Walter Williams, EDFP

Experience

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  National City Bank

  Jun 1984 - Feb 1992

  Branch Manager/Commercial Loan Officer

  Branch Banking/commercial loan officer

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  SBDC Gannon University

  Mar 1992 - Dec 1992

  Entrepreneurial Outreach Specialist

  Managed the City of Erie's revolving loan fund.

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  Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority

  Dec 1992 - Mar 1994

  Western Regional Representative/businss analyst

  Low-interest loan financing to businesses owned and operated by ethnic minorities.

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  COSE

  Jan 1995 - Jan 2009

  Extension Educator

  Managed all aspects of Community Development program in Cuyahoga County and provided leadership to the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s business retention and expansion division. Secured financing for businesses in the amount of $627M over 15 years which resulted in 3500 new jobs being created. Responsible for projects and program evaluations, reporting and compliance monitoring, as well as marketing and communications with the media for related projects. Director of the Greater Cleveland Growth Association’s Business Attraction Program. Identified and assisted 48 companies to relocate to Northeast Ohio. Average investment of these companies was $4M. Supervised four-member business attraction staff. Responsible for creating marketing materials that were placed in site selection publications. Managed budget and tracked expenses of program initiatives while continuing to lead fundraising efforts. Managed outreach activities to increase linkages among educational community, business community, and industry associations. Show less

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  City of Farmington, Missouri

  Jan 2009 - Jul 2012

  Director Economic Development

  Managed the City’s Economic Development Department. Created sustainable economic enhancement initiatives and strategies for success. Worked with key public and private partners to form a dynamic team in the community dedicated to increasing investments and jobs. Under the direction of the City Administrator, and in support of the City's Industrial Development Authority, the Director planned, organized, directed, and supervised the programs and projects of the Economic Development function of the City Administrator’s office. Show less

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  Commerce City

  Sept 2012 - Oct 2013

  Economic Development Manager

  The Manager of Economic Development plans, organizes, and implements economic development functions from conception to completion, including business retention and business attraction/incentive programs. The Manager lead the City’s economic enhancement programs, create strategies for increasing the City’s economic prosperity and aid in/encourage responsible growth, while working with public and private partners to form a dynamic team dedicated to the City’s current and future prosperity.

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  City of Edwardsville, Illinois

  Oct 2014 - Apr 2021

  Economic /Community Development Director

  Develop and execute a comprehensive community and economic development strategy which includes existing business development, new business start-up, attraction and recruitment, and community preparedness.

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  Madison County Government

  Apr 2021 - Jan 2023

  Community Development Coordinator
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  City of Racine

  Jul 2023 - now

  Director of Development

  Under the direction of the City Administrator and the Mayor, this position is responsible for general control, management, and direction of the following: Advises the Mayor and members of the Common Council on various matters pertaining to City development.