Paul A. Krepps, Edfp Email & Phone Number

Lansing, Mi

I manage an international sales process from lead generation to closing and follow through. Employing a data driven business attraction strategy that relies heavily on gathering information related to foreign direct investment, industry momentum and employment trends, demographic and workforce data, etc., I identify business attraction leads and contacts, develop executive level relationships and promote Michigan as a location for capital investment and job creation.This is all done in close collaboration with a wide variety of regional and local economic development partners, as we coordinate economic development assets, identify potential sites and secure financial resources to support company needs.

Lansing, Michigan Area

In this role I actively managed business development collaborations with >40 Michigan companies in the food processing industry and >20 Michigan companies manufacturing for, or providing services to, the wind energy industry.During this period, a number of Michigan food processors were having difficulties in their communities due to their wastewater content and/or volumes. In close collaboration with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, we achieved successful outcomes for companies that may have otherwise decreased or discontinued operations. More generally, I assisted executives in Michigan’s food processing industry to increase their companies’ competitiveness and prospects for success. Completed 2010 projects resulted in an expected direct creation or retention of >1,000 Michigan jobs and >$61 million in direct capital investment.In the wind energy space, I supported diversification efforts of Astraeus, Energetx, Merrill Technologies and other Michigan companies through the use of Centers of Energy Excellence designations, Clean Energy Advanced Manufacturing grants and other resources. Key partners and trade associations I had the pleasure to partner with in this role included the Michigan Food Processors Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, NextEnergy and the American Wind Energy Association.

Lansing, Michigan Area

Directed and managed high-priority projects for the Senior Vice President of Business Development and Attraction. I created new measurable objectives and managed detailed reporting processes for Business Development and Attraction activities and successes, and generated relevant reports and presentations to senior leadership with recommendations for programmatic and tactical improvements.As a member of the MEDC Policy Team, I developed a list of policy needs with MEDC executives and created a standard policy template that became mandated for all new MEDC policies. My greatest achievement in this role, however, was the successful attraction of the IBM Global Delivery Center to East Lansing, resulting in an estimated 500 new, high-paying jobs for the state. This involved effective coordination with stakeholders that included the Michigan Department of Information Technology, the governor’s office, local economic development partners, two universities and members of Michigan’s congressional delegation.

Created and executed strategic communication plans needed to gain positive publicity for the governor’s and MEDC’s economic development efforts and successes. Directed my team's day-to-day communications activities. As the MEDC's primary spokesperson, I cultivated relationships with television, radio and print reporters and producers and was widely quoted in local, state, national and international publications.Worked closely with MEDC president and CEO to prepare his internal communications to employees and external communications to a wide variety of audiences. Coordinated with the MEDC's marketing team and external public relations partners to develop messages, strategies and delivery methods. As a public speaker, I represented the MEDC at community and company events and meetings of business partners. My leadership included mentoring team members with their professional development through one-on-one discussions, focused feedback and team meetings, , Employed technology (including VOCUS PR) to monitor media coverage for success and to be alert to potential issues of difficulty that may need to be addressed. regular performance evaluations and other means.

Cultivated broad support to win multiple, competitive township-wide elections to lead this 25,000+ resident community. In collaboration with fellow board members, created and managed a $40 million annual budget to provide public services. Led strategic efforts to develop multi-year community development, spending and planning objectives. Hired and appointed key personnel and delegated oversight of programs by giving prioritized objectives and evaluating deliverables. Developed relationships with key stakeholders that including business leaders, education leaders, civic leaders and state legislators.

B.S., Communications - Film And Video

B.S., English - Creative Writing

Activities and Societies: InterVarsity Christian Fellowship; Lanthorn Newspaper Advisory Board; Sigma Tau Delta National English Honor.