Vice President, Economic Development
blau@saintjoseph.com
(816) 364-4110
The Economic Development department focuses on helping existing businesses grow and works to attract new business and industry to the community. The division is funded through a community partnership for economic development, 21st Century Jobs, supported with funds raised from both the public and private sectors.
As Senior Vice President of Economic Development, Brad Lau is responsible for overseeing the business attraction, retention and workforce programs for the St. Joseph and Buchanan County area.
Before joining the Chamber in 1998, Mr. Lau was employed as the Community Development Manager and a Grants Specialist for the City of St. Joseph. He also has private-sector experience as a real estate development Project Coordinator and Commercial Leasing Consultant.
In addition to his duties at the Chamber, Mr. Lau serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Joseph Downtown Partnership, as well as the Uptown Development Corporation. He is a member of the International City Managers Association and the International Economic Development Council.
Mr. Lau has a Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Missouri Western State University. He is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and a graduate of Economic Development Institute.