When you join together, your ability to attract and retain existing businesses expands. That’s what U.S. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer told a group of Warren County business leaders Tuesday …
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When you join together, your ability to attract and retain existing businesses expands. That’s what U.S. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer told a group of Warren County business leaders Tuesday evening.Luetkemeyer’s observations regarding the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council’s (GWCEDC) efforts to assist two local manufacturers with expansion projects were spot on.They were made after he and a group of GWCEDC officials toured SAF-Holland and Cascades Plastics. Both companies are in the process of major expansions which have created a number of new jobs at each facility.The GWCEDC is producing results. It is proving that through collaboration, the region can realize job growth.That includes helping to facilitate expansion at existing businesses.When the nonprofit private and public partnership economic development group formed a little over two years ago, they made it clear that its mission wasn’t just to bring new businesses to this area. They wanted to be a resource to help local businesses grow.Scott Hays, GWCEDC president, reinforced that message Tuesday when he said supporting our existing business community is and will remain a key charge of the organization.That’s good to hear. It’s even better to witness the results.Creating jobs in this business climate is no easy feat. Luetekmeyer echoed that point in his remarks. Our government doesn’t always make it easy to start or expand an existing business. It’s often rough sledding because of regulations and other challenges.Economic development is also hypercompetitive with states, counties and municipalities all hustling for new businesses and the jobs that come with them. That includes competition for expansion and new product lines within existing national companies who are all battling to be selected.That is why the GWCEDC is so important to our region and to our business community. The economic development group is serving as the catalyst for attracting new business and an important resource for existing companies looking to expand.Economic development is picking up momentum in our area thanks to the GWCEDC. It is showing our region what is possible when you cooperate.
