The new year with LEDC

The new year brings with it the chance for new and exciting things, and the chance to reflect on the previous year. And that could not be truer than with Christophe Trahan and the Linden Economic Development Corporation. Looking back at 2019, Trahan reflects that it was a year of change. With changes in how LEDC operates, changes in management, and changes in LEDC’s strategies for pursuing economic success for Linden.

There were also many accomplishments that LEDC can be proud of. Strengthening the coordination of LEDC with other organizations, both local and the surrounding areas, was a goal for 2019 and that goal was amplified when Trahan became director in March.

Throughout 2019 he was able to work with people and organizations in a lot of different locals including Hughes Springs, Atlanta, and Morris County. He is quoted as saying, “I see the bridges built with those relationships as terrific accomplishments that go toward bringing us into a brighter future.”

2019 also saw the creation of the Small Business Workshop, which is held quarterly. LEDC also began working to bring Open Hearts, Children and Family Services to Linden.

The projects that LEDC will be working on in 2020 will reflect change. Trahan says they will “start taking bigger steps and shaking things up for the betterment of the city.”

Also in the works is a website for LEDC thanks to Authur Kimmel and possible positive changes to their existing loan program through the USDA. He is also working to bring new economic incentive grants to offer. That is just a small taste of the things Trahan and the LEDC are working on for this year.

Goals for 2020 are, again, all about change. They will continue to work towards attracting new businesses, retaining and expanding existing businesses, and developing a market for tourism. He says about the goals, “I want to see the strategies for those goals change from attempting to pursue them in the system that we’ve been working in thus far into reshaping the systems to best suit our endgame of economic development and prosperity.” Of LEDC’s goals, Trahan says business retention and expansion is most important.

This is because without an environment of growth and support, you can’t expect to see any progress in business attraction or tourism development.

When asked about his personal goals for the New Year, Trahan stated that he isn’t really a resolutions kind of person. But he did say that he will focus on fitness, healthier eating, and pursuing hobbies that he has let fall by the wayside such as writing and playing guitar.

As for his role at LEDC, he just really enjoys the people he gets to interact with.

If you would like to get more involved, you can find LEDC on Facebook @LindenEconDevCorps, reading the Cass County Sun, attending meetings, including city council, Main Street, LEDC Board meetings, and Lion’s Club which are all open to the public, and, of course, you can always stop by LEDC and talk to Christophe in person. LEDC is located at 201 N Main St and their phone number is (903) 756-7774.