Polk County Press Release - February 12th, 2018
Polk County Board of Commissioners Help Support New Business Retention & Expansion Manager
Strategic Economic Development Corporation Announces Business Retention & Expansion Manager/Rural Innovation Catalyst
(SALEM, OR. – Feb. 12, 2018 -- )
How Alex Paraskevas is feeling about starting his new job at Strategic Economic Development Corporation is how he would like everyone to feel about a new job. “I am so excited for all the possibilities and the opportunities with this job,” he said. “It’s a way to have a tangible impact and make a difference in the communities SEDCOR serves.”
Thanks to a grant from the Ford Family Foundation and support from the Polk County Commissioners, the city of Independence and SEDCOR have jointly hired Paraskevas to work as a regional innovation catalyst and the business retention and expansion manager. Paraskevas will work with Independence Economic Development Director Shawn Irvine on the Smart Rural Community effort to encourage the establishment and growth of technology and agriculture-based companies in Polk County. The Regional Innovation Catalyst also will work to foster entrepreneurship and STEAM education programming.
Irvine said Independence has already had success linking agriculture, technology and rural communities. Hiring Paraskevas is an opportunity to continue to grow businesses and workforce in the area, he said. “Alex brings an inquisitive mind and go-getter attitude. He is quick to see connections and understand what people need,” Irvine said. “I’m excited to
get started and see where we can go together.
SEDCOR President Chad Freeman said Paraskevas will serve as the business retention and expansion manager for Polk County.
“We are excited to see where his energy, enthusiasm and knowledge takes us as we work directly with business to grow jobs for Polk County and the region,” Freeman said. “With the support of Polk County, the Ford Family Foundation and the work that Independence has done, we are excited to be part of this innovative project.”
A 2006 University of Oregon graduate, Paraskevas (pronounced Pa-ra- skeh- vas) grew up in Salem, graduating from South Salem High School in 2002. Both his parents are professors at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, where he attended elementary school. Paraskevas worked at Willamette University for 10 years, serving as assistant director of alumni communication and then as the associate director of research and prospect management.
“Economic development is a field which has captivated my thinking as it provides the change to meld my personal interests with my professional aspirations,” he said. “I am truly excited about working for SEDCOR and believe what SEDCOR does has a quiet impact in helping our communities and changing people’s lives.”
Paraskevas can be reached at 503-837- 1803 or alexp@sedcor.com
