The Pierce County Industrial Development and Building Authority (PCIDBA) recently discussed and/or voted on the following during the regular monthly meeting held on October 8.
Motion to adjust agenda: As two board members were running late, Chairman Steven Paul reordered items on the agenda so that the minutes and financials could be entered into the record once a quorum was present. Those present reached a consensus that the amended agenda could be ratified once the members had arrived.
Partnership update (Pierce County): County Chairman Neal Bennett delivered a brief update of recent events to the PCIDBA board. Bennett said the county was in the midst of budget season and, while working on a draft budget, had “a li’l bit of bad news. We’re looking at a millage rate increase.” Bennett said the biggest current expenses were payroll and insurance. “It’s eating our lunch right now.” Bennett also said they were still working with Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency to get reimbursed for waste removal from Hurricane Helene. “It’s not just us,” Bennett said. “All these little counties are having trouble right now.”
Partnership update (Chamber of Commerce): Chamber of Commerce Director Christi Pitts delivered a brief update.
Pitts noted Sept. 9 was the one year anniversary of her becoming director of the chamber. In that time the chamber membership rolls had increased by 56 new members, which was important to a membership dues-based organization.
Pitts announced a special October 23 training event. The “Chart Your Course” lunch and learn is open to any associate working for a local business free of charge. The goal is to the local business community with educational opportunities.
Pitts also mentioned that a special fundraising trip was being planned for chamber members. The chamber board have voted that the travel destination will be Ireland and more details will be forthcoming.
Minutes/Finances: Once a sufficient number of board members were present to form a quorum, the PCIDBA’s September minutes and financial statements were unanimously approved and entered into the record with no comments or questions.
South Georgia Regional Development Authority (SGRDA) update: Former executive director of the Pierce IDBA Matt Carter delivered the SGRDA update in his capacity as SGRDA treasurer. Representatives of the 10 counties in the Grow Southeast Georgia initiative met in Hazlehurst the previous week. Six of those were also able to to Atlanta to talk with project managers from Georgia Power and Rural Electric Membership Corporation (REMC) and other statewide project managers to highlight the advantages of local sites within the member counties.
One of the more recent advantages being promoted is the reasonable drive time from local communities to various attractions and living spaces. “A 45 minute drive time in Atlanta impacts commuters,” said Carter. “But a 45 minute drive time here accesses a variety of different communities.”
New Executive Director: The October meeting was new IDBA Executive Director Blake James’s first official meeting in his new role. James described recent days as “drinking through the firehose right now, trying to learn and get a handle on things.” James said one of the most important things he has had to learn is a wealth of names and contact info.
“So far, the biggest takeaway from the recent fall conference is just establishing lines of communication with all the people I need to know,” said James.
Former executive director Carter, who has stayed on as a temporary consultant to get James acclimated to the job requirements, expressed confidence in his replacement’s ability to do the job.
Closed session: The IDBA board went into a 20 minute closed session. The topic under discussion was personnel and real estate. No action was taken.
Next meeting: The PCIDBA will hold its next meeting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, November 6 in the Chamber of Commerce boardroom, located in Blackshear’s Historic Train Depot.
