urged to:

1. Evaluate Their Brand: Consider how stakeholders would describe them and align their actions to reflect their desired image.
2. Audit Communication Channels: Focus on impactful methods and reduce efforts on platforms that yield little engagement.

As economic developers continue to navigate a world of constant change, these strategies provide a roadmap for building stronger communities and driving lasting success.

Recommendations from the 2024 member survey can be accessed here: 

GLEDC 2024 Member Survey Result Recommendations.docx

The Great Lakes Economic Development Council (GLEDC) conducted a targeted survey to understand the makeup of its membership, identify membership preferences, set organizational priorities, and highlight the professional challenges and interests of its members.

The survey was conducted in February-March of 2024.  A link to the survey was sent to over 5000 economic development professionals in the Great Lakes region, to members fo the Great Lakes EDC, and it was shared on the GLEDC’s social media channels.

With a 100% completion rate among 56 respondents, the survey offered deep insights into the council's operational and strategic positioning. The full membership survey can be found at the link below:

DETROIT, MI – The Great Lakes Economic Development Council (GLEDC) is excited to announce Tim Hindes as its new Executive Director, marking a new chapter in its commitment to the economic growth of the Great Lakes region. Tim's unique blend of leadership and practical experience in building brands, community engagement, and working with economic development organizations positions him as an ideal figure to steer GLEDC into its next phase of growth. 

Tim will continue to lead TrailBlaze Creative, a creative capacity and marketing firm he founded, as its CEO. Like Tim, TrailBlaze works at the intersection of economic development and marketing, supporting place-branding, regional workforce campaigns, business district strategies, and more. Hindes' previous role as Executive Director of the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) showcased his ability to drive organizations towards growth and innovation, including securing significant funding through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the organization. 

As the newly appointed Executive Director, Tim aims to build on GLEDC's legacy, emphasizing collaborative efforts with members and communities across two Canadian provinces and eight U.S. states to spearhead impactful economic initiatives. Upon accepting his new role, Hindes shared his vision for the GLEDC, "I am honored to join the Great Lakes Economic Development Council and eager to leverage my experiences to foster economic growth and resilience across this vital region. Together, we will build on the Great Lakes' rich heritage of innovation and collaboration to secure a prosperous future for our communities."

Rod Crider, the founder of GLEDC, also shared his optimism: "Tim's unique blend of experience and commitment to community development makes him the ideal leader to guide our council forward. We are confident that his vision will enrich our efforts to promote sustainable economic growth across the Great Lakes."

About the Great Lakes Economic Development Council

Situated at the heart of the Great Lakes region and headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, the GLEDC stands as a beacon for economic development professionals, fostering a collaborative environment for professional growth, networking, and advocacy. The council is dedicated to stimulating investment and innovation across a broad spectrum of sectors, aiming to sustain the economic vitality of the region and enhance the quality of life for its residents. Through a variety of services, including educational workshops and marketing support, GLEDC equips economic developers with the necessary tools to drive success and make a positive difference in their communities.

For more information about GLEDC's mission, upcoming events, and membership details, please visit greatlakesedc.org.