GEDCO executive director resigns

Gladewater Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Michelle Palmer is moving on to her next posting, accepting a larger, similar opportunity in the Gulf Coast community of Port Arthur.
GEDCO Board Members accepted Palmer’s resignation April 10 “with regrets,” according to John Paul Tallent.
Palmer joined the local EDC in early 2022 and steered the organization through a myriad of developments in the past two years, such as helping land Florida-based manufacturer Premix Marbletite’s expansion to Gladewater.
According to Mike Venturelli, General Manager and Divisional Vice President for QEP Company Inc. / PMM Products, “The reason that we ended up with Gladewater was primarily due to the amazing efforts and work and commitment and help that we got from GEDCO, primarily Michelle Palmer, the city council and chamber of commerce.”
Among the key developments during Palmer’s tenure was Gladewater’s first job expo in Fall 2022 alongside the chamber and Workforce Solutions East Texas. She also spearheaded an inaugural Job Shadow Day in partnership with Gladewater High School and local businesses and, in early 2023, launched the Grow Gladewater Grant Program to assist the community’s businesses in revitalizing their properties.
A prime focus for Palmer during her time in Gladewater was strengthening the community’s connections with other EDCs, cities, organizations and businesses. She also emphasized education, working to keep the public informed about the economic development corporation’s activities and to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at how their tax dollars are being invested to fuel further growth here.
The GEDCO Board unanimously approved Palmer’s resignation after a brief executive session during their regular April meeting last week.
“Unfortunately, we do have to accept that,” said Board President Luke Kimbrough.
GHS