These amazing people have some pretty interesting jobs, so we’re bringing you a fun peek into their work-world along with some of their personal facets. This series will be ongoing, so if you have anyone you’d like to nominate as a potential Spotlight feature, put your nomination in the comments, or send us an email. Enjoy!
Spotlight on Tamara Lowney
Tamara has been president at Itasca Economic Development Corporation, which is located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, for 3.5 years.
The BBER partnered with Tamara on the Economic Feasibility of Mass Timber Manufacturing in Minnesota project.
What does a typical day look like in your job?
At the moment, my days are filled with meetings across workforce, business development, innovation, etc.
What do you like best about your current job?
Making a difference for my community, the diversity, and the challenges.
What about your current job do you find most challenging?
There are many challenges, from housing to childcare, workforce attraction to retention, and all the elements in between. They all pose tremendous challenges as you need to move the dial in so many areas at once.
If you could snap your fingers and solve any problem facing our community, what would it be?
Wow, this really hard! But I think acceptance and welcoming communities would be at the top of the list. We are on a path to diversification, but there are so many barriers to work through in this area.
What is the most recent thing you’ve read (besides email)?
Harry Potter. My daughter and I are on the third book—The Prisoner of Azkaban.
What is something (knowledge or a skill) you would like to learn?
I am wrapping up my MBA right now, so honestly, I wish I had time to learn more fun things for me—like cooking techniques. I love to cook, but it has really hit the back burner (pun intended), lately.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received that has helped you in your career?
People don’t see the world the same way you do. Don’t let their lens affect your passion.