In honor of the 10th annual National Economic Development Week, Tucker’s economic development leaders will be hosting two events in May dedicated to bolstering business and growth in the city.
Economic Development Week, which lands on May 4 through 8 this year, was created by the International Economic Development Council to celebrate the impact that economic development organizations and professionals have in their communities. Tucker City Council honored the celebration with a proclamation on April 13.
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Erica Rocker, Tucker’s economic development director, told Rough Draft that she and her team are the go-to for business professionals, from small entrepreneurs to multi-million-dollar developers, who need support. The department aids in site selection for businesses looking to locate to Tucker, manages zoning issues, advocates for business owners at City Hall, and connects businesses with critical resources and information.
“In a nutshell, we make dreams come true,” Rocker said. “…We know where you should go to get what you need, and usually it’s at no charge.”
Rocker, who is a member of the IEDC, said she has always made it a point to celebrate Economic Development Week throughout her 25 years in the field.
On May 6, developers, business leaders, investors, and community partners will gather at the Northlake Mall lower atrium for the inaugural Tucker Economic Development Summit.
“This is an event to welcome and bring developers who may or may not have heard of Tucker and may not know what projects we have going on here,” Rocker said.
The summit, which lasts from 3 to 6 p.m., will include development updates, a panel discussion from companies developing in Tucker, and networking around redevelopment, investment, and innovation in the city.
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Then, the Small Business Expo returns for its fourth year on May 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Stone Ridge Event Center. The event will connect small business owners with insights from business experts, practical financial advice, and resources from business organizations. Rocker told Rough Draft that around 33 vendors would attend at the time of publication, including the Small Business Association, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, the Georgia Tech Food and Beverage Accelerator, and multiple Chambers of Commerce representatives.
“Why make 15 appointments [with different agencies] when you can go to this [event] once a year?” Rocker said.
Registration is required for both of Tucker’s Economic Development Week events. Those who are interested in attending can register for both the summit and expo through Eventbrite.
