We are thrilled to welcome Curtis Burdette as Vice President of Operations at Energy Capital Economic Development. With more than 10 years consulting with entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profits, Curtis is well-versed in what it takes to make an organization thrive. His efforts will support the CEO in meeting and exceeding goals set out for the Economic Development office.
Curtis will be meeting with business and community leaders to introduce himself and will be leading the Business Retention and Expansion efforts for Energy Capital Economic Development. If you'd like to meet right away, his contact information is located below. He will be reaching out to all Economic Development members as well as organizations throughout the community to find out how we can help your organization. Look for the guy with the bowtie.
Most recently, Curtis worked as General Manager at the Ramada Plaza Gillette where he helped the hotel rebound from the 2015 downward trend to reach revenue over $1.5 million in 2019. His work in hotels and resorts has focused on helping turn around organizations where revenues were not meeting potential.
In 2017, the Campbell County Commissioners selected Curtis for the Joint Powers Lodging Tax Board overseeing the Campbell County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). He is currently serving his second term as Board President overseeing a new strategic plan to refocus how the CVB helps to grow the travel industry and the lodging sector throughout Campbell County. He has been a volunteer for the CVB, YES House, and Gillette Main Street and loves to see our community reach new heights.
Previously, Curtis has worked in higher education teaching college students writing and communication. He has trained educators on learning strategies and has led workshops on personal and professional branding with an emphasis on helping solo entrepreneurs to communicate their ideas to colleagues, community leaders and potential investors.
His interest in economic development extends back to his time on the Vision 2020 committee for Central Michigan University. Curtis also worked with community leaders in Ironwood, Michigan and Hurley, Wisconsin to help the community recover from the population exodus that following the closing of the iron ore mines.
Curtis holds his MA in English communication and writing from Central Michigan University as well as a BA from Aquinas College and previously studied at Muskegon Community College. Curtis has lived in Gillette for the past three years with his wife Christen and their four-year-old son Charlie. He's a trained opera singer. He enjoys reading especially Wyoming authors CJ Box and the Longmire series.
He looks forward to working on Business Retention and Expansion as well as NextGen. In the FUEL Business Incubator, he will work closely with start-up leaders and entrepreneurs to support their efforts to help expand the local economy. We're excited for what Curtis brings to the organization!
Curtis can be reached at 307-685-6902 or Curtis@EnergyCapitalED.com.
