Palmer Recognized Among North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers

Palmer Recognized Among North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers Main Photo

13 Apr 2022


Staff News

KALAMAZOO, MICH. (April 13, 2022) – Conroe Economic Development Council (CEDC) Deputy Director Laura Lea Palmer was announced by Consultant Connect as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. This annual list is designed to acknowledge top leaders in this field and elevate the conversation around economic development and job creation. Palmer was nominated by her colleagues in the economic development and site location consulting industries for excellent practices, innovation, and success in building the Conroe community. 

“Releasing the Top 50 list is one of Consultant Connect’s favorite times of the year because we are so passionate about recognizing economic development leaders’ transformative work. This year’s group faced hurdles unlike any other Top 50 group has seen over the past year, and we are honored to provide a platform for them to be recognized for the passionate commitment they’ve made to their communities,” said Carla Sones, managing director of Consultant Connect.

Palmer will be honored in December at Consultant Connect’s ECONOMIX event in Columbus, Ohio. She will also be featured on the Consultant Connect social media channels, where she will share industry knowledge, leadership insights, and career wisdoms with fellow industry professionals.

“I am grateful to have been selected by Consultant Connect for this recognition. It is incredible to be nominated by and recognized alongside these remarkable economic developers,” said Palmer. “I cherish the opportunity to represent the Conroe EDC and work in this industry. I look forward to accepting this award in December and collaborating with our team to bring further economic opportunity to Conroe.”

Palmer has worked in economic development for more than a decade and served as CEDC’s Deputy Director since 2019. A graduate of the University of Mississippi and a Certified Economic Developer, Palmer has continued her professional education by graduating from University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and obtaining her Business Retention and Expansion Coordinator certification through the Business Retention Expansion International organization.

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About Consultant Connect
Consultant Connect works to bridge the gap between leading economic developers and site location consultants through exclusive networking events, educational services and leadership development. Consultant Connect not only gives economic developers an inside look into the world of site selection, it gives them the applicable information necessary to propel their careers and communities forward.

About the Conroe Economic Development Council    
The mission of the Conroe Economic Development Council is to enhance the strength and stability of the greater Conroe economy through the support of existing industry and the attraction of manufacturing and service sector business, which bring new capital and employment opportunities into the community.