DeSoto County honors Economic Development Week

DeSoto County, Fla—DeSoto County will celebrate Economic Development Week this year from May 6-10.

The 2024 Economic Development Week is a global initiative led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

DeSoto County actively works to attract and retain high-quality jobs, develop vibrant neighborhoods, and improve the quality of life here.

Businesses, individuals, municipalities, educational institutions, and not-for-profits all play a role in economic development.

Each year, DeSoto County Commissioners pass a proclamation to recognize the week at a local level. The proclamation will be read at the May 14 DeSoto BOCC meeting. The meeting begins at 9 a.m.

"Economic Development Week is a crucial time to reflect on our collective achievements and to plan for a future of inclusive and sustainable growth," said DeSoto County Economic Development Director Sondra Guffey.

Economic Development Week was created by IEDC in 2016 to recognize the work that economic development organizations and professionals do in their communities.

The week is celebrated each year to highlight the programs, best practices and exceptional individuals that positively impact life in their communities.

"As the local and regional economies evolve, the economic development profession must remain agile and responsive to change,” said IEDC President & CEO Nathan Ohle. “The expertise of dedicated economic development professionals and organizations is vital in cultivating sustainable growth and prosperity."

The 2024 theme is Economic Development Heroes, spotlighting economic developers who are pioneers in their communities.

In addition to Economic Development Week, a community open house is planned for Thursday, May 9, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. to discuss key issues and potential economic development opportunities.

The open house will take place at the DeSoto County Administration Building, 201 E. Oak. St., Arcadia, FL.

The public is encouraged to drop in at any time within those hours and share input. Those ideas and opinions will be used to help shape the future of DeSoto through the development of an economic development strategy.

For more information about the May 9 event, contact Beneshea Frazier at [email protected] or (863) 534-7130 extension 141, or Sondra Guffey at [email protected] or 863-993-4807.

For more information about Economic Development Week, go to www.IEDCOnline.org/EDW or go to TeamDeSoto.com to find out about Economic Development in DeSoto County.