Maryland: Home to a Dynamic Business Climate

By Rachel Duran

Maryland’s economic development leaders anticipate growth in the information technology, biotechnology and aerospace industries in the near term and in the future. Historically, the state has been a leader in and received attention for its biotechnology sector, which includes activities in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, R&amp…

Iowa’s Platform Shifts Keeps Economy in Check

By David Hodes

Iowa survived the last decade in pretty good shape economically, but state officials know it’s time to do better than just survive.

Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), says that in 2011, the Iowa Department of Economic Development was eliminated in favor…

Arkansas: Diversity is the Story of the State

By David Hodes

“We are working on a number of fronts both large and small,” Grant Tennille, the executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), says, acknowledging the legacy of the state having world-famous entrepreneurs over the years as a driving force in current and future economic…

Alabama Realigns Focus to Diverse Manufacturing

By Rachel Hamilton

Alabama’s economic development initiative is called Accelerate Alabama. Many states have far-reaching economic development plans, but Alabama’s plan is about aligning everyone from the governor’s office down to kindergarteners for the good of the state.
As Secretary Greg Canfield of the Alabama Department…

Wisconsin’s Ed System Contributes to Gains

By David Hodes
Wisconsin is working on helping businesses find common goals through a collaboration of economic development organizations to try to change perceptions of potential business partners about the business climate in the state and assist entrepreneurs they say represent the future of economic development in the state.

According…