Consultant Connect, a consulting agency that bridges the gap between economic developers and site consultants, named Andrea Schruijer, Executive Director of Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. The professionals selected for the list were nominated by their colleagues in both the economic development industry and the site consultant community for excellent practices, innovation and success in building the communities they serve.

“Being selected by site selection professionals and your peers to such a small list is truly a great honor” stated Schruijer. “Economic Development is a team sport that requires many talented and dedicated players. Being recognized by peers and site selection professionals for the work we do to advance Valdosta-Lowndes County, Georgia’s economy is truly gratifying.” 

Other Georgia honorees were Annie Baxter, Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce Director, Brenda Robbins, Georgia Power Project Manager, and Jonathan Sangster, Georgia Power Economic Development Manager. Along with the honor of being recognized as top performing economic developers, recipients will be featured on the podcast, From The Ground Up: North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. Each leader will share insights gained from their experiences in the field of economic development, what makes their communities unique and their perspective on important industry trends. The podcast featuring Andrea Schruijer is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2015.

“The list of North American’s Top 50 Economic Developers was developed as a way to acknowledge the work of these 50 economic development leaders and elevate the conversation around best practices in the industry,” said Ron Kitchens, managing partner of Consultant Connect. “Each leader named is absolutely deserving of this recognition for the work they do every day to build their communities. The insights they share on the podcast are invaluable and worth every minute of your time to listen in.”

For more information about North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers or to subscribe to the weekly podcast, visit http://consultantconnect.org/category/econdev-podcast/. The podcast series is also available via iTunes by searching “From The Ground Up: North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.”