CEDC to Deliver Insights, Ideas During 2023 Economic Development Week

CONROE, TEXAS (May 3, 2023) – The Conroe Economic Development Council (CEDC) celebrates Economic Development Week from May 8 to May 12 with several events honoring the impact of economic development in Conroe. The events bring together key stakeholders for important updates and collaborative conversations that showcase Conroe’s economic vitality.

Economic Development Week in Conroe begins with a luncheon hosted by the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce on Monday, May 8 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center. Headlined by an economic development update from CEDC Executive Director Danielle Scheiner, the event provides insights into past, present, and future growth in Conroe. Registration is open on the Chamber’s website, Conroe.org.

The CEDC hosts the Economic Development Roundtable on Tuesday, May 9 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at 202 Main in Downtown Conroe. Participants will hear exciting news about economic development in Conroe and gain valuable insights from entrepreneurs and small businesses at this free event. 

CEDC Deputy Director Laura Lea Palmer moderates an entrepreneurship panel that includes Conroe Mayor and MHW Commercial Real Estate President/CEO Jody Czajkoski, Sapphire Gas Solutions CEO Sam Thigpen, Almost August Owner Kernita Butler Heard, and Dragon Bowl C Owner San Cheng. 

Other speakers at the event include Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center Director Rhonda Ellisor; Sam Houston State University Entrepreneurship Program Director and Co-Director of the Center for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Bob Milner; USTMAX Center Senior Director Dr. Carla E. Alsandor; and Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce Director of Special Events Courtney Budra. Registration for the Economic Development Roundtable can be found at ConroeEDC.org.

“Successful economic development requires the collaboration of many key stakeholders. Economic Development Week brings together a number of those integral partners with programming that highlights Conroe’s economic strength,” said CEDC Advisory Board Chair Steve Pilgrim.

“Economic Development Week allows us to display the robust growth and opportunity in Conroe. These events help showcase the efforts of the CEDC, as well as the impressive lineup of businesses and entrepreneurs that call Conroe home. I am excited to feature the very best of Conroe during Economic Development Week,” said Scheiner.

Created in 2016 by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Economic Development Week aims to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.

"As local and regional economies evolve, the role of economic developers and development organizations are crucial in energizing, preparing, and promoting local economic growth,” said IEDC President & CEO Nathan Ohle. “The 2023 Economic Development Week will recognize, distinguish, and show appreciation for the innovation and leadership of our community leaders building an equitable, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future. I hope communities everywhere will join us in celebrating the accomplishments and important work economic developers perform in their communities year-round.”

- 30 -

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.