July 9, 2007 -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ms. Heather Lewis has joined the staff of the Putnam County Development Authority as its Economic Development Project Director.  Ms. Lewis holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Marshall University.  Ms. Lewis was previously employed by Perot Systems in Huntington.

She will begin assisting with existing business visitation in order to learn more about Putnam County's business and manufacturers.  According to Gary Walton, Executive Director,  "At least 80% of PCDA's staff time is spent working with existing businesses expansion projects."    "Increasing our presence for Putnam County's existing industries is an important first step for the benefit of existing companies," according to Walton.

Ms. Lewis' other responsibilities will include research, analysis,  project development and providing assistance to PCDA's staff with the Buffalo-Putnam Public Port District Authority and PROTEC, PCDA's fund-raising organization.

She is enrolling to participate in the Basic Economic Development Course to be taught in mid-August in Lexington, KY.  According to Ms. Lewis, "I'm looking forward to the training and courses as well as the new information, challenges and experiences that are ahead of me.  It's an opportunity that I am anticipating with enthusiasm."

Ms. Lewis may be contacted at the PCDA office at 304-757-0318 or by email at hlewis@pcda.org.