July 2024
Jennifer Ryan
As GEDI celebrates its 40th class of the Intensive Economic Development Training Course, we have been chatting with some of our course alumni to learn where they are now and how their participation in the program has impacted their professional careers.
Don Smith is currently the St. Clair County Economic Development Council, Executive Director. Mr. Smith is a graduate of Intensive Class 2005.
Q & A with Don
Because of the knowledge I obtained from the class I was able to join the St. Clair County EDC team in 2007 as Assistant Director. In 2009, I was selected to lead this award-winning organization as the Executive Director. Since joining the EDC, we have announced over $1.3 billion in new project investments, 5,500 new jobs, and $160 million in new wages. We have also recently launched a new tourism initiative and grant resource center. Both recent programs have generated millions of new dollars in the form of grants and lodging tax for our communities.
Deal structuring weekly and park development annually, but everything I learned from the course is used monthly.
