Guest Blog: Crossing State Lines: Regional Resilience and Strategies That Resonate in Maryland
This blog was written by Kayla Sherry, a new MEDA Member and Social Media Coordinator at PPR Strategies.
At this year’s MEDA Annual Conference, Don Cunningham, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, delivered a keynote address that offered compelling insights, kept the room fully engaged, and even left many attendees eager to plan a trip to Pennsylvania to learn more.
His keynote explored what it takes to guide a community through transformation, offering an honest look at the leadership, partnerships, and vision behind Bethlehem’s post-industrial economic revitalization. This served as a powerful reminder that economic renewal is possible when people (and regions) come together with a shared purpose.
“Creating is harder than sustaining,” Cunningham said, reflecting on how building something new takes not just strategy, but courage and trust.
Once home to one of the country’s largest steel producers, Bethlehem faced economic and emotional upheaval when the industry collapsed. Rather than allow the city to fade into decline, community leaders like Cunningham saw an opportunity to reimagine the region’s future. That vision led to the formation of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, a collaborative entity that continues to drive economic growth and prosperity today.
As someone who has frequently visited the Lehigh Valley and recently graduated from a nearby university, I wasn’t there to witness Bethlehem’s early transformation firsthand, but I’ve seen the results—a region with a strong sense of identity, growing opportunity, and deep community roots.
Don Cunningham’s story emphasized that sustainable economic transformation doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s the result of shared leadership and cross-sector partnerships that extend beyond jurisdictional lines. He offered a practical framework for building regional collaboration, stemming from a key piece of advice: “Have the relationship before the ask.”
- The private sector and higher education are crucial foundational partners, or “anchors,” so prioritize building those connections.
- Success builds partners. Obtain early wins to create credibility and momentum.
- Lay the groundwork first, then engage government partners. Policy and funding can amplify efforts, but they’re most effective when trust and alignment already exist.
Cunningham’s reflections on regional branding also stood out during this session. In the Lehigh Valley, familiar names like Crayola, Martin Guitar, Peeps, and Mack Trucks help tell the region’s story as a place rooted in tradition, yet open to innovation and creativity. He noted that the best messengers are not us as economic developers, but community members—longtime residents, small businesses, and local leaders. Elevating these voices creates authentic and relatable narratives that resonate more deeply.
Another key takeaway is that inclusive growth is essential. Cunningham spoke about the region’s embrace of immigration and demographic change. “We believe strength comes from diversity,” he said.
It’s an important message to carry forward, especially as Maryland communities look to grow equitably and sustainably. He also touched on the need to prioritize workforce development because regions that invest in fostering talent, creating attainable career pathways, and retaining local workers can be better prepared for long-term success.
Though the keynote focused on Pennsylvania, the lessons apply across state lines. As Maryland continues to evolve, Cunningham’s story reminded us that economic transformation is amplified when regions come together.
