Texas Border Business
Brownsville, TEXAS – Josh Mejia, Executive Director of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (“BCIC”) has been announced as a recipient of the 2021 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.
The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic, and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development professionals and site selection consultants evaluated a record-number of 200-plus nominees.
“This past year has demonstrated the importance of economic development in building and sustaining resilient communities,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “I’m especially impressed by the diverse perspectives and skillsets of this year’s winners as they lead communities to prioritize new ways of thinking, building inclusive and equitable economies, and bringing an attitude of fresh new ideas to the challenges in the industry. The economic development future is bright with these young leaders.”
“It is impossible to say that this recognition was made possible through individual efforts. I am extremely thankful for my team members and the unbelievable leadership our beloved board members provide to the organization,” said Josh Mejia, executive director of the BCIC. “Economic development is a collective effort, and it is even more special to a professional when you get to practice in your hometown. We will continue to work alongside all invested stakeholders to deliver a continued momentum of progress for our community.”
Josh Mejia possesses over ten years of experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, government relations and marketing. In his professional career, Mejia has excelled in delivering results through strategic leadership and collaboration amongst a variety of stakeholders. His involvement in economic development has impacted communities across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, which has resulted in additional recognition from industry leaders such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Economic Development Council (“IEDC”).
Josh Mejia is driven by the many stories shared amongst those who believe and work to achieve the “American Dream”. As a native of Brownsville, Texas, Mejia continues to work alongside his team in order to provide equitable economic development for the human capital of the community while at the same time provide a business-friendly environment for all existing businesses and businesses who wish to relocate or expand into Brownsville, Texas.
“The economic development industry is in good hands with these rising leaders,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “The communities they represent—from Tuxpan, Mexico to Covington, Kentucky to Québec, Canada—are fortunate to have the smart, innovative ideas of this year’s winners.”
DCI and Jorgenson officially announced the winners last night at a virtual awards reception held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit.
For more information on the 40 Under 40 awards program and this year’s winners, visit econdev40under40.com
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