The NEI Business Development team hosted a group of site consultants for our annual Spring FAM Tour. Connecting with site consultants is an important part of our ongoing visibility and outreach strategy because of their role in guiding businesses in selecting the best locations for growth and success, making these visits critical for showcasing our region’s assets.
The team welcomed Rita Williams with Zaino Hall & Farrin LLC, Kristal Paschal with Atlas Insights, Marissa Huber with Cushman & Wakefield, and Julie Miller with Vista Site Selection.
The purpose of these familiarization tours is to help acquaint these site consultants with a place and a positive experience, and to learn more than they normally would in their day-to-day research on behalf of their clients. It helps provide much-needed nuance to a data-heavy process, introduces these consultants to the region, grows familiarity with the NEI Business Development team, and builds confidence by meeting the talented LEDOs present throughout Northeast Indiana.
The packed 3-day itinerary featured a comprehensive look at the region’s market conditions, infrastructure, quality of life, and key industries:
- Market Conditions Discussion: The tour kicked off with a collaborative meeting alongside local real estate brokers and builders to discuss regional market conditions, current inventory, and development opportunities.
- MedTech Global Gateway: The consultants met with the MedTech Global Gateway group at Parkview Health to explore the region’s expanding healthcare and medical technology ecosystem.
- Quality of Place: The group toured the Arts United project to see firsthand how regional READI funding is being deployed to transform community assets.
- Local Employer of Choice: The group visited L3Harris for an operational review and briefing on upcoming initiatives with Rob Mitrevski.
- Regional Networking: The consultants enjoyed a dedicated suite at the newly completed Fort Wayne FC stadium for a match, providing a relaxed environment to connect directly with regional LEDOs, partners, and investors.
- Collaboration & Feedback: The visit concluded at the May ROC meeting, where the consultants participated in an open Q&A panel to share their perspectives, insights, and feedback on the region’s competitive advantages.
I am sincerely appreciative of the work put in by NEI’s BD staff and all our local economic development organizations, partners, and investors to showcase their communities, organize thoughtful and engaging discussions, and further prove the economic and business case for Northeast Indiana.
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