Contributing writer Kelly Bell

The Longview Economic Development Council (LEDCO) is riding a run of success stretching back several months.  It currently has 39 projects that are already operating profitably, and queries for new ones are coming in constantly.

Twenty-five local companies are using the highly successful WorkKeys program.  Also, LEDCO is helping the Workforce Solutions Center acquire new equipment for job seekers to use to take the WorkKeys Assessment.  AND the new North Business Park prescription drugs without a prescription is open and in operation.

The LEDCO Buy Local program has reached out to the I Shop Longview initiative to assist in its quest to convince local consumers over the counter cialis to spend their dollars locally.  If this program succeeds in transferring just 5% of residents’ out-of-the-area spending back to Longview it will circulate $225 million into the local economy.

LEDCO’s board of directors has voted in Susan Manzarakes, CEcD as executive director.  Manzarakes has been working with LEDCO for eight years, serving in the areas of workforce development, business retention, business attraction, and retail development.  She had served as interim director since December.