Jerry Jones

Aimee and Emily are joined by the new Economic Development Director for Richmond, Jerry Jones. Together, they discuss Richmond’s tourist potential, historical draw, cultural importance, and economic future.

<iframe title=”Libsyn Player” style=”border: none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/19364165/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/4d5346/” height=”90″ width=”100%” scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe>

In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Jerry cover:

• Feeling called to be a part of the Richmond community

• Defining the role of Economic Development

• Connecting government, business owners, and community

• Explaining exciting projects (retail coach, cultural district, innovation hub, tourism)

• Meeting goals and growing together

Important highlights:

Coming to Richmond from Baton Rouge

Originally from Louisiana (just like Aimee), Jerry came to Richmond initially to interview for his current position. Having never been before, taking in the sights and sounds of this historic region proved to be eye-opening and exciting, with an immediate draw to take advantage of the opportunities present here. Now that Jerry has this position, he takes a holistic approach to his role, engaging everything and everyone around him in the work he does.

“Just know that it smells like opportunity, it just smells like there’s opportunity here.”

Explaining the role of Economic Development Director

Jerry’s role as economic development director is to speak everyone’s language when it comes to government restrictions, business goals, and community concerns and desires. In an area like Richmond, economic development is heavily focused on encouraging tourism, engaging retail, and entertaining the community around us. With set goals in place and committees being organized, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the growth Richmond could experience.

“Economic development is truly the science behind creating jobs, fostering relationships, and building communities.”

Inviting everyone to come to Richmond

With programs like Retail Coach and ambitions like setting up a cultural district, there’s so much that Jerry is currently doing that focuses on expanding Richmond in an impactful and exciting way. From inviting retailers to move businesses into the region to developing an official cultural district, there’s no denying that growth is the mindset that Richmond has and Jerry has every intention of making sure that the community thrives in the process.

“The city of Richmond is open for business.”

——

Reach out to Jerry for additional business inquiries by email at jjones@richmondtx.gov

Keep up with all things Blockhouse Coffee on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Learn more about the Guild on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Say hello to our sponsor for season two, The Development Corporation of Richmond.