April 9, 2007
Muskegon Chronicle
Dave Alexander

Q: What does it mean to head an agency such as Muskegon Area First in your hometown?

A: There are two factors involved in running this agency. No. 1, it is good for me to be able to work and live in the same place that I grew up in, particularly so that I am not an outsider. I have the benefit of having some history. And it's good for the community. We often talk about the ability for people to come back. Our young people are leaving the state, and that talent leaves with them. I did graduate from college and did at one point leave the state. And now I am back contributing to the state and to this community.

Q: What are the key elements of your education and job history that have prepared you for this position?

A: I have an engineering background; you don't usually find most economic developers with that. It helps me understand the technical aspects of manufacturing. I also have a financial background, a master's degree, and worked for a local bank. And then, I have the traditional economic development training.

Q: With the auto industry problems, the general state of Michigan's economy and the budget crisis in Lansing, isn't this a tough time to be in economic development in this state? A: Certainly the state has its challenges. In terms of development efforts, just this week we met with two potential companies that are looking to come here, and in neither case did they ask about how the state was doing. They were looking for the right sites, the work force, and if we could handle their wastewater flows.

Q: Is West Michigan's economic situation different?

A: I would say it is. This side of the state is buffered in that we have industries besides auto. You have to look at diversification like (our) aerospace, defense, transportation and hospitality industries.

Q: What is your assessment of Muskegon County's economic and employment situation?

A: I see great potential in the Muskegon County area and with projects on the boards now. Our downtown is still moving forward. Business expansions have been listed, such as Howmet. These are all good signals. You would not see people putting up housing projects and putting in retail shops unless they are seeing employment growth. Things are on the upswing.

Q: What are Muskegon's strengths in economic development, and what areas need attention?

A: Our strengths are in our work force. We are good at making things as a manufacturing community and will continue to be. The question is what we will be making. The quality of life is here. We need to continue to work on our image, getting rid of the image of the old foundry days. We have to work on diversity and how to integrate and work on inclusion of everyone throughout the county in everything we do.

Q: What are some key issues you hope Muskegon Area First will tackle in the coming year?

A: We're working on industries to bring to this area like the robotics industry, the trucking and transportation industries and food processors. Through our retention program, we continually meet with existing firms to see how we can get them to expand and grow. Our downtown development efforts continue with the Downtown Muskegon Development Corp., and we have begun working in Whitehall to help expand their downtown.