MCDC Executive Director appointed to Mid-America Economic Development Council Board of Directors

Mecosta County Development Corporation (MCDC) announced today that its Executive Director, Kelly Jo Wawsczyk, has joined the Mid-America Economic Development Council (EDC) as one of the state of Michigan Board of Directors.

The Mid-America Economic Development Council, also known as Mid-America EDC, is a multi-state association dedicated to being a leading resource for education, making connections and sharing best practices for economic development professionals and organizations in the Mid-America region – Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Mid-America EDC’s focus is to connect and convene resources to compete as a region on the national and international economic development stages.

Wawsczyk, who has been with MCDC since March 2022, has a vast knowledge of community development and has volunteered on many committees including serving as the Chair of the Leadership team on the White Cloud Revitalization Committee, and holding a seat on the Newaygo County Economic Development Advisory Committee. She also assisted the Headway Coalition of Newaygo County as the Project Assistant, bringing together twelve community sectors, collecting and compiling data, presenting to key stakeholders, and providing support with ongoing initiatives.

"I am honored to be appointed to the MidAmerica EDC board," said Wawsczyk. "The 13-state region we serve is equivalent to the sixth largest economy in the world, representing over 20 percent of the nation’s population. This is a significant responsibility, and I do not take it lightly. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and what we can achieve together."

Twice a year, the Mid-America EDC holds conferences, open to those inside and outside the Mid-America region.

• In 2024, the Best Practices Conference will be held July 17-19 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Best Practices Conference is the annual spring/summer conference for Mid-America EDC. At the conference, attendees will learn best practices from industry professionals and experts.
• The annual Competitiveness Conference will be held in Columbus, Ohio December 4-6. The Competitiveness Conference is Mid-America EDC’s marquee event, focusing on corporate location/relocation and business retention. This is always a premium opportunity for our members and sponsors to rub elbows with site selection consultants. This conference is also one of the best ways to make regional economic development contacts, as well as to learn what other states in the region are doing to stay competitive.

For more information about the Mid-America EDC, including membership and sponsorship opportunities, visit midamericaedc.org. To learn more about the Mecosta County Economic Development Corporation, powered by The Right Place, visit rightplace.org/mecosta.