Julie Dow’s Big 5 Reasons Why She Loves Economic Development

By John Salustri

In a sense, Julie Dow straddles two IAMC member categories. While the Lockheed Martin director is a solid corporate member, what she directs is the aerospace firm’s economic development. The position gives her a unique perspective into both. We sat down with Dow recently to discuss that perspective and chat about why she’s a fan of economic development as a career path. 

Reason #1 is the ability to build community. Working with a local municipality to align interests, “you see how changes in economic tides can impact that community,” she says. Dow offers up the Space Coast of Florida, which suffered through the post-Space Shuttle downturn of the sector, and she saw it revitalize again in recent years with the upsurge in public/private space activity. As you can get involved in the community, it becomes more human, she says, and you better understand “its needs as an active contributor to its renewal. You’re helping your community to prosper.”

Reason #2 is the corporate insights it brings. Every project reveals new insights into the company you’re representing. “The wide variety of new initiatives that companies develop as they move and grow never ceases to amaze me,” she says.

Reason #3 is opportunity. “There are so many avenues for growth within the EDC marketplace,” says Dow, especially within smaller operations where your talents and drive are more easily recognized.

Reason #4 is the lack of a glass ceiling. “I truly believe that, no matter the culture, race or orientation, the sky's the limit for up-and-coming professionals in economic development.” In fact, she adds, ED is a standout in terms of diversity in the commercial real estate industry. 

Reason #5 is the transferable credits. Relocations seem to be the trend these days, within companies and even geographically. Dow says, “The talents that form a successful tenure in one economic development organization are infinitely transferable to other organizations and other locations”

As she indicates, given her corporate role, “I do economic development a little differently than is usual.” But working with economic development firms as frequently as she does, “I’m absolutely an advocate for a career in EDC. It’s fun and always exciting.”