On February 17, 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the privilege of meeting with Bob Grewe, Executive Director of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation, and Debbie Goodwin, Executive Director of the Daviess County Visitors Bureau. During the meeting, they shared valuable insights about economic growth, community development, and opportunities in Daviess County.
Bob began by emphasizing the importance of networking, explaining how strong relationships create business opportunities and growth. He also discussed career paths and the “U-turns” that often happen along the way, noting that changes in direction can lead to unexpected success. Bob highlighted the importance of recruiting new businesses to the county and explained the tax incentives available to attract and support new enterprises.
He also stressed the value of retraining and continued education so the workforce can keep up with changing industry needs. Bob encouraged both individuals and businesses to be willing to stretch beyond their comfort zones in order to grow and innovate. At the same time, he noted that retaining existing businesses is just as important as attracting new ones because they provide long-term economic stability.
Bob also addressed the challenge of “brain drain” among young graduates, explaining that communities must create strong career opportunities and maintain a high quality of life in order to keep young talent from leaving the area. He discussed cross-branding efforts and highlighted opportunities connected to WestGate at Crane, which continues to bring innovation, technology, and jobs to the region.
Debbie focused on tourism and promoting Daviess County, encouraging students to think about ideas that could make the county an even better place to live and visit. She explained the importance of the Innkeepers Tax, which supports tourism promotion and community marketing. Debbie also encouraged students to be willing to have conversations with others, build connections, and take advantage of their youth—while they can still sleep later, she joked.
Both Bob and Debbie encouraged students to begin creating a personal portfolio to document their experiences, skills, and accomplishments as they prepare for future careers.
They also shared their belief that Daviess County is a remarkable place to live, offering a high quality of life that often goes unnoticed. Bob explained that the county is uniquely positioned for growth due to its location, skilled workforce, strong entrepreneurial culture, and innovations connected to the third-largest naval installation in the world at Crane. When combined with lower living costs, strong schools, and peaceful natural surroundings, these advantages make Daviess County an attractive place for both businesses and residents.
The cohort expressed their appreciation to Bob and Debbie for sharing their knowledge and leadership and look forward to the continued positive impact they will have in guiding Daviess County toward a strong economic future.