Development chief: 'I don't hold back'

By Rick Dandes
The Daily Item

Sun, May 18 2008

— LEWISBURG -- Only eight days into his new job as president of the Union County Industrial Development Corp., Michael E. Adams on Wednesday was faced with a disturbing rumor.
The scuttlebutt? That the building of the Target distribution center at Great Stream Commons Business Park in Gregg Township was on hold because the company wanted to first see whether tolls would be placed on Interstate 80.
"I heard the same rumors," he said, "and frankly, I can't yet tell you if they are true or not. ... We're about to enter the stage where the tenant has to apply for multiple township permits, and procedures take time.
"The engineering on site is happening as we speak. This is a very large undertaking with a lot of moving parts.
"It is my job, though, to make this happen. I know how things work."
Adams, 42, of Selinsgrove, says he's an accountant by trade, but one of the strengths he brings to his new job is his experience in real estate brokerage, leasing, asset management and investment analysis.
He is, after all, a former director of real estate in Pennsylvania's Department of General Services.
"Obviously, the Target distribution center, and the jobs it will create, is important to the economic vitality of the region," he said.
He will also oversee the development of the Pennsylvania House grounds in East Buffalo Township.
Adams said he spent much of his first week on the job trying to learn what the county and the region are looking for in terms of growth.
And: "I'm trying to get a picture of what various companies consider important." One of his most important goals is to not only attract, but also retain, businesses.
"I'm a good communicator. I like to talk to people and I'm pretty forthright," he said. "I don't hold back."
Communication is important, he said, when you're trying to attract new business into a region.
"When you're sitting eyeball to eyeball across a table from company executives, they will ask you: Why they should come here? Is there a quality work force available? Is there a place for me to go and is it economical?" he said.
"You have to be able to look them in the eye and with perfect clarity and confidence, say This is where you should be.'"
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