Stevie Chavez Joins DCI to Expand Technology Innovation Services for Economic Development

As economic development organizations navigate increasingly complex challenges related to business attraction, site selection, workforce growth and stakeholder engagement, technology has become a critical part of helping communities compete. 

To help destinations capitalize on emerging opportunities, Development Counsellors International is excited to announce a new partnership with Stevie Chavez, who joins the agency as Senior Advisor, Technology Innovation. In this role, Stevie will help economic development organizations identify and implement technology solutions that elevate how they market their business assets, engage prospects and support long-term growth. 

For more than two decades, Stevie has been at the intersection of economic development and technology, building trusted relationships throughout the industry while helping organizations solve complex challenges through innovative digital solutions. Her experience and deep understanding of the economic development landscape make her uniquely positioned to help communities navigate a rapidly evolving technology environment. 

“I’ve admired Stevie and her work for many years,” says Julie Curtin, President, Economic Development at DCI. “Throughout her career, she has consistently focused on helping economic development organizations find practical solutions to real challenges. She understands both the technology side and the relationship side of this business, which is a rare and valuable combination. We’re thrilled to partner with her as we continue expanding the tools and resources we bring to our clients.” 

The partnership reflects DCI’s ongoing commitment to providing destinations with the best combination of strategy, marketing expertise, technology and innovation. As organizations seek new ways to attract investment and communicate their competitive advantages, DCI continues to expand its suite of services by bringing together leading experts, platforms and solutions that help communities succeed. 

Through her work with DCI, Stevie will help introduce communities  to technologies designed to strengthen business attraction and economic development outcomes, including: 

PlaceSuite AI 

PlaceSuite AI is the first purpose-built AI chatbot for economic development. Unlike generic tools, it is trained to interpret your data through the lens of a site selector or corporate executive, answering prospect questions the way they would actually be asked. It draws only from verified sources you approve, so every response reflects your community’s real strengths and aligns with your strategy. Available on your website 24/7, PlaceSuite AI handles the routine questions instantly, from available sites and workforce data to utilities and incentives, freeing your team to focus on building the relationships that move projects forward. 

“Technology should help economic development professionals work smarter, communicate more effectively and create stronger connections with businesses and site selectors,” says Stevie. “I’m excited to collaborate with DCI and its clients to identify solutions that address today’s challenges while preparing organizations for the future.” 

The introduction of these new technology offerings builds upon DCI’s broader investment in innovation across economic development and talent attraction marketing. From AI-powered platforms and website solutions to advanced analytics, digital advertising and research, DCI continues to evolve its toolkit to meet the changing needs of destinations worldwide. 

Stevie’s appointment adds another experienced voice to DCI’s growing technology innovation practice, working alongside the firm’s specialists in digital strategy, website development, analytics and emerging technologies. Together, they will help communities evaluate opportunities, implement effective solutions and maximize the impact of their marketing investments.  

Q&A with Stevie Chavez 

What attracted you to this partnership with DCI?

I have been fortunate to work in this crazy industry of economic development for nearly 30 years, and throughout that time, DCI has consistently been one of the most respected organizations in our field.  Their reputation for excellence, integrity and delivering results has never wavered, which make this opportunity especially exciting.

What I have enjoyed most since joining the team is discovering just how broad DCIs expertise really is.  While many people know DCI for its outstanding work in public relations, branding and marketing, they offer so much more.  From economic development, and tourism to strategic communications, research, technology and public speaking, every team is made up of people who are true experts in their field.   

I am excited to contribute to that mission by helping introduce new products from the technology innovation team, like PlaceSuite AI and other PlaceSuite products coming soon! 

Throughout your career, you’ve worked closely with economic development professionals. What technology challenges are you hearing most often today?  

Teams are often managing multiple systems, websites, property databases, CRM platforms, reports, and data sources that don’t always work together. At the same time, they’re being asked to do more with limited staff and resources while responding to prospects faster than ever before. 

Another challenge is helping website visitors quickly find the information they’re looking for. Whether it’s available sites, community data, workforce information, utilities, rail access, or incentives, prospects expect immediate answers. If they can’t find what they need quickly, there’s a chance they’ll move on. 

Finally, AI has become a major topic of conversation. Organizations recognize its potential, but many are asking the same questions: How do we use it effectively? How do we ensure the information is accurate? And how do we adopt new technology without losing the personal relationships that have always been at the heart of economic development? 

I believe the best technology doesn’t replace economic developers—it gives them back time so they can focus on what they do best: building relationships, serving prospects, and helping their communities grow. 

What excites you most about the future of technology in economic development? 

I believe technology in economic development has been transformative. When I started in this industry, the Blackberry wasn’t invented yet, Google became “a thing” and people still had pagers.  We started with the website (still so new for many as the internet was still new).  I remember attending a session at OUEDI (Oklahoma University – Economic Development Institute), and learning about WiFi.   

Technology has continued to evolve and make our working lives easier.  We no longer need to answer a phone to answer questions.  Websites can provide a ton of information at your fingertips 24/7.  We no longer need to visit a site and “kick some dirt” until it is short-listed.  Now with PlaceSuite AI, technology goes one step further by actually responding to questions as if trained in economic development.  Because it was!  It is like a virtual member of your team and puts that one thing we all need more of back into our day… time.  

What advice would you give economic development organizations that want to embrace emerging technologies but aren’t sure where to start? 

My advice is simple: don’t feel like you have to become a technology expert overnight. Start by asking one question:  

“How can this technology help my team work smarter and give us more time back?” 

During my years with GIS Planning (now FT Locations), one of the biggest lessons I learned was that the best technology works for you. If you’re investing in a website, CRM, property database, or AI, make sure you’re using it to save time, improve the customer experience, and support your team’s work. 

The funny thing is, I’m not what I would call a “techy.” My background is in economic development. What I understand is how economic developers work, what prospects are looking for, and where technology can make a real difference. I love helping organizations connect those dots and showing them how to use technology in practical, meaningful ways. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to know how the technology is built—you just need to understand how it can help you better serve your community. If I can learn it, anyone can.