MANISTEE, MICH. - After spending a year in Manistee County, I've developed a deep appreciation for this place and the people who make it special. As an outsider, I’ve felt genuinely welcomed and supported. People here know what they have: a tight-knit community, natural beauty, and a strong sense of pride.

But what often surprises me is the reaction I get when I tell people that I'm the Director of Economic Development at the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, economic development being one of four pillars within the Chamber. “So you're with the government?” “Are you giving away my tax dollars?” or “What does economic development even mean?” These are fair questions, and they highlight just how misunderstood the field of economic development is. Economic development is a niche area that impacts a lot, yet remains largely invisible to many. So let’s talk about what it is, what we do, and what it’s not.

Economic development, put simply, is a set of programs, policies, and individuals that set to improve the overall economic vibrancy of a community. Focused on business retention, business attraction, workforce development, and improving public spaces, economic development can take a near-infinite number of forms. What form economic development takes and what is prioritized comes down to community need and what the community wants. For example, communities who want to protect their natural resources and be known for their small business community will have very different goals and objectives than a community that wants to grow as fast as it can and attract as many corporate companies to its region. 

Economic developers play a vital role in building strong, sustainable local economies. They design and implement programs and policies that support business growth, job creation, and community development. Through regular business retention visits, economic developers listen to the needs of local employers and work to create solutions, whether it's workforce training, infrastructure improvements, or support services. They also partner with community colleges and school systems to develop workforce pipelines that align with the skills local industries need. In addition, economic developers often work with real estate professionals, property owners, and developers to revitalize underutilized or blighted properties, encouraging investment and new uses for critical properties. Finally, economic developers serve as advocates, representing their communities to policymakers and promoting pro-business, pro-growth policies that reflect the unique needs of their region.

It’s important to understand that economic development isn’t just for big cities or metropolitan areas; it’s essential for communities of all sizes. A community’s intentional approach to future growth is critical to achieving its goals and vision. Without a clear plan or strategy, communities risk ending up with a future that doesn’t align with what residents truly want. On the other hand, communities that engage in economic development, especially through dedicated professionals, can guide growth in a way that reflects their values, priorities, and long-term aspirations. 

Let's address some common misconceptions. 

Misconception #1: Economic developers give away tax dollars. The reality? Economic developers are stewards, not spenders, of public investment. Their role is to help communities access and leverage incentive programs and grant funding that drive long-term return on investment. Importantly, decisions about tax incentives are not made by economic developers; they are made by the community through established policies and local leadership.

Misconception #2: It's just about bringing in big business. The reality? Economic developers see the value in businesses of all sizes. An effective economic developer will see just how important small businesses are for a community. Instead of bringing in 'big business', it's about bringing in 'the right business'. A single business can dramatically change the entire business climate of a community, for better or for worse. It is an economic developer's job to have the discretion to know which businesses will be the better fit for a community and its needs. This is where local retention and community-focused efforts are so important in our line of work.

Misconception #3: Economic development only benefits incoming businesses. The reality? Over 80% of investment in a community comes from existing businesses. This means it is critical to spend a significant portion of time investing and supporting existing businesses in a community. Economic developers conduct business retention visits and work to create programs and policies that not only attract new businesses but also support the ones that are already here.

I can not thoroughly articulate my appreciation for the community of Manistee County in a single sentence, so let me leave you with this. My first year as your Director of Economic Development has filled me with a sense of purpose as I witness the benefits economic development is bringing to Manistee County. I close with an invitation: Are you curious about the day's work in economic development, or want to start a dialogue? I would love to connect. It's one of the best parts of the job.

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Andrew Stafford is the Director of Economic Development at the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit 501 C (6) organization, whose mission is to build a dynamic and sustainable organization to serve the Business, Workforce, and Economic Development needs of all in Manistee County. You can contact the Chamber at 231-723-2575 or communications@manisteechamber.com.