Name: Michael E. Gonzalez, CEcD

Position: Senior Director of Economic & Resource Development

Organization: Laredo College Economic Development Center

Years In Economic Development: Over 10 years

Years As A Member of IEDC: About 2 years

What is a podcast or book you recommend?

I am an avid reader and there are so many books I would recommend. I suppose I could first recommend almost any book by Daniel Pink (“The Power of Regret”, “A Whole New Mind” and “Drive” are some of my favorites.) But, most recently, I read a book by Stephen M.R. Covey titled “Trust & Inspire” where the author highlights a paradigm shift in the relationship between employees and supervisors which I believe will be critical for workforce development and managing organizations in our evolving economic landscape.

What was the first IEDC event you attended?

I attended an IEDC course in Nashville as part of the recent IEDC conference that was being held there as well. The learning was phenomenal, and the host city was amazing.

Why did you choose to join IEDC?

I was interested in attending the various professional development events where I could learn even more about economic development, and I was very interested in pursuing my CEcD credential. I was also interested in continuing to network with other professionals in economic development.

How has being a member of IEDC benefitted you and/or your organization?

It has been a huge benefit. I earned my CEcD credential earlier this year and that has affirmed my knowledge and experience in the industry. We are now working towards additional CEcDs in our office, and we are actively working towards earning our accreditation as an AEDO.

What IEDC event do you look forward to attending each year? Why?

The annual conference and the Economic Future Forum are both highlights for me. The amount of insight and new information that you are exposed to is astounding. More importantly, the networking is excellent and has led to other collaborations and projects.

Is there a project your organization is currently working on that you are excited about?

Yes! We have created a partnership with our local city economic development department to create a worker retraining program. We have accumulated $2 million for this project, known as Laredo CARES 2.0, which will serve over 1100 individuals in our community affected financially by the pandemic by providing for training at no cost to the student in 28 short-term, high-demand areas of occupation which will result in industry-recognized certifications for our program participants. What makes this even more exciting in my mind, and which has been a focus for our EDC, is that we are also providing courses in employability skills, otherwise known as 'soft skills', including writing and speaking effectively, working in teams, organizational management and others, which are sorely needed and are transferable across all industries.

How has your organization adapted to support your community and/or clients during the pandemic?

The Laredo CARES 2.0 collaborative project was a part of our pandemic response. Specifically, it was the fact that over 60% of the courses were available to program participants online, with many of the offerings being asynchronous.

What is something you and/or your organization have accomplished this year that you are most proud of?

We are most proud of our overall progress in the face of a pandemic and the associated economic challenges, but most especially with our collaborations with regional EDCs in South Texas, governmental entities, and our private sector partners. We have grown in numbers in terms of staff which allows us to provide even better service to our community, and we are working towards our AEDO. We also are progressing in our professional development for all our staff with the assistance of the IEDC. Most importantly, our results in terms of impact in our community make us the most proud: Laredo CARES 1.0 and 2.0 initiatives that resulted in over 1600 persons receiving training at no cost to them which normally costs between $800 and $2400 per training, partnerships with various governmental entities including the Texas Workforce Commission which continues to assist in bringing much needed resources to improve our border community, and playing our small role in the economic growth and vitality of the 3rd largest port in the United States, and a true superport, in collaboration with our various partners, which helps to improve our supply chain situation nationwide.

What are some ways you hope you and your organization can continue to support your community and/or clients?

We hope to continue to provide the highest levels of customer service to our clients and community and to consistently add value in any endeavor in which we undertake. We believe that our small part of the U.S./Mexico border is a beautiful and safe place which is critical to the national and North American supply chain. We will continue to shine a bright light on this situation and our efforts, but more importantly, we look to continue to highlight the need to focus on employability skills within workforce development. We know that these skills are amongst the most important skills that can be developed, are transferable across all industries, and make an immediate impact on the lives and careers of those that master them. We also know that workforce development is becoming more important to overall economic development than ever before and we look forward to continuing to lead the conversation nationally and beyond.

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee (and unsweet iced tea), although my coffee needs two cream and two sugar

Audio Book or Podcast?

Audiobook – Podcasts are great, but I really like the depth of information you get in an audiobook.

Favorite Movie?

There are too many great movies to choose from, however my favorite movie of late is Top Gun: Maverick. It is a great movie start to finish, a true thrill-ride, and is one of those rare sequels that just might be better than the original.

Favorite Book?

Again, so many great books to choose from, however a book that has resonated with me for many years has been “A Whole New Mind” by Daniel Pink. Pink explains in this book how anything that can be reduced to a set of steps will be automated in the future and encourages the reader to consider honing skills that are ‘high design and high touch’ so as to future-proof their skillset, while keeping an eye on constant upskilling. Great book that is still applicable today.

Night out or Night In?

Night out on most days – I really enjoy getting out and having new experiences, especially if they are fun, alongside my family, or provide me with some great professional growth.

Dress-shoes or Sneakers?

Dress-shoes or sneakers? Neither! I am from South Texas, and I like to wear my cowboy boots. Although on the weekend, it's sneakers.

What is something you like to do in your free time?

I am a movie lover and really can enjoy a movie almost anytime. I absolutely love spending time with my wife and two daughters, as well as the rest of my family. That said, I am also a major volunteer; I currently serve on various local and regional boards but am particularly honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, Laredo Economic Development Corporation, Texas Veterans Network, and United Way of Laredo, as well as serving as Chair of Education & Workforce with the Texas Border Coalition, President of the Webb County Heritage Foundation Board, President of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra Board, and President Nominee of the Laredo Rotary Club.