As I reflect on the work we do every day in economic development, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility. Economic development is so much more than just creating jobs or attracting new businesses. It’s about building a community, fostering relationships, and empowering people to grow and thrive in a place they call home. It’s personal—it’s about making sure our children, our neighbors, and our friends have the opportunities they deserve to live prosperous and fulfilling lives.
From my perspective, economic development is the heartbeat of a community. It involves thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the unique needs and potential of our area. In our small towns, like Wellington, or across Sumner County, we’ve seen firsthand how economic growth can transform neighborhoods, provide new opportunities, and help to create the kind of environment where people feel supported, connected, and hopeful about the future.
But it’s not just about bringing in businesses or building infrastructure; it’s also about knowing how to work within the ever-evolving landscape of government, incentives, and shifting demographics. That’s why training and education play such a crucial role in the process. Understanding the factors that influence growth—whether it’s demographic shifts, market demands, or changes in public policy—gives us the tools to be proactive rather than reactive.
The economic development process is complex and involves many moving parts. It requires a knowledge of how government incentives work to attract businesses, how to engage with communities to understand their needs, and how to create strategies that are sustainable long-term. We must stay in tune with changing demographics—our workforce, the needs of young families, the aging population, and the business community. Only then can we craft plans that speak directly to those needs and shape the future of our region.
It’s also important to remember that economic development is not just about the dollars and cents—it’s about people. It’s about empowering individuals to succeed, whether through job training programs, access to resources, or simply creating a welcoming space for new businesses and entrepreneurs. Our work must be rooted in community engagement, listening to the voices of those we serve, and making decisions that reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of everyone.
One of the things that makes me most proud of our community is the “Proud to be Sumner” campaign. This initiative has allowed us to showcase the beauty, potential, and strength of our county in a way that brings everyone together. It’s a reminder of what makes Sumner County so special—the people, the small-town charm, and the opportunity to build something lasting. Through this campaign, we’re not just celebrating our past, but we’re also building momentum for the future. We’re creating a shared vision where everyone, from the youngest children to the most experienced professionals, feels a sense of pride and ownership in our community.
As someone who is deeply invested in this process, I’m continually reminded of how much more we can achieve when we work together. Economic development isn’t just about one individual or organization, it’s a collective effort that involves the community, government, businesses, and local leaders all pulling in the same direction. It’s about creating a vision for a better future and turning that vision into a reality, one step at a time.
I’ve seen the changes that happen when communities embrace economic development. I’ve watched families find better jobs, businesses grow and thrive, and young people decide to stay and build their lives right here. Economic development is about the future. It’s about ensuring that when we look back, we can be proud of the decisions we made and the legacy we left behind. Together, we can build a community that’s not only surviving but thriving. And that, to me, is the true power of economic development.
