SHREVEPORT, La., August 17, 2004 -- Arnie Frankel, CEcD, manager of economic development for AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company (AEP SWEPCO) in Shreveport, has been elected chairman of The 30/49 Connection.  This recently created tri-state regional economic development organization promotes and markets the area for new industrial and business development. 
 
The Connection’s members are composed of communities, organizations and companies located in Northeast Texas, Southwest Arkansas and Northwest Louisiana. “Its mission is to create an improved economic development environment,” says Frankel.
 
An 11-year SWEPCO employee, Frankel has over 25 years of experience in economic development work. He is a certified economic developer by the International Economic Development Council.