News Room
Champaign County EDC Announces Rost as New Executive Director
The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce Craig Rost as the new Executive Director. Rost was chosen as the top candidate after a search and evaluation that included EDC Board members and community leaders. Rost’s first day of work is set for Thursday, May 1, 2014.
Rost has been dedicated to expanding the local economy for more than two decades. An experienced economic developer, he has been an integral part of many development projects and company expansions. In his previous role as Deputy City Manager for the City of Champaign, he has worked with local leaders, elected officials, and businesses to add economic value and create jobs in Champaign County. With a degree in Urban Planning and concentration in economic development from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he is uniquely equipped to lead the organization and drive the Strategic Plan forward. “This is an excellent opportunity,” said Rost. “Leading the EDC to create jobs and advance the region’s economy fits perfectly with my economic development experience and passion for continuous improvement. I look forward to working with the professional staff and EDC Board to advance the Strategic Plan and enhance the profile of the EDC in the county.”
In addition to leading the implementation of the Strategic Plan and managing day-to-day operations, Rost will actively participate in promoting Champaign County for attraction, retention, and expansion efforts. “All of the pieces are here – we have great employers, location advantages, a world-class university, and the drive to improve and grow. The EDC is in a unique position to advance that growth and I am excited to work with our business and community leaders to make that happen,” Rost said.
“Craig Rost intimately understands the significant impact that the EDC has on the retention, attraction, and growth of businesses in our county,” stated Lori Gold Patterson, EDC Chair. “The staff is very strong and the Board is aligned and driven to support the execution of our new Strategic Plan. Craig is an exceptional addition to the organization and will, without a doubt, be the catalyst to pull all of the energies together.”
“It is both thrilling and humbling to be selected by the EDC Board as the Executive Director,” stated Rost. “The EDC is crucial to the expansion of the county’s economy and I really look forward to leading that effort.”
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Contact:
Carly McCrory, Communications Director
Champaign County Economic Development Corporation
(217) 359-6261
carly@champaigncountyedc.org