SEDC director earns national recognition

Dalondo Moultrie The Seguin Gazette

Seguin’s economic development is on the national stage along with the man leading the charge.

Development Counsellors International and Jorgenson Consulting announced Tuesday that Josh Schneuker, Seguin Economic Development Corporation executive director, is a recipient of the 2021 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the city of Seguin said in a news release.

The recognition means a lot to Schneuker and should mean something for the city of Seguin, the SEDC executive director said.

“This is a national recognition and it gets Seguin’s name out there,” he said. “I work for the city of Seguin, I work for the community and that’s a part of what’s going to be put out there as well. To get this in front of people and the stakeholders we work with, I hope they know they’re working with, in my opinion, a top-notch team here in Seguin.”

The Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award is a biennial recognition honoring rising stars younger than 40 in the economic development industry.

Development Counsellors International is a New York-based marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations, and Jorgensen Consulting is an executive search firm. The two collaborate on the awards by having an independent selection committee of six economic development professionals and site selection consultants evaluate nominees.

The committee selected this year’s recipients from more than 200 nominees, the statement read.

“This past year has demonstrated the importance of economic development in building and sustaining resilient communities,” said July Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “I’m especially impressed by the diverse perspectives and skillets 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.”

Members of his staff nominated him for the honor, Schneuker said. He recently learned in an email that he was chosen as an honoree and was humbled by the news.

He owes his team for more than just the nomination, Schneuker said.

“They’re a great team,” he said. “All the success we’re seeing here in Seguin and all the positive momentum is not due to one person. It’s definitely a team effort.

“It isn’t all on me. I could’ve have any success without a great supporting cast and team that does a top-notch job every day.”

Schneuker came to Seguin after stints working in economic development in Schertz and Cibolo. He has eight years in the field and has been SEDC’s executive director since 2016.

As such, Schneuker manages the city’s business recruitment, business retention and expansion, and workforce development efforts, according to the statement. He is appreciated for his efforts.

“Josh has been a shining star for the city of Seguin and is one of the primary reasons why this city has been so successful in the recruitment of so many large manufacturers to the area,” Seguin City Manager Steve Parker said. “I am so proud to see Josh get the recognition he deserves. It is a pleasure working with him and his team on a daily basis to make Seguin an employer and destination of choice.”

He and his team work hard to deliver economic success to the community, Schneuker said. Their work is paying off with businesses coming to town and helping to improve the city’s economy.

Their work hasn’t gone unnoticed in the community, he said.

“A lot of the kudos I’ve been receiving from throughout the community really makes me feel really special to know that many people care and see the importance of this,” Schneuker said. “I’m really honored.”

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