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LAUREL – Dan Kuhlman wants to do his best to help the community of Laurel continue to prosper and not just rest on its laurels.
The 40-year-old is the new full-time Laurel Economic Development coordinator. His first official day in the city position was Sept. 18.
“I’m in the process of getting settled into my new position,” Kuhlman said. “I’ve been meeting with various community partners and developing a network of people that I can reach out to. “I look forward to working together with business leaders and meeting with community patrons in an effort to help our community grow and prosper,” he said.
He explained why he decided to pursue this position.
“The City of Laurel has a lot of great things going for it right now,” Kuhlman said. “The revitalized downtown, the Laurel Community Center, the Laurel Fire and Rescue Hall, the LCC School additions and renovations, the splash pad and the playground in the Hillcrest Addition are just a few examples.
“These projects have created a springboard for future projects, which include additional housing, childcare opportunities, industrial development and business retention and attraction,” he said. “We have all the pieces in place to really market what makes Laurel such a great community to call home.”
He noted his job duties include promoting and developing affordable housing options within the community.
“I’ll also work with the local business leaders and stakeholders to support the businesses that are here in town as well as welcome prospective businesses,” Kuhlman said. “While working with local, state and regional agencies and departments, I’ll assist with securing additional funds for city and community projects.”
The Osmond native graduated in 2001 from Osmond High School and then spent two years at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, where he received an associate degree in computer programming in 2003.
Kuhlman then went on to Wayne State College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in computer programming – programmer/ analyst in 2005.
Prior to becoming the Laurel Economic Development coordinator, he had worked as a technician for Fastwyre Broadband for the last 20 years.
Kuhlman also is involved in the community of Laurel as a member of the Cedar View Country Club Board of Directors and as the vice president of the Immanuel Lutheran Church Council.
“I enjoy spending time on the golf course,” Kuhlman said.
He and his wife, Hillary, have raised two daughters in Laurel – Reggan, 19, is a sophomore at Wayne State College, and Carly, 17, is a senior at Laurel-Concord- Coleridge School for the 2023-24 academic year.
“Currently, I spend a lot of time watching my daughter’s athletic events,” Kuhlman said. “Carly is involved in volleyball, basketball and track and field at LCC.”
