I have had the pleasure of knowing Mike for almost ten years.  His work on behalf of a variety of clients is consistently outstanding.  He brings clients tremendous insights into successful strategies in economic development, regulatory affairs, government relations, social responsibility, public-private partnerships, labor issues and emerging energy, among other verticals.  Not just talk, but results.  Mike is equally adept working directly with governors and senators as he is with disruptive entrepreneurs.  Tech, energy, eCommerce, cloud computing, crypto currency, transportation – his industry expertise is broad and deep.  Among his most effective skills are deal-making, focus on shared successes, conflict resolution, brand building and public relations savvy.  And those skills are leveraged along with an appropriate sense of humor and humility. 

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- Ben Conwell, Senior Managing Director & Practice Leader - eCommerce Fulfillment Advisory Group at Cushman & Wakefield, Inc.

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I have had the extreme pleasure of working with Mike for 20 years, both as a colleague and industry peer.  I have witnessed Mike's evolution from a highly respected subject matter expert in economic development incentives, into a visionary executive and business leader with broad and deep expertise.  His experience includes spending the past seven years at industry pioneer Amazon as founder and Director of their Worldwide Economic Development Team, working on economic development initiatives for both the E-Commerce and Cloud businesses, during a period of unprecedented company growth.  Mike’s Amazon experience, combined with over a decade spent as a leader and Director in PwC's Credits & Incentives Practice, has provided Mike with a wisdom, strategic foresight and transactional expertise that is both unparalleled in the industry and is well leveraged in his new venture, focused on “Economic Development 4.0”. His thought leadership and curated advice on the impact of disruptive technologies, workforce development, sustainability initiatives, and social impact as catalysts for economic growth and resiliency, both in the public and private sectors, is well-timed and much-needed.  Forward thinking organizations are prioritizing Environmental, Social and Governance criteria in their everyday business decisions, always considering their impact on customers, constituents, and communities; Mike is the resource companies and governments will be looking to as they plan and navigate their journey through these new and challenging economic, social and technological frontiers.

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- Sid Silhan, National Tax Partner, Ernst & Young

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Mr. Grella brings a fresh perspective to economic development. Understanding the convergence of economic growth, social equity, technology, innovation and the environment, Grella knows how to align the key drivers to economic growth with real action steps that lead to success. His depth of experience working real projects as an incentives specialist and building Amazon's first economic development practice brings real world experience to an evolving profession in need of disruption. 

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- Larry Williams, CEO, Technology Association of Georgia

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I've worked with Mike in a range of capacities for many years, and I've never met anyone else that combines his unique professional background with a sincere passion for global policy, economic development, and taking on new challenges.  Mike has had an insider's seat at the economic development table for decades, from many different angles: industry and consulting, legal and accounting, small and massive projects, and U.S. and global.  Few others share such a unique perspective.

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- Madison J. Barnett,  State & Local Tax Counsel  The Coca-Cola Company,

former Of-Counsel, Eversheds-Sutherland LLP

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Mike has a unique perspective for communities to hear and understand.  He has been an advisor to some of the best companies in the world, he has worked globally, and he knows the challenges that states and communities face to grow and prosper.  He is part of a small group of people that have advised, implemented, and executed deals around the world.  Mike's insights have been valuable to me as we consider how to grow our region and develop our economy.   

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- Kenny McDonald, CEcD, Columbus 2020

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I have known Mike Grella personally and professionally for many years. I have found his direct, hands on approach very refreshing and well received, especially in today’s fast moving world.  Decision makers seek well thought out, yet concise, information from which to base their decisions. .. and this is exactly what Mike offers. However, Mike Grella’s biggest asset is his steadfast integrity and honesty, and that is why people want to do business with him.”

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- Michael C. Dermody, Chairman and CEO, Dermody Properties

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I had the opportunity to work with Mike as he helped to establish a client’s Economic Development department.  He helped grow the function, and worked as part of a team to expand it from U.S.-centric to a group focused on expansion throughout the world.  Mike was responsible for overseeing advisors who he collaborated with on complex economic development transactions and strategy to support his company’s e-commerce and data center expansion.  Mike contributed to significant accomplishments.  He has robust experience in the Economic Development field and enthusiastically drives positive outcomes stemming from public-private partnerships. 

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- Jeff Friedman | Partner, Eversheds-Sutherland LLP

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Mike Grella knows more about site selection for data centers than anyone I know. He also understands where the industry is going and how site selection is evolving for states, regions, and localities, as well as the companies that interact with them. I regularly call on him for advice, as do economic development leaders across Virginia.

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- Stephen Moret, President and CEO, Virginia Economic Development Partnership