Interim EDC director named

Tuesday, January 15, 2008 — Michael Trotter, former Economic Development Division manager at Duke Energy, has been chosen to temporarily fill the Stanly County Economic Develop-ment Commission director position vacated by Robert Van Geons.Van Geons stepped down from the position Jan. 7 to pursue a similar position in Rowan County, and until a replacement is found, Trotter will complete the day-to-day operations of the position.Trotter came to the Charlotte area when Duke Energy asked him to move here. He comes from Duke Energy with 22 years of experience, in which he served in various positions.His most recent position with Duke Energy was a manager in the Economic Development organization.While in this position, Trotter was responsible for business recruitment in Duke’s service territory within a nine-county radius of Charlotte. Stanly, Cabarrus and Rowan counties were included in the radius.Trotter serves on the board of directors for the North Carolina Economic Deve-lopers Association and has served as a board member for various other economic development organizations around Charlotte such as Centralina Economic Development Board, the Rowan Jobs Initiative and the Union County Partnership for Progress.The county approached Trotter about filling the director’s position temporarily and since he had retired from Duke Energy, he had the time available to fill the vacancy.“It was a good fit at the right time,” Trotter said.As a native of La Grange, Ga., Trotter received his bachelor’s of science degree in electrical engineering from Clemson University in 1985.He is married and has two boys, ages 9 and 13.“It’s been very positive,” Trotter said, regarding his experience in Stanly County.“The county has a very business friendly environment with great people. I believe Stanly County has great opportunities ahead.”While the full-time director’s position remains vacant, the county is currently advertising for the position with the North Carolina Economic Developers Association and the International Economic Development Council.