How Can You Help?: Recognize You’re an Economic Developer Too

When I explain my role as an economic developer, I often say, “I’m in the business of helping business.” Our organization has a wide variety of programs related to our efforts to diversify and grow the economy. While Energy Capital Economic Development has two full-time economic developers, our efforts can only succeed because so many individuals work and volunteer on efforts that help ensure there will be good-paying jobs for our neighbors, children, and grandchildren.

ECED works with community and business leaders to help organizations, and we look at the big picture for long-term economic success in our community. There needs to be a trained available workforce, so we work closely with the schools and workforce services that provide education and professional training. Quality of life is also an important factor for keeping and attracting talented individuals in our community, so the amenities, activities, and events from the Rec Center to CAM-PLEX to sports and entertainment, economic development supports efforts to make Campbell County a better place for businesses and residences. Of course, none of these efforts are exclusive to Energy Capital Economic Development (ECED). Most of them are much easier for us because so many individuals in the community have led and continue to lead efforts to make the Gillette area an outstanding area to live work and play.

Everyone has a personal interest in wanting economic development. Jobs are often identified as one of the most important measures of economic health. Our organization focuses on primary industries like mining, oil and gas, energy, manufacturing, and similar industries that sell most of their products and services outside the Gillette area, which brings money into our economy. Those primary industry jobs support a bigger picture of economic success that helps retail health and variety. The variety of our downtown and locally owned businesses represent economic success. Stores like Hobby Lobby or Marshall’s only move to Gillette because its already determined that our community can support their business enough to be profitable. Similarly, the variety of restaurants and hotels are supported by the overall economic health of the community. Those businesses thrive because of our community works together to support them.

The facilities, amenities, and attractions in Campbell County also set us apart and represent long-term efforts to make our community an outstanding place. The CAM-PLEX hosts local events as well as professional conferences, rodeos, and sporting tournaments that draw visitors from across the region. Area 59 represents a top-notch maker space for community members have access to woodworking and metal-working equipment as well as 3D printing, laser engraving, plasma cutting, and much more. Our Recreation Center provides an incredible facility for physical fitness and recreation with a climbing wall, cardio equipment and weightlifting as well as both an Olympic pool and activity pool and indoor areas for basketball, volleyball, track, and more. These facilities are only a few examples in Campbell County of amenities that are attracting businesses looking for a place to relocate. They didn’t happen by accident.

It took leadership to plan, construct, and oversee the facilities to bring out their highest potential. Those leaders from businesses, non-profits, government, and the community helped make each of those happen. Each individual who visits and tells someone else is an economic developer. It takes all of us working together to share the good news about what makes our community great and helps us overcome the challenges we face.