Portera & Associates
Portera & Associates

Helping Communities Retain, Create, and Attract Jobs and Opportunities.

Helping Communities Retain, Create, and Attract Jobs and Opportunities. Helping Communities Retain, Create, and Attract Jobs and Opportunities. Helping Communities Retain, Create, and Attract Jobs and Opportunities.

Developing and Implementing Economic and Workforce Strategies for Rural Progress.

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Helping Communities Retain, Create, and Attract Jobs and Opportunities.

Helping Communities Retain, Create, and Attract Jobs and Opportunities. Helping Communities Retain, Create, and Attract Jobs and Opportunities. Helping Communities Retain, Create, and Attract Jobs and Opportunities.

Developing and Implementing Economic and Workforce Strategies for Rural Progress.

Start the Conversation

Who We Work With

We partner with communities ready to move from conversation to action, including:


  • Chambers of Commerce.
  • Economic development organizations.
  • Cities and counties.
  • School districts and higher education institutions.
  • Regional partnerships and coalitions.

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Our Process

STEP 1 - PLAN - Assess local assets, identify high-priority issues, and develop a focused plan.

STEP 2 - ALIGN - Facilitate collaboration, drive partnerships, break down silos, and connect education and business partners.

STEP 3 - ACT - Implement the plan, analyze the results, adapt, celebrate the wins, and repeat.

Why We're Different

We don't just hand you a plan, say "Good luck," and leave town.

We help develop sustainable economic and workforce strategies and work alongside local leaders to implement them to drive progress.

About Us

Dr. Malcolm Portera

Dr. Malcolm Portera

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 Portera

Andy Portera

  

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 client partners on international recruiting trips to Europe, Japan, and South Korea. 

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Who We've Helped

  • Cleveland-Bolivar County, MS
  • East Mississippi Business Development Corporation
  • Kemper County, MS
  • Golden Triangle Development LINK
  • Meridian Community College
  • East Mississippi Community College
  • Mississippi Community College Board
  • Marshall University 
  • Tennessee Technological University
  • Mississippi Community College Board 

"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.


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If you prefer to contact us directly:

andy@porteraassociates.com

(205) 807-9090

Portera & Associates, LLC

14 Honeysuckle Lane, Mountain Brook, AL 35213

(205) 807-9090

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