Building connections

Economic development is associated with projects and investment announcements, but behind nearly every successful project starts with relationship building. This past week I attended the SelectUSA Investment Summit held near Washington, D.C. An opportunity such as the Summit serves as a powerful reminder that economic development is built not only on community assets and incentives, but also on connections and collaboration.

Hosted annually by the U.S. Department of Commerce, SelectUSA brings together economic developers, business leaders, site selection consultants and international companies from around the world. For communities both large and small, it provides an opportunity to showcase strengths, learn about emerging industries and build connections that may one day lead to investment and job creation.

For rural communities especially, networking at large-scale events is one of the most valuable tools available. We have the ability to tell our story authentically. Conversations held during conferences, meetings, receptions, classes and workshops often create opportunities that cannot be achieved through brochures or websites alone. A simple introduction can lead to future conversations about workforce development, infrastructure partnerships, industrial recruitment or even regional collaborations.

Locate South Georgia communities represented at SelectUSA: Valdosta/Lowndes Co., Douglas/Coffee Co., Sylvester/Worth Co., Blakely/Early Co., and Dawson/Terrell Co.

Sometimes the most meaningful outcomes are not immediate announcements, but long-term connections that continue developing for years before a project ever becomes public. Economic development is rarely an overnight process. It is built through consistent communication, planning and trust.

Networking gives communities the chance to learn from one another. Attending events like SelectUSA gave me exposure to new ideas and strategies being implemented across the country. Whether discussing manufacturing, logistics, energy, agriculture, or technology infrastructure, these conversations can help guide and connect us better as a community and be better prepared for future opportunities and any challenges.

Another important aspect of networking is strengthening partnerships within our state and region. During the 3-day event, Georgia communities and statewide partners worked alongside the Georgia Department of Economic Development to help promote the entire state.

Collaboration between these groups presented Georgia as a unified, business friendly environment and truly demonstrated why “Georgia is Number One in Business.”

In many ways, it is not just about a single event. It is more about planting the seeds for future growth. The relationships formed today may become tomorrow’s partnerships and opportunities.

As we work to create a more stable local economy through quality job creation, and local business support, it is important to recognize that connections matter.

Published in the Early County News on May 13, 2026.