Economic Development Week Spotlight: Mike Davidson
Economic Development Week Spotlight: Mike Davidson
Name: Mike Davidson
Organization: Campbell County
Experience: 22 years as Economic Development Director
How did you get into the economic development profession? I was on the Campbell County Board of Supervisors for 12 years. During most of that time the county didn’t have an Economic Development Director. The Chairman of the Board and the County Administrator served in that capacity. I was blessed to be Chair for 4 years during my 12 year tenure. During that time I participated in ED teams that brought in over $120 million in new investment and over 200 new jobs. That solidified my desire to be in the Economic Development field.
What is one thing about your community that makes it unique? Our people/workforce is the greatest difference but there are many, many more.
If money wasn’t a barrier and you could fill a current resource gap at your community what would you do? I’d work with the team (IDA and Board) to build buildings for clients.
As you look to the future, what do you feel will be the most important thing for communities and economic developers to focus on? Being proactive problems solvers. Clients aren’t just looking for a place to go but a place that makes it easy and as problem free as possible for them to get into production and take care of them for the long term. They are also looking for honesty not claims that can’t be fulfilled.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to a new leader in this field? Economic Development is a very competitive ever changing field. You’ve got to know your community, be flexible and innovative, and keep up with what’s happening on a global level.
