Displaying an unprecedented level of collaboration, regional economic development groups have joined forces in response to the coronavirus pandemic, writes Natalie Kostelni for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The initiative was started by Dave Zellers, director of commerce for Montgomery County, after he received a text from Sylvie Gallier Howard, acting commerce chief in Philadelphia, in early March.

“I got a text from Sylvie saying she was thinking about us in Montgomery County and hoped I was well,” said Zellers. “I texted her back and said: ‘We should get some of our counterparts together.’”

Zellers then sent out an email to his counterparts across the region that same day, asking them to collectively mobilize. On March 15, a few dozen economic development officials joined the call and since then, around 50 regional organizations have gotten involved.

Now the organizations are exchanging ideas, such as the survey of businesses and their experiences and needs conducted by Chester County Economic Development Council at the beginning of the crisis.

Marketing programs are also being swapped, such as Take Out Tuesdays or Latino Night Dining.

“Everyone is more than happy to share,” said Mike Grigalonis, COO at CCEDC.

Read more about regional economic development groups at the Philadelphia Business Journal by clicking here.