  |
 |
  |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| Gary
W. Smith Gary has achieved an acknowledged leadership role for the Council by pioneering award-winning programs of reduced-interest financing, agricultural economic development and brownfields redevelopment. Since 1999 alone, the Council secured over $48.6 million in external funding for 185+ projects ranging from workforce development to urban revitalization. Throughout Gary's 32 years at the Council, its programs and services have created over 110,000 new jobs, helped to retain more than 135,000 existing jobs, and acquired $7.5 billion in commercial financing loans. Over 6,500 new businesses have been established in Chester County during this period. In addition to the many professional services Gary has provided to Chester County during his tenure, he has also furnished his enthusiasm, expertise and untold hours to numerous state and national economic development organizations. In 1986, he created Penn Southeast Council, a nine-county regional association of economic development corporations to promote regional cooperation, facilitate public policy making, and establish innovative financing programs for area businesses. Over the years, in his efforts to assist the Chester County business community to prosper, Gary has guided the activities of many county organizations. He was Executive Director of the Business & Industry Chamber for Chester County and established the first countywide Chamber of Commerce for Business and Industry. He also founded and directed the Southeastern Economic Development Company of Pennsylvania (SEED Company of PA), a seven county regional cooperative SBA 504 lending corporation. He continues to be active on the Board of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Cattlemen's Association. In 1988, Gary was recognized for his commitment to Chester County by being named Chester County Citizen of the Year. He also served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA and many other county organizations. Gary is a former President and member of CDFA (Council of Development Finance Agencies), CUED (Council for Urban Economic Development), and CII Council (Commercial Industrial Investment Council) of Chester County and the American Economic Development Council (AEDC). In his spare time, Gary is active in his church and in the Eagle Scout program. He manages his family's farm raising a herd of 45 registered polled Hereford cattle and avidly hunts waterfowl. A devoted family man, Gary is the husband of Victoria Smith and father of sons Bradford and Adam. Organizations and Awards
|