In addition to working closely with companies seeking support from the statewide JobsOhio organization, Steve leads Team NEO’s outreach efforts to Northeast Ohio’s economic development system, collaborating with peers on development, networking and communications programming that seeks to optimize the region’s capacity to fill and serve its business development pipeline.  In 2013, Steve was named to the inaugural “40 Under 40: Rising Star in Economic Development†by Development Counsellors International during the International Economic Development Council’s Leadership Summit in Orlando, Florida.

Steve’s background includes experience as a Business Systems Analyst within the Agency Automation group for Westfield Insurance.  And Director of Marketing and Business Attraction for Team NEO where he led the successful Cleveland Plus business development efforts towards national site selection consultants, as well as managing Team NEO’s online marketing program.

In addition, Steve has served on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Economic Development Association and the Industrial Asset Management Council’s Demographics Committee.

In this podcast, Steve shares his insight into the challenges associated with reinventing the economic development profession’s value proposition so it remains a relevant career for talented individuals.

Steve also offers insight into what he would counsel somebody who is looking at becoming an economic development professional.

This interview provides you with perspective about the direction of the profession from a recognized leader in economic development.  And, as a 40 Under 40 Rising Star recipient, Steve represents the voice of the next generation of economic development thought-leaders.

Brand Acceleration is a full-service branding, marketing communications, and public relations firm which is focused on economic and community development. Services include web sites, logos and brand visuals, e-mail marketing, brochures, online advertising, videos, social media marketing, and much more.

The company works nationally from Indianapolis, IN:317.536.6255, Charlotte, NC: 704.230.0394, and Atlanta, GA: 404.474.7980

Host Ed Burghard is creator of the www.strengtheningbrandamerica.com website.