Originally published in The News Dispatch on 10/27/13.
The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC) welcomes new Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse, who will begin his new position Nov. 4.
“With so many important initiatives and projects underway, or soon beginning in Michigan City, we wanted to find an experienced and accomplished executive director,” said Chuck Compton, board chair of the EDCMC. “We couldn’t be more pleased to have found someone of Clarence’s caliber, and we’re confident he will have the same success in Michigan City that he has brought to the other communities he has served so well.”
According to what Hulse has read and seen about Michigan City, he believes the city is currently at a crossroads and he hopes to contribute his talents to move the city in the right direction.
“I’m excited about the prospects,” he said. “The council and the community have done a lot of work to improve the city and I look forward to working with them to enhance everything that is already being done.”
Hulse comes to Michigan City from New Bern, N.C., where he has worked with the city to develop an economic development strategic plan, recruit retail investments and improve distressed neighborhoods by implementing an EPA funded brownfield plan, partnering with the New Bern Housing Authority in its Choice Neighborhood initiative and creating models to finance future community and economic development projects.
Formerly working as director of economic development in Jeffersonville, Ind., Hulse was instrumental in creating 3,500 new jobs and $300 million in capital investment.
He was recognized by the Indiana Planning Association as the winner of the 2011 Outstanding Community Initiative Award based on his creation of the Jeffersonville Neighborhood Leadership Institute, which improved the city’s neighborhoods.
During his time in Jeffersonville, he also served as the executive director of the Jeffersonville Urban Enterprise Association, implementing strategies to assist small businesses on Mainstreet and promote tourism and augment historic preservation in the downtown.
Hulse’s previous experience also includes employment at Intrawest Placemaking, a premier resort developer where he was responsible for the master planning and development of condominiums and hotels, town centers and golf courses.
He has also worked as an economic development consultant advising municipalities on implementing comprehensive community and economic development plans.
Other prior experience includes working in Martin County, Fla., where he administered seven community redevelopment districts (TIF), rebuilding and revitalizing impoverished neighborhoods, and the city of Cocoa, where he was the driving force for the city’s economic revival and public infrastructure improvements while serving as the deputy city manager.
Hulse also worked in Tampa Bay, Fla. as senior business development manager, coordinating major relocation and expansion projects resulting in 16,000 new jobs and $500 million in capital investment within a five-year period.
He is a graduate of Harding University, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in public administration and earned a master’s degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi. Hulse also graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.
Involved in many organizations, Hulse’s current and past memberships include the Urban Land Institute, International Council of Shopping Centers, Rotary Clubs, state Economic Development and Redevelopment Associations, Leadership Florida, Leadership Southern Indiana, Workforce Development Boards, Municipal Planning and Zoning Boards and One Southern Indiana Economic Development Committee.