Marshall celebrates Economic Development Week, May 12-16

Marshall Economic Development is proud to join the national celebration of Economic Development Week (EDW) from May 12 to May 16. Established by the International Economic Development Council, EDW spotlights the critical role economic development plays in building strong, vibrant communities. 

Economic development is the engine driving Marshall’s continued success, and it extends beyond landing new businesses. It’s about creating sustainable jobs, nurturing innovation, strengthening our existing businesses, and creating a higher quality of life for every resident of the community. All of these efforts combine to help prospective businesses and residents “Imagine Our Future” here.

“Economic development is the foundation of a thriving community,” Rush Harris, Executive Director of Marshall Economic Development, said. “By supporting businesses and empowering the next generation of workers, we are investing in a brighter future for everyone who calls Marshall home.” 

The role of Marshall Economic Development

At MED, our goal is to advance Marshall’s economic prosperity through strategic initiatives and strong community partnerships. Economic development is a collaborative effort requiring business leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders to work together for long-term, sustainable success. Our organization’s work covers a wide range of services designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses.

Key initiatives for 2025

Developing an updated strategic plan

Achieving long-term goals requires a long-term vision. For economic development organizations, a strategic plan includes clear objectives and maps the path to accomplishment with tasks, timelines, and associated data. Crafting a strategic plan is a collaborative process and allows economic development organizations to establish realistic goals that support community, business, and workforce needs. Marshall is crafting a new strategic plan in 2025 to create a more prosperous, resilient community alongside city, county, and education leaders. Partnerships with other EDOs, such as the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce, also drive progress and inform the strategic decisions shaping our community.

WE Align continues to forge connections

WE Align, a unique collaboration bringing our business and education leaders together for workforce development, remains a top priority for our organization. Industry participants at WE Align include large healthcare providers and manufacturing groups and reflect the diversity we see everyday in Marshall’s businesses and residents.

Amplifying popular events

Building on successful initiatives launched over the past several years has already led to a memorable 2025. Our Annual Meeting in January brought together business and community leaders for a unique learning opportunity featuring Carlton Schwab, President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Council. In February, the 2025 Career Expo featured 43 businesses and schools and helped nearly 700 students imagine a future in Marshall careers. Continuing engagement efforts through 2025 will focus on student leadership and more. 

Building a better future together

Through these efforts and other dynamic programs, MED is committed to making Marshall a place where businesses can thrive and families flourish. As we celebrate Economic Development Week, we also celebrate the dedication, spirit of innovation, and leadership of the people and partner organizations who make this work possible. From local small business leaders to our educators, civic leaders, and economic developers, it takes a united effort to create change. 

Join us in shaping Marshall’s Future

We invite you to learn more about how our local governments, including the City of Marshall and Harrison County, economic development organizations, and primary, secondary, and higher educational institutions, are making a difference in Marshall and how you can be a part of the ongoing economic growth story.

Visit our website or contact us today to discover how we can support your goals and how we can work together to build a stronger, more prosperous Marshall.