Nora Balgoyen is an Area Manager with Local Government and Community Affairs at ITC Holdings, the nation’s largest independent electric transmission company. At ITC, Nora develops and enhances relationships with community leaders, government officials and economic development professionals to promote understanding and generate support of the greater grid. Nora’s territory includes 26 counties on Michigan’s west side where she provides education about electric infrastructure projects and community development initiatives. Nora leads economic development projects and company growth initiatives at the company.
Prior to joining ITC, Nora served as the Director of Economic Development for Allegan County, a growing county with deep agriculture roots and a strong manufacturing presence. She provided her expertise to create and build a successful public-private partnership model that continues to serve the county. For over 15 years, Nora administered federal workforce development programs including oversight of operations for the Michigan Works office in Allegan County. She attributes her success to the network of relationships she has built at the local, regional, and state levels and her Business Solutions Professional (BSP) certification through the State of Michigan. Nora is a member of the Allegan County Economic Development Commission, representing Utility. In addition, she has been appointed to the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission’s Community Economic Development Strategies Committee for the past ten years. Nora is also certified through the National Development Council in Economic Development Finance and is a certified Michigan Citizen Planner through MSU Extension.
What led you down your professional path and what about your work is most meaningful or fascinating to you?
After graduating from Michigan State University, I landed in a local position within workforce development when Michigan Works! programming was just ramping up in the state. I moved up quickly into a management position overseeing multiple programs and teams. This morphed into a full-time economic development role which spring-boarded my network across the region and the state. ITC took notice of my skillset as a connector and recruited me to a regional community affairs role. Being motivated to grow community has made all the difference in my success and for the lives I have touched.
What about your work has you most excited right now?
Investment in infrastructure plays such a vital role in the health and prosperity of community. It excites me to play an important educational role as we work towards a greener energy landscape.
What have you learned through your work and what advice would you give to other professionals about playing a positive role in the community?
The power of connection cannot be overstated. I firmly believe my success comes from building relationships, asking for help, and learning from others. I highly encourage others to engage in professional activities, volunteer, sit on boards, take on leadership opportunities, etc. These types of engagements honed my communication skills, especially when speaking to an audience. Also, find your cheerleaders and take time to pay it back to others, mentoring and being a mentor can be life-changing.
Talk to us about workplace culture. What are some values that you and your team live by?
“Being Better Together” is an ITC company value that we live every day. Supporting each other and leaning in where needed is the backbone of project-management based work with multiple teams working together to get a plan over the finish line.
Why is economic development a priority for you?
Watching and learning from my fellow economic developers, I witness the rewards of proactive economic investment in our communities, from large transformational projects to small, yet meaningful ones. Over time, the economic health of Michigan and the nation are dependent on collaboration at all levels and across sectors, including utility. It’s a marathon and not a sprint!