Jay Langston has spent his career working with businesses and local communities to help improve their economic well-being. Now the Executive Director of Shenandoah Valley Partnership, he is leading efforts to expand and relocate business to the region while staying true to the Valley’s roots. In this episode, Jay talks about what it’s like working in economic development and the new priorities companies have when they’re considering a location for their business.
This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.
Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.
Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/mindful-community-development/
Continue the conversation on social:
For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.
We’re also on:
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing
Episode Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction - Jay Langston
(1:29) Getting into Economic Development
(2:50) Doing business in the Shenandoah Valley
(6:56) Philosophy of Economic Development
(11:24) Out of the ordinary economic development
(18:18) Big wins for attracting new companies
(22:19) Balancing growth and what is best for the region
(26:11) Working with existing businesses
(28:50) Affiliation with James Madison University
(32:17) Misconceptions of economic development
(35:17) Telling the story of the Shenandoah Valley
(40:45) Being open to new things
(44:15) What is next for Jay Langston
(46:13) If you hadn’t been in economic development, what would you be doing?
(47:45) Advice to younger self
(50:52) Outro - Jay Langston
