Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/164142
UPFRONT face time P H OTO G R A P H B Y B ob C ash m an / I M A G E S T U D I O S , F O R I N S I G H T Steve Jenkins With 38 years of economic development experience under his belt, Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation President Steve Jenkins has been in his current role since early 2012. He has served in similar positions nationwide, including most recently in Topeka, Kan. Insight Executive Editor Margaret LeBrun sat down with him to talk about his vision for the countywide, private-public partnership. w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m on making an impact in Fond du Lac Today we're always in a flux of change. We have to ride that wave, and figure out how we take advantage of that. We're seeing tremendous expenditures in automation, which affects employment – particularly in the manufacturing sector. This is a manufacturing region and we're going to have to figure out how to deal with the fact that there are not going to be as many manufacturing jobs – but there are going to be good jobs. We're going to have to look at different measurements as they relate to what is successful in economic development. A lot of people fear change. I'm one of those who thrives on it. I believe that change always presents opportunity. We have enhanced our existing business program, particularly as it relates to primary employers. My director of business development, Bill Stemeimel, has brought some unique perspectives to that position because he was in industry and had served as a consultant. He's putting into place some really innovative programs. Our growth has been primarily in the existing businesses. We've had a tremendous amount of growth in our existing manufacturers in the last few years. Alliance Laundry has [continued] » S e p t e m b e r 2 013 • Insight | 19