Development authority focuses on recruiting industry
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Several members of the Jenkins County Development Authority recently traveled to Atlanta to attend the presentation ceremony of a $433,000 OneGeorgia grant. The grant will be used to pay for to the Authority's recent purchase of 180 acres to be developed as the Paramore Hill Industrial Park. From left, are James Henry, Jenkins County Board of Commissioners chairman; Gov. Sonny Perdue; Bobby Dwelle and Mayor King Rocker. (Photo contributed)

The Jenkins County Industrial Development Authority held its regular monthly meeting Monday, Nov. 26, at the Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce office with the primary focus of the meeting being the recruitment of additional industry for the county.

Mable Jenkins reported on a public meeting held Friday, Nov. 23, at the City of Millen Municipal Building with Jim Andrew, U.S. Rural Utilities Service administrator, as the guest speaker. Mr. Andrew advised those present that his office was responsible for the administration of approximately 80 programs and that it might be possible for some of those programs to assist with industry recruitment efforts. He suggested that a RUS district office be contacted for information on the various programs. Mr. Andrew also noted that the availability of "broadband" communication would serve as an additional asset for any industry considering locating in Jenkins County. He suggested that a committee be formed to follow up on his suggestions. Several at the meeting volunteered to serve on the committee, which is to meet this Thursday night.

James Henry, Jenkins County Board of Commission chairman, reported that several persons had contacted the commissioners' office and volunteered to serve on a Steering Committee to investigate the possibility of constructing a dam and lake on Big Buckhead Creek, utilizing water from the springs at Magnolia Springs State Park. The project was proposed at a previous meet- ing of the commissioners by a local citizen who suggested it as way of creating jobs, increasing tourism, conserving water, generating energy and eliminating flooding along the creek in the City of Millen.

Paula Herrington, Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce executive director, reported that she had contacted Viracon, a window company in Statesboro, to inform them of the availability of the M.I. Home Products buildings. Viracon officials then met with M.I. officials to discuss the possibility of Viracon purchasing one of the buildings for use as a warehouse. Officials with Viracon also indicated they would contact an associate window company and inform them of the availability of the M.I. facilities.

Herrington stated that she was working with Wendy Bibb, project manager for Georgia Economic Development, on setting up a meeting with officials of Cavalier Home Builders' corporate office to discuss any local assistance the company might require.

Several members of the development authority recently traveled to Atlanta for a presentation ceremony of a $433,000 OneGeorgia grant. The grant will be used to pay for the recent purchase of property to be developed as the Paramore Hill Industrial Park. The site, with access to Georgia Hwy. 17 and direct access to Norfolk Southern rail service, is large enough to attract industries needed to boost both the local and regional economy. The site is listed with GA Power, Georgia EMC and GDEcD.