From Local to Global: Economic Development Strategies With Kevin Malecek

Kevin Malecek is the Director of Economic Development and International Trade for the City of Mentor, Ohio, where he leads business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts both domestically and internationally. With a diverse background in government, business, and nonprofit sectors, he has fostered international partnerships with the UK, Ireland, and Germany. Previously, he served as President and CEO of the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce and held leadership roles in higher education and county government. Through his work at Mentor Means Business, Kevin continues to drive strategic growth, positioning Mentor as a hub for global investment.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• [2:51] Kevin Malecek’s career path to becoming Director of Economic Development and International Trade
• [5:27] Why staying open to career opportunities is important
• [6:33] Strategies for attracting foreign investment to Mentor, Ohio
• [10:44] The potential impact of the Trump administration policies on foreign investment
• [13:33] What support and resources are available for local businesses in Mentor?
• [19:17] The future of work: trends shaping business growth in the next five years
• [21:06] Exploring the role of automation and AI in addressing workforce challenges

In this episode…

Mentor, Ohio, is emerging as a hub for local and international business growth. With a diverse economy spanning manufacturing, retail, and professional services, the city offers a strong foundation for businesses to thrive. How can economic development leaders attract foreign investment while supporting local businesses?

Kevin Malecek, an economic development professional, shares how Mentor, Ohio, has become a beacon for domestic and foreign investments. Through strategic initiatives, Mentor has fostered partnerships with companies in the UK and Ireland, resulting in direct investments and job creation. By focusing on relationship-building and offering a unique blend of low operation costs and a vibrant economy, the city ensures a smooth transition for organizations looking to establish a US presence. Kevin highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the city’s local businesses, emphasizing the importance of workforce development, automation, and AI in shaping future growth. He outlines the resources available to businesses in Mentor, including initiatives like trade missions, partnerships with the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce, and financial incentives for expansion. 

In this episode of Alpha Bytes, Alex Zinni sits down with Kevin Malecek, the Director of Economic Development and International Trade for the City of Mentor, Ohio, to discuss business growth and investment strategies. Kevin shares his unconventional career journey and how Mentor fosters foreign investment by building strong relationships with international businesses and offering personalized support to companies looking to expand into the US.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Alex Zinni on LinkedIn
• Alpha Key Digital
• Kevin Malecek on LinkedIn
• Mentor Means Business
• Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce
• “Unlocking Business Potential Through Networking and Innovative Leadership With Christine Weber” on Alpha Bytes
• The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter by Michael D. Watkins 
• Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson

Quotable Moments:

• “Building strong relationships is key. Whether attracting foreign investment or supporting local businesses, economic growth starts with meaningful connections.”
• “Mentor’s success comes from its diversity. We make things; we serve people; we offer businesses a cost-effective place to grow.”
• “If we can get international companies to visit Mentor, 70-80% of the work is done because they see the opportunity firsthand.”
• “Workforce challenges are real, but automation and AI will shape the future of business. Companies need to adapt to stay competitive.”
• “We do not just sell Mentor. We sell Northeast Ohio because our region’s strength is in its collaboration, resources, and business-friendly environment.”

Action Steps:

1. Build strong business relationships: Establishing meaningful connections with local and international businesses can create new opportunities for investment and economic growth.
2. Leverage Mentor’s diverse economy: The city’s mix of manufacturing, retail, and professional services can attract businesses looking for a stable environment.
3. Support workforce development initiatives: Encouraging training programs and automation adoption can help businesses address labor shortages and improve productivity.
4. Explore international trade opportunities: Participating in trade missions and fostering global partnerships can open doors for local companies to expand beyond US markets.
5. Utilize available business resources: Engaging with the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce and the city’s economic development programs can provide support for business retention and expansion.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Alpha Key Digital.

Located in the vibrant heart of Northeast Ohio, Alpha Key Digital delivers revenue-generating digital marketing solutions tailored to plastic surgeons and roofing companies.

From cutting-edge SEO and social media strategies to high-performing websites and PPC campaigns, our expert team is committed to driving measurable results that elevate your brand.

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To unlock your business’s full potential, visit our website at https://www.www.alphakeydigital.com/ or book a discovery session with Alex Zinni at https://calendly.com/alex-zinni/30-minute-google-meets-call.