"Our retention program is designed to first identify local needs and concerns and then the solutions that are needed to support a favorable business climate," he adds.

During a retention visit, Dillingham and EDC retention specialist Maureen Patzer spend about an hour discussing employee recruitment, training and transportation issues.

"That's only the beginning," Dillingham explains. "We want to hear about expansion or relocation plans, immediate and future energy needs, and infrastructure issues such as water and sewer."

The broad range of discussion topics also includes day care, language training, and state and local financial incentives.

"As our economy continues to show signs of recovery, we're also highlighting access to community development block grant funding, industrial revenue bonds, and the county's revolving loan fund," Dillingham says. "We can also provide information on tax abatements."