Alabama: Key Player in Regional Economic Boom

By Rachel Hamilton

“One thing that has been most notable for us has been the alignment that has occurred between economic development and education in our state,” says Secretary Greg Canfield of the Alabama Department of Commerce, adding that the alignment is visible at all levels from pre-kindergarten up…

Canada’s Atlantic Provinces Will Benefit from U.S. Recovery

Interview by Rachel Duran

Things are still difficult on the fiscal front for Canada and its provinces; bright spots surface for the Atlantic Provinces.
Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted April 7, 2015. For the latest information in regard to the forecast for the Canadian economy, visit www.conferenceboard…

Nebraska’s Collaboration Induces Investment

By Rachel Duran
In Nebraska, businesses leaders tell economic development officials they face “good problems” when it comes to the business climate. Earlier this year, public officials and company leaders in 17 of Nebraska’s communities shared their experiences and insights with Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, director, Nebraska Department of Economic…

Vermont’s Small Size Equates to Faster Decision Making

By Rachel Duran
Vermont’s elected leaders actively seek out business leaders and visit their offices and facilities to learn their successes and challenges in order to develop solutions to those challenges. Gov. Peter Shumlin meets each week with a minimum of 10 employers. “This is a protocol that has…

Kentucky Seeks to Maintain Momentum

By Rachel Hamilton

“The biggest news for us is that we’re coming off a record year,” says Erik Dunnigan, deputy secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.

In 2014, Kentucky saw more than 350 new location or expansion announcements, which are projected to create more than 15,000…