Ashley Busada, CEcD and senior vice president at the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP), has been announced as a recipient of the 2021 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.

The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic, and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development profession-als and site selection consultants evaluated a record-number of 200-plus nominees.

“This past year has demonstrated the importance of economic development in building and sustaining resilient communities,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic de-velopment practice. “I’m especially impressed by the diverse perspectives and skillsets of this year’s winners as they lead communities to prioritize new ways of thinking, building inclusive and equitable economies, and bringing an attitude of fresh new ideas to the challenges in the industry. The economic development future is bright with these young leaders.”

“Our team is very proud of Ashley and not surprised she received this recognition,” said Angie White, interim president of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership. “Ashley has worked diligently over the last year to be responsive to the needs of the businesses we work with as they recover from the impacts of the COVID pandemic and has been our ear to the ground on legislation and other state and federa l resources that can benefit com-munities, companies and residents in our region.”

Ashley oversees NLEP’s government relations and advocacy efforts that impact economic development in North Louisiana. Ashley is also part of the Business Development team, which includes recruiting companies to North Louisiana and assisting existing companies in accessing the resources they need to grow here. Ashley is a Certified Economic De-veloper, as designated by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Ashley is member of the IEDC Young Professionals Committee and is the co-founder and co-director of the Cinderella Project of Shreveport, a nonprofit that provides free prom dresses to junior and senior girls in Northwest Louisiana.

“The economic development industry is in good hands with these rising leaders,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “The communities they represent — from Tuxpan, Mexico, to Covington, Ky., to Québec, Canada — are fortunate to have the smart, innovative ideas of this year’s winners.”

DCI and Jorgenson officially announced the winners Monday night at a virtual awards re-ception held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council Leader-ship Summit.

For more information on the 40 Under 40 awards program and this year’s winners, visit econdev40under40.com.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE March 26 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR.