Who knew that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Power of Community had something in common? Brian Harland, Assistant Director of the Jefferson County Development Corporation - Mt.Vernon, Illinois, came to discuss how economic development is vital to a community. The JCDC contributes to economic development through many avenues: business attraction, retention and expansion, workforce development, economic sustainability, and entrepreneurship support which all lead to a quality of life. The goal is simple: build a community for future generations.

Our young entrepreneurs learned about the immeasurable value that small businesses bring to the community. 99.9% of all businesses in the United States are classified as small businesses. 33% of small businesses start with less than $5,000. Small businesses are the heartbeat of the CEO program. These are the businesses that invest so much into what we do each and every day.

"Teamwork accomplishes tasks, community accomplishes goals." These future entrepreneurs are now tasked with the job of being a part of the group that accomplishes goals for the Jefferson County community. CEO participants are no longer viewed as students, but rather an integral part of the community. Throughout this experience, they are immersed in the value of small businesses and work collaboratively with community leaders to accomplish goals for the greater good of Jefferson County.

Thank you Brian for your engaging conversation this morning and for challenging our group on how they are going to join the ranks of other community business leaders who want to see our county flourish.

#communityfirst #goalsforgrowth #CEO #teamworkandninjaturtles 🐢