Name: Craig Hulse, CEcD

Position: Director of Economic Development

Organization: City of North Richland Hills, TX

Years In Economic Development: 15

Years As A Member of IEDC: 15

 What was the first IEDC event you attended?

I believe it was the 2014 Annual Conference in Fort Worth, TX.

Why did you choose to join IEDC?

Aside from the Texas Economic Development Council, it is an essential organization in order to obtain insights and resources, with the ability to network and advance within the profession. first full-time job in economic development was as an IEDC employee!

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

IEDC provides resources and knowledge that allows myself and the EDO to positively impact the community we serve.  Without the IEDC, it would be a challenge to advance Economic Development as a community service amidst evolving conditions.

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

Attending the Annual Conference is always considered first, but I look forward to attending Future Forums as well. In specific, I'm excited about the 2023 Annual Conference in Dallas since we planned for it in 2020 before the pandemic hit.

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

In 2021, the City was awarded a $4.2 million grant by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), to partially fund a $9.4 million project to reconstruct Iron Horse Boulevard, which surrounds Prestige Ameritech, the largest domestic N95 mask manufacturer. The road was in extremely poor condition for logistical needs as it ramped up production to meet demand. This grant was the largest amount awarded by EDA in the 16-county North Central Texas region. 

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

We have become much more accessible and visible than ever before, specifically through the use of technology. While we have always kept a business database, it was heavily leveraged during the pandemic to alert businesses on how to navigate various restrictions and access relief funds. Our EDO made the decision to use Executive Pulse to maximize our CRM efforts. 

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

We are in year two of a five-year redevelopment project called City Point. A closed-down regional mall required a public-private partnership involving a TIRZ and PID (Public Improvement District) to facilitate a $225 million mixed-use development in a highly visible and strategic location in the 19-square-mile community. Not only is it expanding the economic base, but it's doing so in a quality manner that benefits adjacent properties. It was a thought-out plan that has tremendous community support. 

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

We see a huge opportunity with entrepreneurs and new business start-ups, from a business planning, access to capital, marketing, and location services standpoint. The failure rate is very high during the start-up phase, so we're trying to make a difference early on.

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee

Audio Book or Podcast?

Podcast

What is a podcast or book you would recommend?

When The Boomers Bail - How Demographics will Sort Communities into Winners and Losers, Mark Lautman

Favorite Movie?

Last of the Mohicans

Night Out or Night In?

Night in with friends

Dress-shoes or Sneakers?

Sneakers

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

Experiencing craft beer and its subculture, supporting my daughters' volleyball journey, and long walks over a good podcast.