The Millstone Economic Development Authority celebrated what appeared to be a major breakthrough in a confidential recruitment project Tuesday after a corporate prospect returned to the community for a second visit less than 24 hours after completing his first.

“We were extremely encouraged,” said Executive Director Karen Blake. “Second visits matter.”

Staff first learned of the return when the prospect emailed that morning to say he would be “back in Millstone around 10.”

Within minutes, the project’s internal status was upgraded from “promising” to “very promising.”

Board leadership was notified.

The utility partner was notified.

The county administrator was notified.

One staff member quietly reopened the incentive spreadsheet.

“We didn’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” Blake said. “But you also don’t come back that quickly unless something is happening.”

The prospect had spent the previous day touring Millstone’s 420-acre industrial park, meeting with workforce partners and reviewing utility infrastructure for a potential advanced manufacturing facility.

Staff described the initial visit as productive.

“He asked good questions,” said Business Development Manager Chris Hall. “Power. Water. Labor. Transportation. All the things you want him asking.”

The team became even more optimistic when the prospect requested another brief meeting the following morning. “That’s when you start thinking, okay, maybe we’re moving,” Hall said.

Staff quickly assembled a second-visit itinerary.

The industrial park was placed back on standby.

Coffee was ordered.

A conference room was reserved.

The mayor changed a lunch appointment.

At 9:47 a.m., however, the prospect clarified that he would only be stopping by his hotel to retrieve a phone charger left in Room 312.

“He was very apologetic,” Blake said.

The charger was a black USB-C model.

Staff confirmed it had no known connection to the project.

The prospect retrieved it at approximately 10:08 a.m. and departed Millstone seven minutes later.

“He did wave when he drove past our office,” Hall said.

The project was subsequently moved back to “promising.”

Officials emphasized that the return trip was still technically a second visit.

“We’re not misrepresenting anything,” Blake said. “He was here Monday, and then he was here again Tuesday.”

Staff briefly discussed whether the return could be mentioned during the next board update.

“We’ll probably just say there has been continued engagement,” Blake said.

The authority remains optimistic about the project, noting that the company has not eliminated Millstone from consideration and that the prospect’s phone is now fully charged.

“That can only help communication,” Hall said.

At press time, staff had received another email from the prospect.

The subject line read: “Receipt?”

For approximately 11 seconds, the project was upgraded again.