The Pierce County Industrial Development and Building Authority (PCIDBA) recently discussed and/or voted on the following during the regular monthly meeting held on June 4.
South Georgia Regional Development Authority (SGRDA): Pierce IDBA Executive Director Matt Carter began with an apology for not being able to make the June 3 luncheon, but “Appling needed me yesterday.”
Carter pointed out the recent luncheon’s similarities to another upcoming meeting, which will was also held at Mossy Pond. Following the recent vote to join with 10 other communities to create a central website that promotes business and investment opportunities in southeast Georgia, there will be a meeting to promote the region’s advantages to prospective new businesses.
One recent prospect visited Pierce in late May, interested in the rail facilities available at the industrial park. Carter is currently waiting on more details before making any concrete announcements.
Carter finished with two separate proposals. On the last page of their recent geotechnical report, Terracon identified all the different points for conducting needed core samples in the park. The estimated cost is $15,000. “If a business wants to set up in the park, their people will need all this info and paperwork in place,” said Carter. The board waived further review of the matter and unanimously voted for Carter to set the process in motion.
Finally, Resource and Land Consultants (RLC), which Carter said, ‘I highly recommend”, have estimated a review of the entire industrial park’s compliance with state and federal evironmental regulations will cost $3,950. The board unanimously approved to move forward with RLC’s review.
Partnership update (Pierce County): County Manager Raphel Maddox delivered an update on recent events to the PCIDBA board.
Maddox reported on the June 3 luncheon at Mossy Pond. County officials met with Georgia State House Representative Steven Meeks, State Senator Russ Goodman, Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) officials and representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock and John Ossoff and U.S. First Congressional District Representative Buddy Carter.
“State leaders all said it was great to see how all Pierce County is working together,” said Maddox.
Partnership update (Chamber of Commerce): Chamber of Commerce Director Christi Pitts also delivered a brief update. Smokehouse 84 and Brantley Printing both recently joined the chamber or rejoined in the case of Brantley Printing, which has not been a member in many years.
Pitts informed the board about the chamber’s then upcoming literacy event. Previously an event Pitts held as a local business owner, she hopes the literacy event can become a new chamber tradition. Three or four entrepreneur members of the chamber (businesses without a brick and mortar location) were scheduled to man activity stations for the event inside the chamber offices.
Many supplies were already present in the meeting room, but Pitts noted they were still accepting donations at the time to make the event all it could be.
Chairman’s comments: Prior to adjourning the meeting, Industrial Development Board Chairman Steven Paul took a moment to speak about Memorial Day and the sacrifices soldiers make. “A lot of people gave up a lot for us to sit here and do the work we are doing,” said Paul.
Finances: The PCIDBA’s May financial statements were unanimously approved with no comments or questions.
Next meeting: The PCIDBA will hold its next meeting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 2 in the Chamber of Commerce boardroom at Blackshear’s Historic Train Depot.
