City of Beloit, GBEDC Announce Selection of Economic Development Leader

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 12, 2022 – The City of Beloit announces the selection of Drew Pennington, AICP as Economic Development Director and President/CEO of the Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation (GBEDC) effective Wednesday, October 12, 2022. Pennington has served in an interim capacity since July 2022.

Pennington joined the City of Beloit’s Planning Division in December 2007 and was promoted to Director of Planning and Building Services in 2012. His work includes long-range planning for the development and redevelopment of Beloit, which has given him the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.

“Thank you to the City and GBEDC leadership teams for the opportunity to lead the City’s Economic Development Department and the Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation,” Pennington said. “I am fully committed to building bridges between both organizations and the entire business community, our educational and service organizations, residents, and all stakeholders. Our goal is to build an even stronger local economy while elevating the quality of life in the entire region through partnerships and collaboration. I appreciate the kind messages of positivity from community members, and am thankful to my team in the Planning & Building Services Division for the additional support that they have provided during the interim period.”

Pennington holds a Master’s Degree in Urban & Regional Planning and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration both from UW-Madison. He recently concluded a six-year term as the Vice President for Chapter Affairs on the American Planning Association-Wisconsin Board of Directors. Drew was certified in 2014 as a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Pennington is involved with the Literacy for Life Initiative, Downtown Beloit Association Design Committee, Stateline Area Transportation Study (SLATS), and a variety of youth athletic organizations.

“Drew’s responsiveness, leadership and collaborative spirit will help with the continued transformation of the Greater Beloit community,” said GBEDC Board Chair Regina Dunkin.

“Drew has a thorough understanding of community planning, a proven record of impartiality, and has served as a valuable resource for economic development activities,” said GBEDC Vice Chair Tim Oswald.

For more information, contact:

Sarah Lock, Director of Strategic Communications
locks@beloitwi.gov