Economic Development Isn't Just About Numbers, It's About the People

You've heard the buzzwords: jobs created, investment dollars, new square footage. But what if we told you economic development is really about people? About giving them a reason to stay, a chance to dream bigger, and a path to make those dreams happen right here at home.

"Economic development involves much more than just a simple business transaction. Economic development is gritty, hard work, and requires a determination that centers around improving economic outcomes for people in our county. Every day, we're working to build a stronger Wayne County not just for today, but for generations to come," said Maribeth Burns, President of Wayne Economic Development Council

During Economic Development Week (May 12–16, 2025), the Wayne Economic Development Council (WEDC) invites you to take a closer look at what economic development really means and how it impacts every corner of our community.

At the WEDC, we know the headlines only tell part of the story. Yes, we track jobs created and capital invested. But our real mission is to make Wayne County a place where businesses want to grow, families want to stay, and future generations want to thrive.

Economic development isn't one-size-fits-all. That's why our team takes a hands-on approach. We connect entrepreneurs with resources, guide companies through complex site selection decisions, and remove barriers to growth.

As a public-private partnership, the WEDC results from a shared vision and investment between business, government, and education leaders. We're proud to champion initiatives that:

• Balance industry with agriculture
• Focus growth around well-planned development zones
• Support the retention and expansion of existing businesses
• Attract new investment through targeted recruitment

Our mission is rooted in the belief that smart growth strengthens our economy and improves the quality of life for everyone who calls Wayne County home.

When businesses choose Wayne County, they're not navigating the process alone. The WEDC offers a full suite of services customized to meet each business's unique needs. Our support includes:

• Site selection and building availability
• Access to state and local incentive programs
• Workforce data and labor market analysis
• Employee recruitment and job training assistance
• Business retention and expansion planning
• Marketing and community development
• Strategic connections to key contacts and decision-makers

And that's just the start. We're also here to coordinate community and familiarization tours, arrange high-level meetings, and advocate for your success with local and state agencies. Every business deserves a partner who sees the big picture, from rural entrepreneurs to global manufacturers. That's what we bring to the table.

Ready to Grow? We're Ready to Help

Whether you're launching a startup, expanding an existing operation, or simply exploring your options, we're here to help you make it happen.

Contact the Wayne Economic Development Council to learn how we can support your business goals. Wayne County's future is built by the people who invest in it.

Let's talk. Let's build. Let's grow.