From initial planning to finished product, a lot happens in the early phases of any building project. But what happens before shovels hit the ground can set the foundation for a future business and its community. That’s where the Economic and Business Development team come in. And during Economic Development Week, we celebrate the work this team does throughout the year to promote economic growth in the Midwest and beyond.
Celebrated May 6 – 10, Economic Development Week was created in 2016 to recognize the contributions made by economic development professionals to grow the communities they live and work in. This team is proud to contribute to future opportunities in local communities through incoming businesses and new jobs. But aside from creating this new level of potential, there is a lot to know about the work these individuals do.
All About Collaboration
Communication is key. A project, particularly of a larger size, requires strict criteria to be met. From determining proximity to high voltage power and access to basic utilities to appropriate zoning efforts, strong relationships play a significant role in a project’s direction. Equally, internal relationships can help determine how to meet a company’s needs on their unique timeline. This involves consistent work with customer service, distribution, transmission, legal, regulatory and more.
Focused on Community
Going beyond economics, the team strives to develop community-focused relationships through education for community leaders to become better stewards of resources and develop creative business tools. Through funding educational programs and materials, communities of any size can advance their development efforts and growth. This work can benefit incoming organizations but also work done with chambers to maintain relationships and promote growth on a local level.
Celebrating Success
To assist prospective industrial businesses the AEP Quality Sites Program tool assists communities and developers of industrial properties to ensure all development risks are mitigated. Sites are vetted by a hand-picked team of industrial site selection and construction experts. Through this program, organizations like Amazon, Google, CANPACK, Sabert and more have helped bring in local business and provide jobs within the community.
Growing Indiana and Michigan
Leading the charge in Indiana and Michigan are Director of Economic and Business Ashley Savieo and Economic Development Analyst Nathan Powelson. Learn more about the work they do in our service area and beyond by visiting the AEP economic development website.