Burleson economic development manager named Industry leader
Burleson Economic Development Manager Alex Philips was recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect. Consultant Connect, a consulting agency designed to bridge the gap between economic developers and site consultants, announced its 2018 list of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers Monday, Sept. 10. The economic development professionals selected for this list were nominated by their colleagues in both the economic development industry and the site consultant community for excellent practices, innovation and success in building the communities they serve.
“The City of Burleson is incredibly fortunate to have Alex Philips leading our economic development efforts,” said Dale Cheatham, Burleson city manager. “Alex loves this community and works hard every day to attract businesses that will have a long-term positive effect in our city.”
“This annual list recognizing North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers is designed to acknowledge the hard work of the top leaders in this field and elevate the conversation around economic development and job creation,” said Ron Kitchens, managing partner of Consultant Connect. “Each of the leaders represented on this year’s list are beyond deserving of this recognition for their efforts in building our communities.”
Philips desire to bring quality industry to the city and development of a sustainable workforce makes him an industry leader.
“Alex goes above and beyond every day to develop relationships and find creative ways to make our community attractive to new businesses,” said Mandy Clark, Burleson development services director. “We are particularly proud of the groundbreaking Burleson Works program which Alex spearheaded to match candidates for skilled labor scholarships with local industries to begin filling the skilled labor gap.”
But Philips is the first to tell you that his success is only possible through teamwork on all levels of the organization.
“I have the privilege of working with one of the best economic teams,” said Philips. “I would not be successful without the unwavering support of our business-friendly city council, our progressive city management and the development services staff who are constantly looking for ways to assist growing our community.”
Philips, a Burleson High School graduate, started his career with the City of Burleson as water/wastewater inventory associate in March 2008. Philips began to make the transition to economic development when he took on a position as an engineering coordinator. In 2014, he became the economic development coordinator and was promoted to economic development manager two years ago.
“This community is an exceptional place,” said Philips. “It is evident by our success that other people, companies and businesses are starting to see what a great story Burleson has to tell. We really are Hometown, Done Right!”
The complete list of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers includes:
Alex Philips, City of Burleson Economic Development
Amanda Nobles, Kilgore Economic Development Corporation
Brenda Robbins, Georgia Power
Brian Anderson, Wabash Valley Power
Brittany Holtzclaw, Georgia Department of Economic Development
Cathy Chambers, JAXUSA Partnership
Chris Strayer, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Christie Cooper Myers, Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Dale Fowler, Victoria Economic Development Corp. Tx.
Danielle Scheiner, Conroe Economic Development Council
David Griggs, MetroHartford Alliance
Donna Maisel, Marshall Economic Development Corporation
Erin Schneider, Duke Energy
Gary Tonjes, Albuquerque Economic Development
Grady Fitzpatrick, Greater New Orleans Inc.
Greg Hitchin, City of Waynesboro
Greg Wathen, Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana
Greg Word, Greater Jackson Alliance
Gregg Simon, Metro Atlanta Chamber
Heidi Smith, Tennessee Valley Authority
James Chavez, South Carolina Power Team
James Otterstein, Rock County Economic Development Agency
Jason Ford, Greater Houston Partnership
Jason Giulietti, Connecticut Economic Resource Center
Jay Schwedler, Sumter (SC) Economic Development | The LinkSC Alliance
Jeff Hite, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
Jefferson Traywick, Birmingham Business Alliance
Jenna Kavanaugh, Invest Buffalo Niagara
Jeremy Sowders, Hoosier Energy
Jerry Bologna, Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission
Jill Bland, Southwest Michigan First
Keith Norden, Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation
Kelly Violette, Tomball Economic Development Corporation
Lee Crume, JobsOhio
Margaret O’Riley, Duke Energy
Mark Peterson, Intersect Illinois
Marvin Price, Charlotte Regional Partnership
Matt McQuade, Columbus 2020
Matthew Godinez, Chanute Regional Development Authority
Michael Buranyi, County of Brant, Ontario Canada
Michele Boggs, San Antonio Economic Development Foundation
Rachel Pierson Delamain, Baton Rouge Area Chamber
Richard Blackwell, Agracel, Inc.
Rick Byars, Gulf Power Company
Scott Darnell, Paducah Economic Development
Shane Homan, Community Development Foundation of Tupelo Mississippi
Shannon Ogletree, Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office
Sherry Ambrose, Florida Power & Light
Tricia Braun, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Victoria Hirschberg, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development