Name: Allison Thompson, CEcD, FM, EDFP

Position: President and CEO

Organization: Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County Arkansas

Years In Economic Development: 24 years

Years As A Member of IEDC: 23 years

What is a podcast or book you recommend?

Just finished New Rules for Women; Revolutionizing the Way Women Work Together, Anne Litwin, PhD and found it well worth the time. 

What was the first IEDC event you attended?

An Annual Conference in Cleveland in 2016.

Why did you choose to join IEDC?

I joined IEDC because it was important to me to learn as much as I could about economic development and ultimately become certified. 

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

Being a member has benefited me and the organizations I worked for over the years by increasing my knowledge and affording me the opportunity to know experienced practitioners. Additionally, through EDRP and now AEDO, I have stayed abreast of research and best practices. 

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

The Leadership Conference is my favorite due to the content and the smaller size allows for deeper conversations. The Spring Conference is a close second because I enjoy going to the smaller markets and learning what is happening there. 

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

We did our best to be an information resource to our businesses and citizens while providing a platform for service providers, medical providers, and the City, County, & State Governments with information dissemination. We continued to work but followed guidelines with ppe, sanitizing, and distancing. 

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

We stayed focused, stayed strong as a team, and continued to work all year. We were able to respond to projects, stay in touch with local businesses, and learned how to ZOOM!

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

We will continue with the COVID support role as we continue our day to day work as long as it is needed. 

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon. 

Audio Book or Podcast?

Audio Book

Favorite Movie?

Don't have one. 

Favorite Book?

Really enjoying Amy Stewart's series on the Kopp Sisters. 

Night out or Night In?

Night in now - ready for a night out when it is safe!

Dress-shoes or Sneakers?

Both!

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

Spending time with family always tops the list!
While at home, I enjoy gardening while listening to a good book. When traveling, I enjoy seeing new places while using public transportation, staying in smaller venues, and seeing the "local" view.