The Economic Development Corporation of Lawrence and Douglas County and The Chamber of Lawrence, Kansas are pleased to announce Steve Kelly as the Vice President of Economic Development. Kelly joins the EDC and The Chamber after over 20 years at the Kansas Department of Commerce, most recently as the Deputy Secretary and Director of Business and Community Development.

“Steve will be an outstanding addition to the staff, bringing a wealth of economic development experience and knowledge to the position,” said Larry McElwain, President and CEO of The Chamber and EDC. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Steve for more than a decade and I’m excited to see what he can do for Lawrence and Douglas County.”

“I am very pleased to have this opportunity to be part of the team working to grow the Lawrence economy,” Kelly said. “Having lived here for nearly 30 years, I know Lawrence is a great community with unique assets and economic opportunities. I am very excited that I will now be collaborating with so many wonderful partners to realize those opportunities.”

The Vice President of Economic Development promotes The Chamber’s goal to increase jobs and investment in Lawrence and Douglas County by the expansion of existing business and the attraction of new business and industry.

“We are elated to have someone who knows how to use all of the tools of economic development. We look forward to having him help us plant the seeds for future businesses and to help those already here to grow,” said Cal Karlin, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “The fact that he is a Lawrencian means that he can better get our message out about what a great place this is to live and to do business.”

Kelly is a graduate of Kansas State University and holds an MBA from the University of Kansas.

About The EDC

The Economic Development Corporation of Lawrence & Douglas County is an allied partner of The Chamber, Lawrence, Kansas, the City of Lawrence and Douglas County, Kansas. The focus of the EDC includes business retention and expansion, business recruitment, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in order to foster growth and develop our region.

About The Chamber, Lawrence, Kansas

The Chamber, Lawrence, Kansas, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic vitality of Lawrence and Douglas County. The Chamber represents the interests of our members and the Lawrence and Douglas County business community by facilitating strategic partnerships for the benefit of our community, educating the community on the benefits of economic development, advocating for local and regional competitive economic viability, and promoting civic leadership and community engagement.