STAFF

The Monadnock Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has a unique and successful history of incorporation in Southwestern New Hampshire. In 1985, a need was identified to "centralize in one organization leadership and coordination of efforts to improve and revitalize…the health, vitality and environment of the industrial base of the Keene region…" Hence, the private, not-for-profit Keene Industrial Development Corporation (KIDC) was founded. KIDC initially derived its funding from the City of Keene, the Keene Chamber of Commerce and the Keene Downtown Housing Corporation. The objectives of the organization included:

• To serve as a liaison between private and public bodies in coordinating and negotiating development activity.
• To assume a positive role in seeking out and discussing with present and potential property owners, developers, and tenants those opportunities and plans for bringing together available programs, investment opportunities, financial assistance programs as well as the necessary government cooperation with the objective of maintaining and furthering a strong and positive industrial base.
• To assist the City Council and Select Boards throughout the Region in meeting their responsibilities for maintaining a strong industrial base.
• To maintain a cooperative working relationship with the Planning Department, Planning boards and other community organizations in its development planning role. 

 Recognizing that Keene is at the economic center of the Monadnock Region, and that a vital downtown was critical to its prosperity, KIDC merged with Keene Downtown Revitalization Corporation in 1995 to form the Keene Economic Development and Revitalization Corporation. An additional objective was added to the original articles of incorporation: 

• To develop, promote, and maintain a vision for revitalization and development by preserving the traditions, architecture, and appearance of downtown Keene and the Monadnock region. 

In 1999, the name of the organization was changed to Monadnock Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), to better reflect the corporation's mission "to lead the region in the enhancement of its industrial and business base to improve the standard of living, quality of life, and economic vitality of our communities."