Adam Plagge

Adam Plagge, executive director of the Fairfield Economic Development Association, will start work Sept. 6 in the newly created position of economic development manager for the city of Johnston. His mission will be to conduct negotiations with developers, businesses and others regarding the public participation necessary for desired economic development; perform tax and public benefit analyses for economic development projects; create and administer a citywide business retention program; manage and support a newly created Johnston Economic Development Council; and serve as a central point of contact for businesses, developers and contractors who use city economic development services, according to a release. The city is placing an emphasis on development in the Merle Hay Gateway area. While with Fairfield, Plagge secured more than $1 million in grants, loans and federal funds for businesses, co-founded the city’s business incubator and oversaw recruitment of a $15 million grain facility.