Above photo: Jeff Lankford new EEDC Director of Downtown Development
The Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) is pleased to announce the hire of Jeffery (Jeff) Lankford as Director of Downtown Development, a new position to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic, downtown districts of Easton, Maryland. The role will be instrumental in furthering EEDC’s mission of fostering Easton’s continued growth as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.
The Director of Downtown position was created after Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey designated the EEDC to administer Town funding for all economic development activities, including supporting business, activities, and events in the downtown as of October 1, 2020. “Jeff is a welcomed addition to the team.” said Lloyd “Scott” Beatty, Chairman of the EEDC. “His combination of hospitality and Easton Business Alliance experience makes him an ideal choice to lead the charge as we ensure the continued success of our existing downtown programming while stimulating and implementing new innovative and creative ideas to provide growth opportunities for our downtown businesses.”
Lankford has accepted the position after several years working as Marketing & Events Coordinator of Discover Easton, where he was responsible for fostering community and business relations through small business promotions and community activities. In addition to Discover Easton, he brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry as Operations Manager for Marriott International and Food and Beverage Director for Wyndham Hotels.
Says Lankford, “We have an opportunity, and an obligation, to bring all of our downtown businesses and stakeholders together over these next few months to not only solve short-term issues but create long-term change. I am excited to contribute to the process of identifying those opportunities and leading the work that will make them a reality for the downtown business community.”
The EEDC will hold a meeting with the community in November to outline opportunities, initially proposed projects, and a process by which the community can become engaged in the ideation, recommendation, and implementation of downtown economic development strategies.
“Key to our future success will be building on the work of existing organizations, such as the Easton Business Alliance, ensuring that this reorganization results in the continuation and expansion of successful programming, the enhancement of our downtown maximizing the tax payer’s investment,” said Tracy Ward, Executive Director of the EEDC.
Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland, to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The EEDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.
