Assists in business retention and expansion efforts. Includes visits to and communication with area businesses to establish good relationships.

Works with businesses that want to expand in the region and seeks solutions to challenges identified by area businesses.

Markets the region and follows up on leads for new businesses.

Develops projects such as the proposed regional industrial park, using combined resources and innovative revenue and cost sharing approaches.

Promotes regional planning and cooperation to encourage economic development plans and projects that:

o make effective use of land

o produce more jobs per acre

o reduce the costs of infrastructure construction

o conserve open space and farmland

o protect the environment

o preserve the rural, small- town quality of life found in the region

Works on independent projects for each municipal partner for economic and community development

Provides a forum for municipal and business leaders to discuss common challenges, to share solutions, and to promote cooperation.