Carolyn Chrisman, GMLC 2015 alumna and member of GMLF Board of Directors, was named the Professional Economic Developer of the Year, an award given by the Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC) at their annual meeting, held June 11-13th, 2019.
The award’s purpose is to recognize the contribution of economic developers who have worked made a significant contribution to the field of community based economic development. It is a peer nominated and peer selected process.
Chrisman has been instrumental in starting the Upstate Missouri Alliance, where the East and West meet yearly to collaborate on joint issues; she initiated the Leadership Northeast program, where leaders from multiple industries gain leadership skills and learn to take a regional approach to pressing issues; and she spearheaded the effort to keep taxes local for publicly owned wind farms, which will help Northwest, Northeast, and Southwest Missouri communities. Additionally, Chrisman has also worked on large projects because in 2017, she was awarded the Business Retention and Expansion award from MEDC for the Kraft Heinz project.
“It is an honor to be recognized by this statewide organization and to accept the award for economic developer of the year. I was shocked to hear my name called! But I thoroughly enjoy working with my colleagues in Upstate Missouri and around the state. And most importantly, I love working to make my community and region a great place to live and work!” stated Chrisman.
Congratulations Carolyn!!!!