Ken Allen joined Rockingham County’s economic development team last week.
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Kristin Zachary
Reporter- Triad Business Journal
Ken Allen, who has more than 30 years of economic development experience at state and local levels, has joined Rockingham County’s economic development team.
Allen, who joins the team as existing industry manager, most recently was regional manager/economic developer with the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Business and Industry Division. In that post, he was responsible for marketing, promoting and selling North Carolina’s southeast region to businesses and industries.
Allen recruited more than 3,000 new jobs and more than $1.5 billion investment in southeastern North Carolina while in that position, according to a news release from the county.
In his new role, which he began March 6, Allen will be responsible for implementing a visitation program to industries and businesses throughout Rockingham County.
“I am excited to be here and joining the great team in Rockingham County,” Allen said. “I am looking forward to getting to know the industries and people of this community.”
Allen also will assist with retention and expansion projects, provide assistance on issues faced by the local industrial base, help with marketing available buildings and sites and promote Rockingham at industry trade shows and events.
His background is expected to be an asset to the county’s business retention and expansion program, said Jan Critz, director of economic development and tourism.
Allen received his bachelor’s degree in business administration/marketing from the University of South Carolina. He also earned his International Economic Development Council Certification from the University of Oklahoma and completed a certification in Urban Planning at the University of Virginia.
His professional associations include the North Carolina Economic Developers Association and the International Economic Development Council.
Kristin Zachary covers real estate and economic development for Triad Business Journal. Contact her at 336-370-2918.
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