December 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.
Phillis Belcher currently serves as the Executive Director for the Greene County Industrial Development Authority. Ms. Belcher is a graduate of Intensive Class 1994.
Q & A with Phillis
I have been fortunate to be involved in so many wonderful events and initiatives in Greene County throughout my career. Helping industries locate in Greene County, developing industry appreciation events, working with expanding industries and strategic planning, community building and developing leadership programs are all activities I have enjoyed. I worked with federal, state and regional agencies to attract grant funds to improve the Crossroads of America Port and Park and to develop retail and hotel feasibility studies.
The biggest lesson that I learned is that economic development is a process that does not happen overnight. There is a lot of work that happens behind the scenes that can take many years to come to fruition. Relationships and collaborations are key to any economic development improvements or wins.
Yes, I am still in contact with people I met through Intensive, and these connections have been so valuable as I navigate economic development.
