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Tracye McDaniel shared this100 Years. 32x Larger. The Work Is Still Urgent. In 1926, the year International Economic Development Council’s predecessor organization held its first gathering, the US economy was roughly $90 billion in today’s dollars. Today it is nearly $30 trillion—more than 32 times larger. In 1926, nearly 4 in 10 American workers were in manufacturing. Today it is fewer than 1 in 12. In 1926 was no federal economic development agency; the Economic Development Administration (EDA) would not exist for another 39 years. And yet, here is what has not changed: communities have always needed people whose job it is to think strategically about growth, investment, talent, and opportunity. One hundred years ago, those people were called industrial bureau managers. Today we call them economic developers. The title has changed. The mission has not. Today, there are more than 11,000 economic development organizations in the United States alone, employing nearly 170,000 professionals and generating $18 billion in annual activity. That is not just a profession. It is an industry—one built over 100 years by practitioners who believed that where you live should not limit what you can become. Economic Development Week 2026 (May 4–8) is a moment to reflect on 100 years of impact and where the work must go next. At TIP Strategies, we have been privileged to work alongside economic developers across this country for 30 of those 100 years. The work has never been more consequential. A Call to Action: I would love to hear from you: How do you describe your work—and its impact—to others? Let's tell people what we do. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Onward! #IEDC100 #EconomicDevelopment #EconDevWeek #TIPStrategies #Onward
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Tracye McDaniel reposted thisTracye McDaniel reposted thisWhile a dominant institutional brand can be a powerful driver of growth, overreliance on a single entity may limit a community’s broader economic potential. TIP’s recent strategic planning work in College Station, Texas, illustrates how communities—particularly university towns—can leverage world-class institutions while cultivating a distinct local identity that attracts and retains talent, businesses, students, and visitors alike. 📣 Check out Erica Colston's insights here: https://lnkd.in/gVcpiBid #TIP30Years #ShapingTomorrow #economicdevelopment #placemaking #urbanplanning #innovation #communitydevelopment #CollegeStation #CSTX #GrowCollegeStation
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Tracye McDaniel reposted thisTracye McDaniel reposted thisGreat to have TIP team members in Chicagoland on Friday for the BIG EVENT hosted by Lake County Partners. Thank you for the invitation to join 500+ business and civic leaders—including partners like Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning—at this sold-out event celebrating regional alignment and coordinated action. As keynote speaker, Jon Roberts emphasized the importance of planning for the future and grounding it in a clear vision of what communities are working toward and who benefits along the way. Drawing on insights from 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘭, he challenged the audience to not just define the pace of growth, but the kind of future worth striving for. The conversation and the energy in the room reflected a region clearly on the move. #lcpbigevent #BigEvent2026 #LakeCountyIL #economicdevelopment #inspireandengage #chicagoland
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Tracye McDaniel shared thisBrownsville is experiencing significant growth. At the upcoming YTexas Summit, I will be moderating a fireside chat on “Energy Production: Powering the Future of Texas” featuring: • William Dietrich , CEO, Port of Brownsville • Tom Ramsey, Chief Commercial Officer, America First Refining As the Principal-in-Charge for Brownsville’s 2019 strategy and the 2026–2030 plan, Strategic Launch: Greater Brownsville – Powered by Collaboration. Driven by Possibility, I am eager to explore key questions: • Why has Brownsville become the preferred location for major energy and maritime investments? • How are infrastructure and partnerships transforming the region? • What implications does this have for the workforce, local businesses, and the energy transition? For those interested in the future of Texas energy and regional development, this conversation will be essential. I look forward to seeing many of you in Brownsville. Onward! #EconomicDevelopment #Brownsville #OnwardTracye McDaniel shared thisBrownsville, Texas is sitting at a unique intersection of trade, energy, and space, and the recent America First Refining announcement supports the narrative that South Texas is at the epicenter of national infrastructure investment. The shift from coastal ports (specifically the West coast) to Texas ports is driven by many factors, including the need for faster supply chains, resulting in billions of dollars in infrastructure investments in our ports, including deepening and widening shipping channels to serve the global economy. That's exactly the kind of shift the YTexas network is gathering to talk about on April 29th. I’m looking forward to connecting our network with the region's leadership: Mayor John Cowen, William Dietrich, CEO of the Port of Brownsville - Texas, Tom Ramsey COO of America First Refining, Cori Peña, Gilberto Salinas, JORGE CARDENAS MBA, PMP This YTexas Brownsville event will cover infrastructure, manufacturing, cybersecurity, energy, space, workforce and education. Leadership joining us includes the City of Brownsville, Texas, SpaceX, Intel, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Greater Brownsville EDC, Laredo Economic Development Corporation, Texas Southmost College, Leto Consultants, South Texas Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, McAllen Economic Development Corporation, America First Refining, TIP Strategies, and Cyversity-Austin. If you can make the trip, come join us. https://lnkd.in/givV3BfT
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Tracye McDaniel shared thisBeing part of this program each year is truly an honor. Barry Matherly CEcD, FM, HLM, thank you for connecting me with such incredible leaders in the field. Onward!Tracye McDaniel shared thisTIP president Tracye McDaniel will join a panel on April 23 as part of the OU Economic Development Institute. She will take part in “Managing an EDO: Executive Practitioner’s Discussion,” alongside leaders from across the field, sharing perspectives on guiding organizations through complexity and change. Learn more about EDI: https://lnkd.in/e7UYuew2 #EconomicDevelopment #econdev #Leadership #OU_EDI #InspireAndEngage #TIP30Years
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Tracye McDaniel shared thisTwo Days at Harvard Kennedy School — and These Leaders Have Me Fired Up About the Future of Economic Development. I just spent two days with the State and Local Economic Development (SLED) program at Harvard Kennedy School — classroom sessions, office hours with class members, and dinner — and I am still running on the energy from this group. Day one: “From Strategy to Impact” — my personal and professional journey through 30+ years in this work. The pivots, the doubt, the imposter syndrome, the moments that don’t make the resume. I talked for about 25 minutes. They carried the rest. Day two: “Real Leaders Don’t Lead” — a deep dive into what it means to be an ecosystem integrator in economic development. Not the person with all the answers or all the authority, but the one who builds alignment across sectors, earns trust where none existed, and helps the system move. We challenged the old command-and-control playbook and explored what it looks like to lead when no one has enough power to act alone. The conversations were sharp, honest, and exactly what the field needs right now. These leaders — showed up ready. Ready to be vulnerable about career fears we don’t say out loud. Ready to challenge me and each other. Ready to listen. One question landed differently in the room: “Thirty years from now, when someone tells the story of your career, what do you want the through-line to be — not the titles, but the thread?” The answers were extraordinary. The learning didn’t stop in the classroom. Office hours turned into real conversations about career crossroads, leadership fears, and what comes next. Dinner extended those conversations even further — the kind of unscripted moments where trust is built and ideas take root. Here is what I know after two days with this group: the future of economic development is in good hands. These leaders think systemically, care deeply, and are not afraid to lead from who they authentically are. Grateful to Rafael Carbonell for the invitation back, and proud to represent TIP Strategies in rooms like this. These conversations are the best part of what I do. To every leader in that room: your path doesn’t have to be clean. It has to be yours. Stay in touch — I meant that. Thanks to the amazing team at HKS SLED program, you folks rock! Onward! #HarvardKennedySchool #EconomicDevelopment #Leadership #EcosystemIntegrator #SLED #TIPStrategies #Onward
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Tracye McDaniel shared thisChief Executive has just released its 2026 “State of the States: Who’s Building the Future of Business?” survey of CEOs. From TIP Strategies’ perspective, rankings like this are significant—not just for bragging rights, but because they shape perception, which influences the shortlist before projects even reach your pipeline. Economic developers should consider the following actions: - Treat the survey as early intel on how CEOs perceive your state’s business climate. - Use it to pressure-test your narrative: does your story to prospects align with what CEOs are saying? - Focus your strategy on the fundamentals highlighted in the survey—talent, sites, infrastructure, and responsiveness. The most successful practitioners today are actively shaping the future. They are asking: What can we do to ensure we thrive five to ten years and beyond? By investing in development-ready sites, building strong workforce partnerships, and cultivating meaningful relationships with target companies, communities can position themselves for lasting growth. Now is the time to take bold steps, strengthen your foundation, and make your vision a reality. Rankings serve as helpful markers when transformed into action. How will you incorporate this year’s results into your strategy and messaging efforts? Onward! #EconomicDevelopment #ChiefExecutive #TIPStrategies #OnwardThe State Of The States: Who's Building The Future Of Business?The State Of The States: Who's Building The Future Of Business?
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Tracye McDaniel reposted thisTracye McDaniel reposted thisTIP president Tracye McDaniel will be in Cambridge, Massachusetts, April 16–17 for the final session of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Economic Development Seminar. This program brings together a select group of graduate students exploring careers in public service and economic development. Tracye will share reflections from more than three decades in the field, along with perspectives on leadership as ecosystem integration—designing the systems that enable communities to perform and adapt over time. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gdbamDSH Taubman Center for State & Local Government #EconomicDevelopment #econdev #PublicLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #ThoughtLeadership #InspireandEngage #TIP30Years #HarvardKennedySchool
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Tracye McDaniel shared thisUncertainty Is Not the Exception. It Is the Job. The best economic development leaders I know share one trait: they lead through uncertainty without waiting for certainty. This month has tested that instinct. Energy prices surging. Global supply chains under pressure from the conflict in the Middle East. Federal funding timelines shifting. Communities asking hard questions about resilience. In moments like these, I think about what separates reactive leadership from strategic leadership. Reactive leaders wait for clarity, then act. Strategic leaders create clarity for others, even while navigating ambiguity themselves. At TIP Strategies, we have sat across the table from hundreds of communities in exactly these moments — when the plan meets reality and leaders have to decide whether to hunker down or lean in. The ones who lean in almost always come out stronger. After 30 years in this work, here is what I have seen hold true in volatile seasons: First, communicate more, not less. Stakeholders do not need you to have all the answers. They need to know you are paying attention and thinking ahead. Second, pressure-test your assumptions. That industry recruitment target, that infrastructure timeline, that revenue projection — does it still hold in a $90-per-barrel oil environment? Revisit it. Third, double down on relationships. When external conditions shift, internal alignment is your greatest asset. Boards, partners, and community leaders who trust each other move faster when speed matters. Economic development has always been practiced in uncertain conditions. That is not the exception. It is the job. The question is not whether disruption will come. It is whether your team is built to lead through it. Onward! #Leadership #EconomicDevelopment #Resilience #TIPStrategies #StrategicPlanning
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22h
Selma Nellie Piña, thank you for your insights and your leadership in Richmond, TX.
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Tracye McDaniel liked thisTracye McDaniel liked thisHappy Administrative Professionals Day to the BEST: Willette Wallace, Executive Assistant at TxEDC! Willette is truly the anchor of our office, keeping everything running smoothly and bringing a level of care and professionalism that doesn’t go unnoticed. Anyone who has connected with her by email or phone already knows how special she is, and meeting her in person only confirms it. We appreciate you more than words can say! Thank you for all that you do, Willette!
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Tracye McDaniel liked thisTracye McDaniel liked this#1 in our hearts, and now in the U.S.❤️🌳 Forest Park earns the #1 spot on the USA TODAY 10BEST City Park list. Congratulations to Forest Park Forever on this recognition. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e7rdX9Hd
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Tracye McDaniel liked thisTracye McDaniel liked thisThe 2026-2027 Texas Economic Development Guide is here! Featuring in-depth reports on the Texas economy, industries and regions, see why Texas continues to land the most corporate facility projects in America. Also check out interviews with Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, EDT Executive Director Adriana Cruz and more! https://bit.ly/4sWGl4s
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Tracye McDaniel liked thisTracye McDaniel liked thisThe Laredo Economic Development Corporation was honored to participate in the YTexas Summit with founder Ed Curtis and Brownsville Mayor John Cowen. Rey Reyes and zi enjoyed the tour of SpaceX and the Port of Brownsville - Texas.
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Tracye McDaniel liked thisTracye McDaniel liked thisThis morning I joined Ed Curtis and the YTEXAS Regional Summit in downtown Brownsville for a fireside conversation on “Why Texas. Why Brownsville?” We highlighted our city’s rapid growth, strong workforce, and the expanding opportunities that continue to attract investment and innovation to our region. Brownsville is moving forward with prosperity and purpose, we are leading the way for what’s next.
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Tracye McDaniel liked this100 Years. 32x Larger. The Work Is Still Urgent. In 1926, the year International Economic Development Council’s predecessor organization held its first gathering, the US economy was roughly $90 billion in today’s dollars. Today it is nearly $30 trillion—more than 32 times larger. In 1926, nearly 4 in 10 American workers were in manufacturing. Today it is fewer than 1 in 12. In 1926 was no federal economic development agency; the Economic Development Administration (EDA) would not exist for another 39 years. And yet, here is what has not changed: communities have always needed people whose job it is to think strategically about growth, investment, talent, and opportunity. One hundred years ago, those people were called industrial bureau managers. Today we call them economic developers. The title has changed. The mission has not. Today, there are more than 11,000 economic development organizations in the United States alone, employing nearly 170,000 professionals and generating $18 billion in annual activity. That is not just a profession. It is an industry—one built over 100 years by practitioners who believed that where you live should not limit what you can become. Economic Development Week 2026 (May 4–8) is a moment to reflect on 100 years of impact and where the work must go next. At TIP Strategies, we have been privileged to work alongside economic developers across this country for 30 of those 100 years. The work has never been more consequential. A Call to Action: I would love to hear from you: How do you describe your work—and its impact—to others? Let's tell people what we do. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Onward! #IEDC100 #EconomicDevelopment #EconDevWeek #TIPStrategies #Onward
Experience & Education
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TIP Strategies
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Volunteer Experience
Honors & Awards
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Texas Expands Economic Ties with Taiwan, Belgium
Business Facilities
https://businessfacilities.com/2017/03/texas-expands-economic-ties-with-taiwan-belgium/
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Turners honored with Texas Business Stars award
Waco Tribune
http://www.wacotrib.com/news/business/mike_copeland/mike-copeland-turners-honored-second-jersey-mike-s-gas-prices/article_38b104fc-157b-5bdf-bec6-2d0e561e2684.html
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Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation in sound financial shape
KTRE
http://www.ktre.com/story/33421431/nacogdoches-economic-development-corporation-in-sound-financial-shape
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Texas Delegation Heads to Japan on Mission to Promote Lone Star State for Continued Trade and Business Investment
Austin Business Journal
http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/prnewswire/press_releases/Georgia/2016/10/03/NY06153?ana=prnews
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VEDC wins first-ever Elevate Texas Award
Victoria Advocate
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2016/oct/30/vedc-wins-first-ever-elevate-texas-award/
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Abbott Ad Asks British Businesses to 'Declare Independence'
Texas Tribune
https://www.texastribune.org/2016/07/02/abbott-ad-seeks-british-business-independence/
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Texas Today 2016: A Diverse Roster of Companies Continue to Seek Out Texas’ Pro-Business Environment
Area Development
http://www.areadevelopment.com/stateResources/texas/diverse-companies-seek-texas-pro-business-environment-909077.shtml
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Texas targets post-Brexit businesses: Move here
CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/05/politics/greg-abbott-brexit-texas-london-digital-ads/
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Illinois Hopes To Emulate Other States With New Business Development Partnership
Medill News
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/illinois-hopes-to-emulate-other-states-with-new-business-development-partnership/
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2025 IEDC Lifetime Achievement Award
International Economic Development Council
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Roy Morejon
Roy Morejon
🚀 From Digital Pioneer to AI Innovation Catalyst<br><br>I wrote my first line of code at 11, finding myself consulting for AOL and Microsoft in my teens. <br><br>While others were playing Super NES, I was fascinated by how digital systems worked—and more importantly, how they could work better.<br><br>That early pattern recognition—seeing not just what technology could do, but what it COULD do—has defined my career. After three decades at the intersection of technology, innovation, and business growth, I've helped launch over 4,000 products and generated more than a billion dollars in global sales.<br><br>But watching enterprises struggle with AI adoption sparked a bigger mission: <br><br>What if we could allow established companies to see around corners and adapt quickly to technological change?<br><br>That's how AheadA was born. <br><br>Our name? It's not just clever wordplay – it's our promise.<br><br>At AheadA, we're not just implementing technology; we're propelling enterprises into the future. We keep you "aheada what's next" in a world where change is the only constant.<br><br>Here's how we're turbocharging corporate giants with startup DNA:<br><br>🧠 AI Strategy That's Aheada the Curve We craft bespoke AI roadmaps that don't just meet your current needs – they anticipate future challenges.<br><br>🚀 Digital Transformation That Leaves Others in the Dust We infuse your enterprise with startup speed, modernizing systems and mindsets to keep you aheada the competition.<br><br>💡 Innovation Workshops That Spark Tomorrow's Big Ideas Our "Aheada the Game" sessions ignite the forward-thinking that turns industry followers into leaders.<br><br>🤖 AI Solutions That Put You Aheada the Pack We implement AI that catapults your team's efficiency up to 300%, uncovering revenue streams your competitors haven't even dreamed of.<br><br>📈 Efficiency Optimization That's Aheada Expectations Using cutting-edge AI analytics, we streamline processes in ways that keep you aheada traditional benchmarks.<br><br>🏋️ Future-Proofing That Keeps You Aheada Disruption From AI literacy programs to innovation incubators, we build your capacity to stay aheada the curve, always.<br><br>The result? Enterprises that don't just keep up with change – they define it. Our clients don't react to the future; they create it.<br><br>At AheadA, we're not just consultants. <br><br>We're your co-pilots in the journey to stay aheada what's next. <br><br>Ready to lead the charge into the future instead of playing catch-up? <br><br>Don't just prepare for the future – be the first to arrive.<br><br>With AheadA, you're always aheada the game.<br><br>Schedule a consultation: https://clarity.fm/roymorejon
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