A new partnership is emerging with its sights set on sparking economic development in Lake County. The recent hiring of Shelly Weidenhamer (left) as Lake County Economic Director for Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) will increase the County’s ability to recruit and retain businesses. She is working closely with Dottie Keedy, Director of the Lake County Department of Economic Growth & Redevelopment, and Russ Sloan, Director of the Lake-Sumter Community College Business Resources Center.

Weidenhamer is tasked with managing the newly created Lake County Economic Development Advisory Council, as well as seeking out targeted industries and companies that may wish to relocate to Lake County.

She has an extensive economic development and strategic planning experience. A resident of Leesburg, she has previously initiated economic-development programs for Hampton Roads, Va., and the City of Winter Garden, where she previously served as economic development director. In addition, she has established contacts within the economic-development field as an active member of industry organizations, such as CoreNet Global and the International Economic Development Council.

Weidenhamer’s office is located in the Business Resources Center at Lake-Sumter Community College’s Leesburg campus. For more information, call Shelly Weidenhamer at (352) 435-6329.