Much of my time spent in this role involves engaging with site location consultants and industry executives who are actively considering prospective locations for new business operations. I inform, facilitate and persuade around the value proposition of a new-to-market company – whether US-based or international – choosing to locate a project and invest in the Lansing region. Taking a highly client-centric approach, I am also responsible for leading industry retention and expansion programs and projects connected to existing companies across the tri-county area. This work is all conducted in close partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), other state entities, local government partners, regional counterparts across Michigan and a multitude of private sector allies with shared priorities around driving investment, job creation, economic opportunity and prosperity into the Lansing region of Michigan.

Responsible for producing business development results relative to company recruitment for Charleston County. Chief tasks include generation of leads, prospect cultivation, project management, planning and executing of marketing and trade show trips - all while furthering relationships with site consultants, strategic partners and existing businesses in the County alongside the Business Retention and Expansion Team.

Implement business engagement and retention programs with existing employers and real estate developers.Provide leadership and knowledge to LEAP’s Agriculture & Food Business Work Group.Provide oversight and administration of economic development programs for potential office, retail, service, residential, manufacturing, technology and corporate prospects in an effort to retain, attract, or expand new or existing businesses. Serve as a LEAP liaison to county officials and representatives, including coordination of communications, gathering strategic input and setting meeting agendas. Assist LEAP in community engagement, presentations to groups or individuals, research, special projects, and appropriate written reports.Accompany prospects and plan itineraries for visiting groups or individuals.Represent LEAP on committees/boards of collaborating organizations.

Provide and facilitate member services for the Microenterprise Network of Michigan via meetings, conference calls, and our annual conference (Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference), along with online resources and collaboration support within the Network and with CEDAM and its partners. Coordinate work toward policy implementation (MEDC Strategic Fund) and advocacy (PASS plan and Self-Employment Assistance). Conduct reporting and grant-writing, training curriculum reviews, and various projects and research related to entrepreneurial ecosystem development in Michigan.

Provide member services and administrative support for both the Microenterprise Network of Michigan (MNM) and the Michigan Rural Council (MRC). Research and outreach in order to help the programs grow both in terms of membership and operating capacity.

support member services, online resources, and research for the Microenterprise Network of Michigan and the Michigan Economic Impact Coalition