Contact:  Beth McCarthy

231-723-4325

For Immediate Release

ALLIANCE FOR ECONOMIC SUCCESS

ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRANSITION

Manistee, Michigan – The Board of Directors of the Alliance for Economic Success announced today that Renee’ Ihlenfeldt, Executive Director, will be leaving the Manistee-based organization and that plans are being made to ensure a smooth leadership transition.  Ihlenfeldt will continue her employment with the AES during a transition period.  A date has not yet been set for recruiting and hiring a new Executive Director.  Ihlenfeldt is leaving the AES to join her husband, Bill, who recently accepted a new post in Austin, Texas.

“I know that I join many throughout Manistee County in expressing our thanks and appreciation for all that Renee’ has done to re-engineer and lead Manistee County’s economic development strategy,” said AES Board Chair Beth McCarthy.  “Much has been accomplished under her leadership to re-position the County’s approach to improving our economic well-being and quality of life.  From the influx of grants and funding for economic development to the recent decision by Mariah Power and MasTech to bring a new alternative energy business and jobs to our County, Renee’ can be very proud of what has been accomplished in a short period of time.”

McCarthy said that Ihlenfeldt will continue to work with the AES during a transition period that will include a search process for a full-time Executive Director.  The AES will publicly announce and advertise the Executive Director search at a date to be determined in 2009.

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