We develop strategic plans for economic and workforce development that are concise, flexible, and built for execution, not shelf life.
Strategic plans don't build communities, people do. We work with your schools, businesses, and community to implement your plan and make real progress.
Rural economic development is about helping communities develop a plan, do the work, and make progress.
We combine proven strategies, stakeholder engagement, and practical implementation support to ensure every plan leads to measurable progress.
We help communities align training, education, and employment systems so students and residents can find local training and careers, and employers can find skilled, motivated local talent.
We help communities identify their strengths, prepare their communities, and tell their stories to attract investment and quality jobs.

Dr. Portera, the former President of Mississippi State University and Chancellor of the University of Alabama System, has been involved in economic development for the past 40+ years. Dr. Portera helped to recruit industrial development projects that have resulted in over $15 billion of capital investment in the Southeast U.S. These projects include Nissan-Mississippi, Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi, Hyundai-Alabama, Mercedes-Benz Alabama, Victor Company of Japan, and several others.

Andy, an attorney by training, has worked with economic development organizations, city and county governments, and higher education partners since co-founding Portera & Associates in 2014. Andy’s consulting practice focuses on rural communities and organizations throughout the Southeast US. In addition, Andy has taken several partners on international recruiting trips to Germany, Japan, and South Korea.
"The money we spent with Portera is one of the best investments this county has ever made."
- Johnny Whitsett, Kemper County, MS Board of Supervisors.
"Thank you to the Porteras for investing their time, talents, and energy into our community - listening to, leading, and guiding our business leaders and elected leaders in collaborative, common-sense (and COOL) growth!
-Bill Hannah, President& CEO of the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation.