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Salt Lake City’s Peter Makowski Wins 40 Under 40 Award in Economic Development

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Peter Makowski, Business Recruitment and Retention Manager for Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development has been selected as a winner in the economic development profession’s 40 Under 40 awards, the only award of its kind recognizing young talent in the economic development industry.

An independent five-member selection committee chose the winners from a pool of more than 170 qualified candidates based on their exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the economic development industry. The award’s program was managed by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based firm that specializes in economic development marketing, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in economic and community development industries.

“Peter inspires our team daily to be authentically dedicated, efficient, and fully committed to keeping Salt Lake City’s economy strong,” says Lara Fritts, Salt Lake City’s economic development director, “We are so excited that he has been recognized nationally for his accomplishments.”

To build a new economic development department from the ground up in one of the nation’s fastest growing cities is no small task. Makowski brings considerable amounts of energy and dedication to the job as Business Recruitment and Retention Manager. In his first year, not only did he function as the sole employee, but he oversaw the sale of The Gateway Mall, a then struggling 20 acre mall in the middle of downtown Salt Lake City. He headed the recruitment of the UPS Mega-regional Hub, and companies like White Wave, Cotopaxi, Amazon, Stadler Rail, and others. Through community partnerships, engaging City staff, and a proactive approach to economic development, Makowski’s work has resulted in attracting over 8,500 jobs, over 4 million square feet of new construction, and over $800M in capital investment.

“The 40 Under 40 Award is designed to identify the economic development profession’s rising stars. These young economic development professionals represent the future of our industry,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “The selection committee had a challenge selecting only 40 winners, but we are delighted by the smarts, initiative and game-changing mindset represented in these finalists. Economic development is in good hands with these young leaders, and Peter Makowski is certainly no exception,” Curtin added.

“The achievements of these talented and committed professionals show that economic development has an awesome future,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “Partnering with DCI this year to recognize these passionate young men and women has been an honor. Congratulations to each of them.”

“The awardees this year embodied passion for the profession and a commitment to excellence, innovation and place-making,” said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and 40 Under 40 selection committee member. “The field of economic development is evolving and we’re seeing many people rise up to assure this profession is on the edge and inclusive. Congrats to the new class of 40 Under 40.”

DCI and Jorgenson officially announced the winners last night at an awards reception during the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and will feature profiles of each on the awards website.

For more information on the 40 Under 40 winners, visit econdev40under40.com

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About Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development

Formed in 2016, under the leadership of Mayor Jackie Biskupski, Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development is focused on building Salt Lake City as a vibrant, beautiful, prosperous, diverse, and authentic place – a place that is economically accessible to everyone. Known as the “Crossroads of the West,” Salt Lake City is strategically located for businesses to succeed. SLCDED works to streamline processes, provide excellent customer service, and offer an array of resources and services to recruit and retain businesses in the City, and ensure they have the tools to thrive. www.slc.gov/ed

About DCI

Considered the leader in marketing places, Development Counsellors International (DCI) specializes in economic development and tourism marketing. The agency has worked for more than 500 cities, regions, states and countries since it was established in New York City in 1960. www.aboutdci.com

About Jorgenson Consulting

Jorgenson Consulting has worked diligently over the past 25 years to establish itself as a premier national executive search firm. With a focus on the fields of non-profit, economic and community development, they partner with clients to help them identify and secure the highest caliber of executive talent. www.jci-inc.net

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