One of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of economic development thought leaders went looking for its next class of elite rising stars and found one in our region.
Wice
Josh Wice, vice president for operations and strategic initiatives at REDI Cincinnati, will join the 2017 Consultant Connect NEXT class. He is one of just 20 selected to join the August meeting to share insights, build a network, and connect with site consultants.
Wice, who lives in Erlanger, called his selection an honor and said that he is looking forward to meeting and working with other professionals in the economic development field.
“Greater Cincinnati’s recent growth is the envy of the nation, and I can’t wait to take our region’s story to the Consultant Connect NEXT class,” Wice said. “Of course, it’s an honor to be chosen through such a selective process, but it’s also humbling to be representing the Queen City at a time when so many great things are happening here. It’s a story I look forward to sharing.”
Being chosen to take part in the NEXT class is no small task. A council of site consultants and advisors must approve each candidate before he or she can attend the gathering. The advisory panel is looking only for the best, those who can create positive change in the industry.
“Identifying and investing in the next generation of economic development leaders is what NEXT is all about,” said Carla Winchester, managing part of Consultant Connect. “Josh has already demonstrated his leadership in economic development and through his work has been identified as a pioneer in the industry. We look forward to learning with and from him in the coming months.”
Wice joined REDI in 2016 after leading the economic development efforts in Florence, another city in the region witnessing a major boom in growth. He has been applauded for his idea that economic development provides a pathway to bring people out of poverty through increased educational opportunities, building a stronger region.
“For me, it’s not just about providing the biggest incentive to bring in development. It’s important that we think long-term, and about direct and indirect ripples created by our efforts,” Wice said. “It’s never about one project at a time. It’s a big-picture mentality, and an idea about how the entire region benefits from each project.”
Wice designed Florence’s first local economic development incentive program, modernized its commercial real estate tracking activity, and engaged a firm to market the growing city nationally.
At REDI, his professional growth and successes have continued.
“Josh has been an economic development expert in our region for many years,” said Johnna Reeder, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati. “The NEXT program is the perfect way to recognize his achievements and give him the opportunity collaborate with other industry professionals who shape our industry’s future.”
The Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Cincinnati has been consistently recognized as one of the top economic development organizations by Site Selection magazine. REDI is a first point-of-contact for questions about locating or expanding companies in the region.
REDI Cincinnati
