In May, NADO Executive Director Joe McKinney participated in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s 16^th Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) in the greater Seattle, Washington region. ACE is the premiere economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurial network of the Americas.

McKinney was one of more than 50 senior-level government, business, and policy and economic leaders from 22 countries participating in the event that explored global partnerships and economic development opportunities over the course of a week.

The ACE Greater Seattle delegates visited more than 30 sites throughout the Seattle region engaging with innovation hubs, advanced technology centers, leading firms, and educational/research institutions.

McKinney connected with colleagues old and new throughout the week absorbing informative updates on economic development from a breadth of places. Hearing about best practices from local, regional, urban, and rural economic development models that are being used around the globe was enlightening and informative.

“I feel fortunate to have been a part of the 16^th Americas Competitiveness Exchange in Seattle this year,” shared NADO Executive Director Joe McKinney. “The important work that is happening in economic development in our country and around the globe is expansive. I look forward sharing what I learned in Seattle with NADO’s members and stakeholders in the months to come.”

Visit riacevents.org/ACE to learn more about the program.