Friday, September 28, 2007

Lancaster names Ed Brady new economic development head

By Staff of TODAY Newspapers

Lancaster has tapped a professional with strong local ties to helm its economic development corporation.

At its Sept. 6 meeting, the Lancaster Economic Development Corporation hired former DeSoto City Manager Ed Brady as its new director. From 1988 through 1994 he served DeSoto in numerous capacities: chamber president, economic development director, assistant city manager and city manager. He brings more than 30 years economic development experience to his latest position.

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Brady is returning to the area after a stint as president and CEO for the Metro Crest Chamber of Commerce. That area includes Carrollton, Addison and Farmers Branch.

Brady begins his new role Monday, Oct. 1. He replaces Steve Filipowicz, who left Lancaster to head a newly formed economic development entity in the Arizona community of Junction City.

Mayor Joe Tillotson said Brady's experience and knowledge of the local area made him a perfect fit for the job.

“We're very pleased to get a veteran of economic development and a person that has strong ties to the Best Southwest,” Tillotson said. “We're looking forward to what the future holds.” City Manager Rickey Childers echoed those sentiments.

“His vast experience and ties to the Best Southwest Community make Ed an ideal fit for Lancaster,” Childers said. “Understanding the opportunities on Lancaster's horizon and the vision of the community were important in the selection of our economic development director.”

Brady will inherit a number of high-profile economic projects. The Allen Group is building an inland port and Cousins Properties, Inc. announced a 776,000-square foot distribution center at the intersection of Interstate 35 and West Street.

The winds of change have been blowing at city hall in the last few months. Lancaster recently hired former Longview City Manager Rickey Childers to replace Jim Landon, who left to take the same position with a Florida community.

Lancaster is still searching for a police chief to replace Dan Shiner, who took the chief's job in Texarkana. Tillotson said the applicants for city manager showed that a number of highly qualified individuals are now looking to Lancaster for employment. Childers cited the e new home growth in the city as one of the main reasons he applied for the city manager job.

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