February 2, 2019
By Krista Klaus
The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council is pleased to announce that Jessica Hamilton, LSEDC’s Director of Community and Investor Relations, has been selected as a winner in the economic development profession’s 40 Under 40 awards, the only program of its kind recognizing young talent in the economic development industry.
An independent five-member selection committee chose winners from more than 170 qualified candidates based on their accomplishments and contributions to the economic development industry. The program was managed by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based firm that specializes in economic development marketing, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in economic and community development industries.
“Jessica successfully re-launched LSEDC’s Business Retention and Expansion program in 2017, with a specific focus on helping local businesses solve pain points relating to workforce development,” said LSEDC President Rick McDowell. “This award recognizes Jessica’s hard work and vision.”
Since joining LSEDC two years ago, Hamilton launched several successful programs, including HR Roundtable, local National Manufacturing Day activities, and an online hiring portal to connect local businesses with potential employees and interns.
“The 40 Under 40 Award is designed to identify the economic development profession’s rising stars. These young economic development professionals represent the future of our industry,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “The selection committee had a challenge selecting only 40 winners, but we are delighted by the smarts, initiative and game-changing mindset represented in these finalists. Economic development is in good hands with these young leaders, and Jessica Hamilton is certainly no exception.”
“The achievements of these talented and committed professionals show that economic development has an awesome future,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “Partnering with DCI this year to recognize these passionate young men and women has been an honor. Congratulations to each of them.”
DCI and Jorgenson officially announced the winners Sunday night at an awards reception during the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and will feature profiles of each on the awards website. For more information on the 40 Under 40 winners, visit econdev40under40.com.
