The Lewis County Economic Development/IDA Board and staff would like to announce the appointment of Jenna Kraeger as the new Economic Development Specialist!
Jenna has joined the Naturally Lewis team bringing a wealth of knowledge in marketing, workforce development and program development. Before accepting this position, Jenna spent two years working for the Builders Exchange of Rochester, serving the construction and technology industries of Rochester, NY. She worked with a number of local economic development agencies to help promote the industries, assisted with business attraction efforts, workforce development, leadership initiatives, and much more. Jenna also has experience in marketing and event planning, serving as the Marketing & Events Coordinator for St. Lawrence Spirits in Clayton, NY, three years prior.
"Jenna's background and relatable experience will help bring our organization, and the Naturally Lewis brand, to the next level. I am confident she will go above and beyond our expectations and will help us lead the way in marketing Lewis County, creating innovative business development initiatives and collaborating with our partner organizations to help move Lewis County forward," stated Executive Director, Brittany Davis.
Jenna returns back to Lewis County, her home, after spending many years away. When asked why she wanted to move back to Lewis County, her answer was, "I am ready to come back home." In a county and state where population has been steady, or even declining, attracting a young professional back to Lewis County is a success story in itself.
We look forward to watching Jenna grow within our organization, and lead within our communities. She will be a vital componant in helping us to make Lewis County the best place to live, work, build business and play!
The Jenna Kraeger Profile
Age: 27
Family:
Parents: David & Catherine Kraeger
Siblings: Jessica Carpenter, Matthew Kraeger & Megan Dolhof
Fiancé: Ben Lauraine
Favorite hobbies/things to do outside of work:
I enjoy traveling, exploring new places, camping, hiking, playing sports and trying new craft beer! My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family, especially my six nephews.
Why did you apply for the position at LCED?
I applied for the Economic Development Specialist position with hopes to promote what makes Lewis County great - the people, the businesses and the lifestyle! Growing up in Constableville on a dairy farm and surrounded by family-owned small businesses, my outlook has always been community focused. I grew up playing sports and getting involved in every club/organization that I could at South Lewis Central School. After being away from Lewis County for almost ten years for continued education and career opportunities, I was very excited to hear about the opening at LCED. The position gave me the chance to move home and continue building my career interests in Economic Development with the added benefit of being closer to my family. I have always been passionate about the community that I live and work in and the opportunity to move home to help build the business community was an easy choice to make!
What do you hope to accomplish while working at LCED?
I am excited to get started! I hope to help tell the story of the people and businesses that make Lewis County a great place to live, work and play. Every business has a unique story – Naturally Lewis is here to help tell that story and help to write the next chapter.
The additional part of the puzzle is telling the Naturally Lewis story. I am excited to learn and help to evolve the programs and initiatives offered by LCED and our partner organizations. I hope to elevate the Naturally Lewis brand as a hub for information for the businesses in Lewis County.
I am looking forward to getting out into the community to meet with business owners and collaborate with other organizations that share the vision to create and maintain economic stability in Lewis County for future generations.
“A rising tide lifts all boats.”