10/04/10 Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) announced today that it has appointed Jennifer Laurent to be the Executive Director of the organization. Laurent joined the staff in February, 2010 as Assistant Director of Development Finance and has served as Interim Executive Director since June.
“Jennifer was given the opportunity and support of the MCEDC Board to demonstrate her ability to lead the organization” said Roger Umbaugh, Chair of the MCEDC Board of Directors. “At the same time, a national search was conducted and several other impressive candidates were considered. We’re pleased to announce that the Board has approved Jennifer as Executive Director and look forward to her continued successes.”
“I look forward to continuing our important work to keep and grow jobs in Marshall County and positioning the area for new investment” Laurent said. “We have many competitive strengths – transportation access, a high-caliber workforce, beautiful natural resources – and many innovative industries already at work here. But we need to build our regional alliances and development industry contacts to make sure these assets are well known.”
Laurent has a successful track record in economic development project leadership, commercial real estate development and grant administration. From 2003-2009, she held the position of Economic Development Specialist with the City of South Bend, where she served as Senior Project Manager for the Northeast Neighborhood south of the University of Notre Dame campus, Airport Economic Development Area and Downtown South Bend. A native of Mobile, Alabama, Laurent relocated to Michiana to direct the economic revitalization project on behalf of the City of South Bend that now includes Eddy Street Commons and Innovation Park @ Notre Dame.
Laurent has a Masters Degree in Urban Planning from New York University with a Specialization in Economic Development Finance. She is married to Andy Laurent, Manager of Growth Initiatives with Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad in Michigan City, Indiana.
“MCEDC has made a unique commitment to working hand in hand with Marshall County communities to facilitate pre-development work and aid with grant applications for needed infrastructure improvements,” Laurent said. “We will continue to grow our business retention program and entrepreneurship initiatives to foster a healthy business climate. There are many avenues by which MCEDC can positively impact the future of Marshall County, and there are important roles for citizens, businesses and civic leaders to play as well. I encourage everyone to join us in this effort.”
About MCEDC: Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) works to expand and diversify the economy of the county by fostering investment in new and existing facilities and creating entrepreneurial capacity. For more information about MCEDC, go to marshallcountyedc.org or call (574) 935-8499.
