作为 "全国经济发展周 "的一部分,格林维尔-北卡罗来纳州东部 (ENC) 联盟正在表彰我们社区经验丰富的经济开发人员。这些专业人士致力于为格林维尔、皮特县和北卡罗来纳州东部地区带来经济繁荣和发展。
The Greenville ENC Alliance works closely with the business development and key accounts team at Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC). Kathy Howard, business development specialist with GUC, provides superior utility service to customers and prospective customers. She has more than 20 years of experience in economic development and community development. In a Q&A style blog, Kathy shares details about her journey in economic development, what brought her to GUC, and why she's passionate about this profession.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in economic development?
A: I began my career in a regional organization doing research and communications. This is where I decided I wanted to continue in economic development and community development. Promoting eastern North Carolina became a passion for me.
Q: What is your most memorable project or accomplishment?
A: There are so many memorable projects and being able to work projects from different perspectives, state, local, and regional are some of the best challenges. I will always remember the accomplishments of bringing together many partners and initiatives for various programs in eastern North Carolina. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with so many experienced professionals. I am now in a role that I find so exciting. While challenging, I have learned so much. I recently completed the American Public Power Association’s Key Account Certification program. Going through that process during the COVID-19 pandemic was definitely an accomplishment and a memorable experience!
Q: How did you get to your current position?
A: I previously worked in local,regional, and state roles. A colleague, from another part of North Carolina,reached out to me when they heard about my current position with GUC and asked if I would be interested. It was a perfect fit for me! It uses my experience in existing industry, economic development, and community partnerships. In this position, they’re all rolled into one. The most exciting part is that I am on the ground, working for the community where I live. I enjoy focusing on these local efforts.
Q: What is your favorite part about working in economic development in Pitt County?
A: The partnerships, the people, persistence, and the sustained effort of the community to want to continue to grow in a way that is great for Pitt County and eastern North Carolina.
Q: What do you want the community to know about economic development and your work?
A: Every day I work to help not only our current customers, but potential customers. I work closely with all the economic development partners and community development initiatives in Pitt County. Our team works to fulfill requests and needs of clients that most don’t see. There are so many levels and extensive efforts that go into just getting a client to visit your location. The hard work is definitely worthwhile.
在 Facebook、Twitter、Instagram、YouTube 和 LinkedIn 上关注@GreenvilleENCA,与格林维尔经济发展联盟一起在社交媒体上庆祝 #EconDevWeek。每天将在www.encalliance.com/news 上添加当地经济开发者的简介。要了解有关国际经济发展理事会主办的全国经济发展周的更多信息,请访问该组织的网站www.iedconline.org/edw。
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媒体关系联系人:Maria Satira
营销与传播总监
格林维尔--北卡罗来纳州东部联盟
satira@encalliance.com
252-414-2875