Tracy Whitney Named Macon County Economic Development Director ...
This morning I decided to once again check on the status of the hiring of a new Executive Director of MCED. My assistant claimed there was a new female director and supplied me with a name that was unfamiliar to me. So, I called "Macon County Economic Development" and asked for the lady by name. Instead, the man who answered the phone identified himself as "Tracy Whitney" the new Executive Director of MCED.
Tracy was in a meeting and promised to call me back and he did. Mr. Whitney and I spoke for quite some time. After exchanging niceties I interviewed him and I asked a barrage of difficult questions. In fact, it was more of an interrogation which I need to apologize to Mr. Whitney for. He is a very amiable individual who is highly educated, tons of business experience and is extremely sharp and forthcoming. I am pretty damn sure we are very lucky to have Tracy as the Executive Director of MCED. Time will tell. The official introduction of Tracy to the citizens of Macon, Mo is posted below.
MACON, Mo. — Macon County Economic Development is pleased to announce the
appointment of Tracy Whitney as its new Economic Development Director. Whitney brings
decades of experience in commercial lending, business development, economic development
financing and private-sector management to the position.
Whitney’s professional background includes 19 years of commercial lending and loan fund
management experience, along with seven years as president and CEO of his own consulting
business. His career has also included positions as Senior Commercial Lender with Lewis and
Clark CDC and Dakota CDC, President and CEO of Capital Consulting, and Lending Manager
and Economic Development Specialist with regional councils. Earlier in his career, Whitney
spent 16 years working in the private aerospace sector.
Throughout his career, Whitney has worked closely with businesses, financial institutions and
government programs to help businesses access financing and pursue opportunities for growth.
His experience includes working with programs and organizations such as the U.S. Small
Business Administration, USDA, Economic Development Administration, Bank of North Dakota
and private lenders.
In addition to his professional experience, Whitney’s move to Macon County also has a personal
connection. He and his wife made the decision to relocate to Missouri to be closer to their
children and family. Before making the move, the couple had traveled through Macon on several
occasions and enjoyed stopping in the community along the way. Those visits left a lasting
impression and helped lead them to consider the Macon area when deciding where they wanted
to put down roots.
Tracy is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys fishing and bow hunting which he said made the choice
of relocating to Macon a slam dunk. Over the years traveling to see his daughter down in
Huntsville, Alabama. Tracy and his wife Karen, began to realize that Macon is not just a pass-through
community but has friendly people, a robust community and a visual setting in the wonderful
rolling hills of trees, corn and soybeans. Tracy said you have to remember we are from North
Dakota and the entire state is corn, soybeans with no trees. This community has and still is
treating Karen and I like family. But along with the attributes of the city and area of Macon also
has that certain something that makes you feel like home. Tracy said, "we are so happy to be here
and proud to be working for the betterment of the community and its residents."
Board President Dana Ulmer, General Manager of Macon Municipal Utilities, said Whitney’s
professional experience combined with his enthusiasm for the community makes him a welcome
addition.
“We are excited to welcome Tracy and his wife to Macon County,” Ulmer said. “Tracy brings a
wealth of experience in business financing, lending and economic development, but just as
importantly, he understands the value of relationships and community. We look forward to seeing
him connect with our businesses and community leaders and help create opportunities that
strengthen Macon County for years to come.”
In his new role, Whitney will work with businesses, community leaders and regional and state
partners to advance economic development opportunities throughout Macon County. His
responsibilities will include supporting existing businesses, assisting prospective businesses and
investors, connecting companies with available resources and financing opportunities, and
promoting Macon County as a place to live, work and do business.
About Macon County Economic Development
Macon County Economic Development works to support business growth, encourage investment
and strengthen communities throughout Macon County. Through partnerships with businesses,
local governments, utilities and regional and state organizations, Macon County Economic
Development connects businesses and citizens with resources that contribute to a strong and
sustainable local economy.
Regards Maconites,
R.Dominique - Editor
