Baton Rouge, La. (January 28, 2019) — Rachel Delamain, director of business development for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), has been selected as a winner in the economic development profession’s 40 Under 40 awards, the only award of its kind recognizing young talent in the economic development industry.
An independent five-member selection committee chose the winners from a pool of more than 170 qualified candidates based on their exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the economic development industry. The award’s program was managed by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based firm that specializes in economic development marketing, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in economic and community development industries.
“Rachel personifies professionalism in the economic development industry, and she represents one of BRAC’s strongest assets,” said BRAC President and CEO Adam Knapp. “On a daily basis, Rachel brings a sense of pride in our partnership with stakeholders, from elected officials to Capital Region investors, to the education and workforce community, to expanding employers and to the site selection consultants who are crucial to our work in creating jobs and attracting investment to the Baton Rouge Area. We’re delighted that DCI and Jorgenson Consulting have recognized her with this well-deserved award.”
As director of business development, Delamain leads BRAC’s consultant recruitment efforts. In guiding business attraction initiatives, she collaborates with state and local officials, utilities, and community foundations in a comprehensive strategy to communicate strengths and resources to companies and site selection consultants seeking new facility and workforce solutions in the Capital Region of Louisiana.
Prior to joining BRAC, Delamain worked as an account executive at NBC affiliate KTAL-TV in Shreveport, Louisiana. She earned her undergraduate degree in marketing from Louisiana Tech University and also graduated from Donaldson Real Estate School. Certified as an Economic Development Financial Professional, or EDPF, Delamain gained selection as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers in 2015 by Consultant Connect.
“The 40 Under 40 Award is designed to identify the economic development profession’s rising stars. These young economic development professionals represent the future of our industry,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “The selection committee had a challenge selecting only 40 winners, but we are delighted by the smarts, initiative and game-changing mindset represented in these finalists. Economic development is in good hands with these young leaders, and Rachel Delamain is certainly no exception,” Curtin added.
“The achievements of these talented and committed professionals show that economic development has an awesome future,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “Partnering with DCI this year to recognize these passionate young men and women has been an honor. Congratulations to each of them.”
“The awardees this year embodied passion for the profession and a commitment to excellence, innovation and place-making,” said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and 40 Under 40 selection committee member. “The field of economic development is evolving and we’re seeing many people rise up to assure this profession is on the edge and inclusive. Congrats to the new class of 40 Under 40.”
DCI and Jorgenson officially announced the winners last night at an awards reception during the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and will feature profiles of each on the awards website.
For more information on the 40 Under 40 winners, visit econdev40under40.com.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,500 small businesses, mid-sized firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at www.brac.org.
About DCI
Considered the leader in marketing places, Development Counsellors International (DCI) specializes in economic development and tourism marketing. The agency has worked for more than 500 cities, regions, states and countries since it was established in New York City in 1960. www.aboutdci.com
About Jorgenson Consulting
Jorgenson Consulting has worked diligently over the past 25 years to establish itself as a premier national executive search firm. With a focus on the fields of non-profit, economic and community development, they partner with clients to help them identify and secure the highest caliber of executive talent. www.jci-inc.net
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Morgan is the Marketing Manager for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In her role, she manages writing organizational publications and materials, oversees BRAC’s social media and blog, and coordinates timelines for all internal marketing projects.