Maureen Donohue Krauss is director of Oakland County's Department of Economic Development and Community Affairs. A county employee for more than 11 years, she is the first woman to oversee the department's 90-person staff and its $7.2 million budget.
The department includes Community and Home Improvement, Marketing and Communications, Planning and Economic Development Services, Waste Resource Management and Workforce Development. Krauss spoke with
Prosper about economic development in the county, a shrinking budget and the challenges that face Oakland County in the coming years.
QUESTION: How does an economic developer overcome the serious challenges that have hit the county and the state?
ANSWER: The economy has affected all of our groups. Like others in the private sector, we have been forced to do things more efficiently and provide services for communities who face the same budget squeezes we are. We have to remember to focus on the strong things we still have -- a skilled work force, relatively inexpensive property and a wonderful quality of life. Now more than ever, Oakland County is a more affordable place to do business than any place in the country.
Q: How does a business in another part of the country or the world even know that Oakland County exists?
A: We have to use more web-based marketing and social media to see how we can get our message out to a broader audience. We work very closely with groups like the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Detroit Regional Economic Partnership, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and Automation Alley to market our region around the world.
Q: What has surprised you about your job?
A: The budget has taken more time -- certainly with the three year budgeting cycle. We're all being forced to do more with less but the business community is not asking us to do less and the communities have not asked us to do less. The demands are greater than ever but I hope to deliver the same or even greater level of service. It's also a challenge to keep employees motivated and engaged without any additional reward. I've always been excited about the product I have to sell.
Q: What do you like about being the director of economic development in a business-friendly county such as Oakland County?
A: It's gratifying to have a voice in policy decisions at the local, county and state levels. I have 20 years experience as an economic developer and I think that gives me the experience to make a positive impact. Being able to work with some very talented employees and watch them develop is extremely rewarding.
Q: What makes a good economic developer?
A: Someone who listens to the client and aggressively provides all of the resources for the client. You have to be creative. You have to be a team player. This is not a solo sport. You have to cooperate at the state and local level with all of those people who help put together the projects. When we win, the whole state wins.
Q: What did L. Brooks Patterson say to you when he offered you the job?
A: He said he thought I would be the best person for the job, that I had the experience, the reputation and the credibility. I told him I wouldn't let him down.
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