Danville honors outgoing economic development director Corey Bobais for 16 years of service

The Danville City Council on Tuesday formally recognized Corey Bobais as she concluded her 16-year tenure as the city’s director of economic development and tourism. Council members credited Bobais with helping attract employers such as Tyson Foods and Microporous, launching the city’s tourism program and organizing a regional housing summit.

Mayor Jones and several council members praised Bobais’s leadership and her work to support small, women- and minority-owned businesses. “Your commitment to advancing Danville’s prosperity was both steadfast and visionary,” the mayor said in presenting a plaque. Council members identified specific results under her leadership, including development in the River District, property projects totaling roughly 750,000 square feet and recruitment of major employers.

Bobais responded that the recognition was unexpected and that her career path — from intern to director — was made possible by community leaders and staff support. “I’ve been fortunate to find a career pathway from an intern walking through tobacco warehouses on hot summer days to now, in this current role,” she said, thanking council and staff and noting that the department’s team will sustain momentum.

The ceremony included brief remarks from multiple council members and applause from attendees. Council said it looks forward to continuing to partner with Bobais in her new role with the Danville Regional Foundation and welcomed continued collaboration on economic development initiatives.