EXPAND AND DIVERSIFY THE ECONOMY

In addition to strengthening today’s economy by supporting entrepreneurs, The E-Center is building tomorrow’s economy by leading its long-term expansion and diversification.

WANT TO EXPAND OUR ECONOMY?

We can’t be everything to everyone

We need to choose the right industries

We need to persevere

WHAT’S POSSIBLE: RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK IN NORTH CAROLINA

WHAT’S POSSIBLE: AKRON BECAME THE POLYMER CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES IN 15 YEARS

THE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

When Elyria Mayor Holly Brinda learned that Riddell Inc. was looking to leave this small city in northeast Ohio, she came up with a $14 million package of tax incentives and offered to lease land to the company for $1 a year.

GROW FROM WITHIN


First Steps	-	Send targeted marketing piece encouraging recruitment of vendors, customers
	-	Initiate constant recruiting campaign with local major employers

Intermediate Goals	-	Reach out to 50 mid-sized companies in targeted industry regarding future expansions (aerospace, sensing, advanced electronics, military systems)
	-	Support HUBZone effort
	-	Send delegation to targeted areas

Moonshot	-	Create the most aggressive incentive package in the country for targeted small/mid-sized employers

BUILD A TECH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CULTURE


First Steps	-	Create startup training program for high school students
	-	Launch Disrupt Decatur to create council of successful entrepreneurs and encourage new ventures
	-	Highlight and honor local entrepreneurial successes
	-	Connect local entrepreneurs with statewide angel capital

Intermediate Goals	-	Build strategic partnerships with UAH and NASA to provide opportunities to commercialize tech
	-	Create a forum for entrepreneurs to collide and collaborate
	-	Formalize ties to Huntsville startup community
	-	Host regional startup pitch competition

Moonshot	-	Create branded Innovation District including academic presence, industry-specific tech accelerator, and corporate R&D
	-	Innovation Corridor between Decatur and Huntsville
	-	Project X

EXPAND REGIONAL, NATIONAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

INCREASE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL & SKILLED WORKFORCE


First Steps	-	Grow Best & Brightest Initiative to 50
	-	Assess emerging industry workforce needs

Intermediate Goals	-	Launch new organization to redefine YP life in Morgan County
	-	Sign strategic partnership with coding initiative

Moonshot	-	Pursue funds to provide IT skills training for ages 17-26
	-	Launch skilled trades workforce center

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP: ESTABLISH CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP: BECOME THE ROBOTICS REPAIR CAPITAL

THE OUTCOME

Teaming with key strategic partners, Morgan County helps our current employers grow strategically. We are respected for our commitment to tech entrepreneurship, highly skilled young professionals, and national leadership in both agricultural technology and robotics.

What We Do
Incubate your business
Expand and Diversify the Economy
Help You Educate Yourself
Leadership Development
TECNA

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