I am writing this month’s column from my small hometown in west central Ohio. As I travel around this area, I am amazed by the bustling economic activity of this area. While I’ve passed these companies countless times in the past, I am noticing them with a different perspective given my new position with Craig/Moffat Economic Development Partnership and Marianna Raftopoulos Business Success Center.

I also have a new appreciation for the work my father did for many years as an industrial engineer in the manufacturing industry and am learning from him during my visit. There is great opportunity for Moffat County and our region, and I am inspired by the work of other communities as we look to grow and strengthen our own local economy.

The Board of Directors and I understand that this work has to be a collaborative community effort in order to be successful. As we investigate ways to attract new businesses and support existing businesses in their efforts to grow and diversify, we want to pull together our public and private partners to work toward a common vision. We understand that we are truly stronger together.

This cooperation is necessary for many reasons, including applications for grant opportunities to support the work we decide collectively is important for our community.

Our community is making strides toward a more unified approach. The recent “13 Ways to Kill Your Community” presentation and workshop the following day showed community leaders’ willingness to come together around our community’s development and share the workload to make positive change.

My hope is that we can follow up on that commitment and work side-by-side moving forward. CMEDP believes in strong partnerships and representing the community as a whole as we pursue projects big and small that contribute to our economic growth. We know that there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and we believe we are uniquely positioned to lead and support that progress.

At our annual meeting June 20, the board voted in its slate of officers for the coming year. I hope you will join me in congratulating CMEDP Chair Luke Tucker, Vice Chair Rich Thompson, Secretary Tinneal Gerber and Treasurer Tami Fager.

I am new to the organization, but these experienced businesspeople are not. With the board’s guidance and energy, we are looking toward the future with optimism.

Please join us in this vision by attending a board meeting or contacting me to find out how you can become involved. We welcome all input and ideas as we work to support and strengthen Craig and Moffat County. Board meetings take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Moffat County Courthouse.

Michelle Balleck is the executive director of Craig/Moffat Economic Development Partnership and Marianna Raftopoulos Business Success Center. She can be reached at 970-620-4370 or Michelle Balleck is the executive director of Craig/Moffat Economic Development Partnership and Marianna Raftopoulos Business Success Center. She can be reached at 970-620-4370 or director@cmedp.com.Michelle Balleck is the executive director of Craig/Moffat Economic Development Partnership and Marianna Raftopoulos Business Success Center. She can be reached at 970-620-4370 or director@cmedp.com.