Regional Leaders Recognized Nationally in List of Top 50 Economic Developers of 2019
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Consultant Connect, a consulting agency designed to bridge the gap between economic developers and site consultants, recognized three Northeast Indiana economic development leaders in a list of the 2019 Top 50 Economic Developers in North America.
Those honored for economic development innovation and success are Manager of Economic and Business Development at Indiana Michigan Power Ashley Savieo, CEO of the Kosciusko County Economic Development Corporation Alan Tio and President and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership John Sampson.
Here’s what the winners had to say about the economic development honor:
“Working in economic development is a unique and rewarding profession because of the impact on the community and the relationships I make along the way. I'm honored to have been nominated and among a list of many people for whom I have great respect,” said Savieo.
“In Kosciusko County, I work daily to convene, build and show the area’s economic growth to make a difference in the lives of our residents. That’s what economic development is all about, making a lasting impact in the communities we serve. I am honored to be among this year's recipients,” said Tio.
“The regional leaders and economic developers of Northeast Indiana work hard, and work together, to achieve our collective vision of being a magnet for the best businesses and talent. Economic development is a noble profession in which we are privileged to work,” said Sampson.

The economic development professionals selected for this list were nominated by their colleagues in both the economic development industry and the site consultant community for excellent practices, innovation and success in building the communities they serve. Each recipient will receive their award at Consultant Connect’s ECONOMIX event in Charleston, South Carolina this December.
“This annual list recognizing North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers is designed to acknowledge the hard work of the top leaders in this field and elevate the conversation around economic development and job creation,” said Ron Kitchens, managing partner of Consultant Connect. “Each of the leaders represented on this year’s list are beyond deserving of this recognition for their efforts in building our communities.”
To read more news about the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, please visit the website.
About the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership
The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s mission is to build, market and sell Northeast Indiana to increase business investment. Founded in 2006, the public-private partnership strives to build a globally competitive region. The Partnership’s Vision 2030 framework supports collaborative regional efforts to increase per capita income, population growth and educational attainment by focusing on business attraction, talent attraction and talent development. The Partnership represents 11 member counties: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley. For more information, visit www.neindiana.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kate Virag
Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Communications
Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership
260.414.2431
kate@NEIndiana.com