Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative has named Erika Willitzer their Marketing and Economic Manager. It’s a move that CEO George Carter hopes will ensure a more competitive business environment and position for economic growth in the PPEC territory. The electric company serves more than 12,900 member-owners in Paulding, Putnam, Defiance, Van Wert and Allen counties in Ohio, and Adams and Allen counties in Indiana. “This is a chance for PPEC to assist local economic development directors and our commercial and industrial member/consumers with their growth potential. This is about leveraging local efforts with several State and Federal programs that PPEC has access to and can assist and deliver those programs through the local economic development offices,” said Carter.
Willitzer comes to the PPEC after three years with the Paulding Chamber of Commerce where she was involved with many projects that focused on the betterment of the community. One of the most notable was the demolition of an abandoned gas station at the corner of Jackson and Main in downtown Paulding. It’s now been transformed into a beautiful community park. Willitzer also has a strong background in marketing and has developed many campaigns for small and large businesses.
“My goal is to be aggressive and bring new development to the areas we serve. Also, our vision is to be a leader in economic development. We want existing business owners and prospects to come to PPEC for many reasons, but the two that jump out to me personally, are 1.) PPEC is a trusted company and 2.) I’m dedicated to following through and getting results that have great impact for businesses and those that live in this region,” stated Willitzer.
Prior to her work with the Paulding Chamber, she was the morning news anchor for News talk 1190 WOWO where her focus was covering political and economic news. She has covered many news conferences and interviewed many well-known political figures such as, Governor Mitch Daniels, Governor Mike Pence, President Bill Clinton, First Lady Hilary Clinton, Colin Powell, and many others. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications & Journalism and has a minor degree in political science.
Willitzer has also served on several boards and currently is the incoming President for the Kiwanis Club of Paulding and is the Secretary for the United Way of Paulding County. Willitzer’s first day in the position was Monday, September, 29th.
She is excited to get started and welcomes phone calls and emails for those that wish to meet with her and start making strategic plans for business growth. Call: 1- 800-686-2357 or you can email her at ewillitzer@ppec.coop
PPEC CEO George Carter went on to say, “This is a great opportunity for PPEC and our members to bring someone with Erika’s experience and knowledge on board. We are very fortunate to be able to attract someone of her caliber to our organization. I want to welcome her to the cooperative family.”
