ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BP
PHOTO: iStockphoto.com/akinbostanci
What recruitment REALLY takes Nine-year pursuit lands major company in Whatcom County Jennifer Noveck, Ph.D. In 2013, nearly a decade ago, the Canadian-owned company Marcon Metalfab first contacted John Michener, economic development project manager at the Port of Bellingham. Marcon is a metal fabrication company specializing in dynamic bridge components that has contributed to infrastructure and transportation construction and rehabilitation projects throughout North America. As such, the company was looking for a metal fabrication company in Whatcom County to purchase. At the time, nothing was available. Well trained in business recruitment, retention and ex-
pansion work, Michener knew Marcon would be a great addition to Whatcom’s local economy. Importantly, the product it made was much needed in the state of Washington, with its 7,000-plus bridges over many rivers, lakes and waterways. With 15 years of economic development experience, Michener has assisted multiple companies with retention and expansion projects and has facilitated millions of dollars of investment in Whatcom County. In 2013, he earned the Economic Development Finance Professional certification. In 2021, after intensive coursework and six
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MAY/JUN 2022 | BUSINESSPULSE.COM
