Tourism as an Economic Engine: A Practical Industry Analysis
Tourism has a credibility problem in economic development circles. It gets treated as a consolation prize. It is something you pursue while you’re waiting for a real industry to show up. That framing is increasingly out of step with what the data shows. In communities with strong natural or cultural assets, tourism is not a […]
Manufacturing in Transition: A Regional Industry Analysis for EDOs
What replaces a high-wage mining job? It’s the question that keeps economic developers in post-industrial communities up at night, and there’s no easy answer. Healthcare fills the employment gap in most of these communities. Retail follows. But neither sector pays what industrial jobs once did. A recent diversification study of six counties in Southern West […]
Growing Local Economies: Agriculture’s Impact on Regional Development
When most people think about economic development in rural Appalachia, they picture infrastructure projects, industrial parks, or workforce pipelines into healthcare and manufacturing. Agriculture rarely leads the conversation, but it probably should. Across Southern West Virginia, local food production, specialty crops, and agritourism are quietly becoming some of the most promising and practical tools for […]
Announcement: Shaun Donovan Appointed to IEDC Emerging Trends Advisory Council
We are thrilled to announce that Shaun Donovan, Executive Partner at Bright Ideas Consulting, has been appointed to serve on the Emerging Trends Advisory Committee for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Shaun’s two-year term will run through December 31, 2027. The Emerging Trends Advisory Committee plays a vital role in shaping the future of […]
Bright Ideas Consulting Empowers McDowell County Chamber with AI Insights for Small Businesses
Bright Ideas Consulting was honored to support the McDowell County, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce at this year’s Annual Business Meeting. Shaun, Executive Partner at Bright Ideas Consulting, delivered a forward-thinking presentation on the practical uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for small businesses—a topic that’s rapidly shaping the future of economic development and entrepreneurship in […]