On Tuesday, Lee’s Summit Mayor Bill Baird proclaimed that May 4th through May 8th be Economic Development Week in the city. The proclamation means Lee’s Summit will join cities across the country to celebrate unique role that economic development has in creating vibrant communities with strong economies.
“The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council has been an invaluable resource for our community. The organization and the investors have played a vital role in making Lee’s Summit an attractive destination for businesses of all types, from national brands to small business owners opening up their first shop,” said Mayor Bill Baird. “As we begin the process of reopening our economy, we will lean on the experience and expertise of the Economic Development Council to help our business community prosper once again. ”
Mayor Baird delivered his proclamation at a City Council meeting hosted via Zoom, a reminder of the effects that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had on our way of life. With the global health crisis putting an inevitable mark on economies across the globe, economic developers are more important now than ever.
“It is a critical time for us because, while some businesses are being hit differently than others, no one is exempt from what we are experiencing with COVID-19,” said LSEDC President & CEO Rick McDowell. “Our job as economic developers is to make sure that we minimize the damage and rebuild as quickly and efficiently as possible to ensure our community remains the thriving, vibrant community that we love. And we are well-equipped in Lee’s Summit to do that.”
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the LSEDC quickly shifted to support businesses through outreach, education and communication. It is committed to furthering its role in the response and recovery efforts as the situation evolves.
The LSEDC was incorporated in 1985 as a non-profit organization for the purpose of growing the tax base through retention and expansion of existing business, attracting new business and development, and job creation. Today, the LSEDC works in cooperation with local, regional, state and national partners to support economic development efforts and to to fulfill its mission: To promote and enhance the City of Lee’s Summit as a model community for economic innovation and growth fueled by a pro-business environment, diverse economic base and a commitment to strong relationships and work ethic.