Pasta Fest Business Spotlight: CCEDC - Our business is your business

The Carrington Chamber and Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is on the front lines of efforts to sell the community of Carrington to visitors, tourists, business leaders and others.

Executive Director Laurie Dietz has over 23 years of experience leading CCEDC and its predecessor, the Carrington Chamber of Commerce, and began the first of her two stints at the head of the bureau at the turn of the millennium in 1999.

After a two-year hiatus working in the financial sector, Dietz returned to the Chamber in 2008 andgained some new responsibilities when it merged with Community Development and Carrington Economic Development in January, 2022, effectively forming CCEDC as we know it today.

"This position is so interesting and diverse in day-to-day work," Dietz says. "It feels like no two days are the same. We love to promote what we have, and also serve as an information source for just about anything."

Since the 2022 merger, Dietz says she works more closely with businesses, community organizations and entrepreneurs, and is charged with implementing the community's financial incentives. In 2023, CCEDC assisted 28 entities in Carrington with various funding.

"It's very satisfying to see funds help restore or improve commercial buildings, as well as provide assistance for new ones," Dietz said.

One of the biggest challenges Carrington faces at present, according to Dietz, is the shortage of workforce and available housing.

"Those are challenges that are affecting so many communities – large and small," she says. "We're working to bring new residents to fill job opportunities, but that's difficult with the housing issue."

Dietz said the CCEDC is in the process of completing a housing study, in hopes of determining what types of housing and how much of it is needed in the coming years.

At the beginning of 2023, Joan Copenhaver was hired as the CCEDC office assistant after 30 years of working at Carrington Public Schools as a counselor.

"Joan helps at several events, including the Youth Track Meet," said Dietz. "She assists with grant writing, puts welcome bags together for new residents, and many, many other helpful tasks."

Intern Olivia Threadgold worked in the CCEDC office during her junior and senior years of high school, and Dietz credits her with putting information into the Carrington community app which launched in 2022.

Their pasta shape will be small shells. Come to the CCEDC office at 871 Main Street to get a taste!