09/06/2023
30 years ago this month, I launched my economic development business, Piqued Interest Consulting.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working for 57 clients in 24 states and the UK. Many thanks to my very first client, Wisconsin Electric Power Co. Economic Development Division.
It has been a remarkable journey. I’m extremely proud and grateful to have worked with so many wonderful people over the years. I’m certainly not ready to retire yet, because I love my profession.
I began my career as an economic development specialist for City of Milwaukee Department of City of Development from 1980 to 1990. Followed by the founding executive director of the Wauwatosa Economic Development Corporation from 1990 to 1993.
Much has changed in my 43 year career in the economic development industry, but the basic principles remain intact - job creation/retention, increased tax base, and sustained economic growth.
If my assumption is correct, many in my profession did not grow up wanting to become an economic developer. In fact, many people probably don't even know this profession exists or understand what we actually do. This rewarding profession gives me the opportunity to help not just one person or business, but rather entire states, regions, and communities. We are often in the background propelling growth and prosperity in many communities. Our efforts positively influence the economic trajectory for years to come. When you see a construction crane or new development, an economic developer was most likely involved in the project.
My exceptional clientele from 1993 to current:
American Electric Power, Columbus, OH
Advance Green Bay, WI
AdvantageWest, Arden, NC
Baldwin County ED Alliance, Robertsdale, AL
California Central Valley Council, Tulare, CA
Cedar Valley Regional Partnership, Waterloo, IA
Chabin Concepts,Chico, CA
Clallam County ED Council, Port Angeles, WA
Clinton Regional Development Group, Clinton, IA
ComEd/Exelon, Chicago, IL
City of Coconut Creek, FL
City of Cudahy, WI
City of Grandview, WA
City of Richmond, MI
City of South Lyon, MI
Forward Wisconsin, WI
Genesee Economic Growth Alliance, MI
Georgetown County ED Commission, SC
Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce, MI
Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, IA
Hampton Roads ED Alliance, VA
Kankakee County EDC, IL
Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, ME
Metrovision, New Orleans, LA
McHenry County CCED, Crystal Lake, IL
Minergy, Waukesha, WI
Mid American Energy Corp, Davenport, IA
Milwaukee Technology Consortium, WI
MLG Real Estate, Brookfield, WI
Montezuma County, Cortez, CO
Nantahala Power & Light, Franklin, NC
North of England Representative Office, Atlanta, GA
Northern Development Company, Chicago, IL and UK
Northwoods Regional Partnership, Green Bay, WI
Prime Commercial Corporation, McHenry, IL
Quad Cities Development Group, Rock Island, IL
Rio Rancho EDC, Rio Rancho, NM
Snohomish County EDC, Everett, WA
SE Regional Partnership, Milwaukee, WI
St. Louis Growth Association, St. Louis, MO
State of Mississippi, MS
State of Oregon, OR
Trerice Tosto Real Estate, Bingham Farms, MI
TRIDEC, Kennewick,WA
Village of Algonquin, IL
Village of Hartland, WI
Village of Richmond, IL
Village of Sussex, WI
Village of West Milwaukee, WI
Wauwatosa Economic Development Corp, WI
Washington State Trade Show Group, WA
Whittaker Associates, Holland, MI
Wisconsin Electric Power Company, Milwaukee, WI
Wisconsin Public Service, Green Bay, WI
Wyoming Business Council, Cheyenne, WY
Yakima County Development Association, Yakima, WA
