IDA: Proof in the numbers

For the Americus-Sumter County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), the proof that new jobs have been formed in the past year is definitely in the numbers.

Executive Director David Garriga gave an annual update on new companies and expansions in 2007 that were brought about, as a result of the work of the IDA and the Americus-Sumter County Payroll Development Authority (PDA). He gave the Authority a Power Point presentation on the numbers.

The update went from February 2007 to Monday.

The expansion of Spiegel provided 115 jobs for the community, and Southeastern Rail provided 60 jobs. The Lowe's venture provided 80 jobs, while the expansion of ConArt provided 50 jobs. The expansion of Apollo (formerly known as Zavata Inc.) provided 50 new jobs.

All total there were 355 jobs created in Sumter County last year between new companies and expansions, according to Garriga's presentation. He said that 300 jobs bring a payroll of $6 million, and this does not include sales tax and other taxes.

As far as initiatives to bring new industry to Sumter County, there was the recent Managers' Tour, the Griffin Bell Quail Hunt, the Legislative Fish Fry, and joint development authorities with Schley and Crisp counties. Another initiative was the creation of the "college town" concept and funding for signs along the interstate branding Americus as such.

As part of the presentation, Garriga gave an update on his activities. He has served on the Georgia Economic Development Association. This organization has 1,000 members and meets monthly, he said. He also serves on two other similar committees.

He made nine trips to Atlanta, during the year, to meet with economic development, as well as legislative personnel. He also served as president of the Southwest Georgia Chamber Council, which was responsible for the Georgia Quail Hunt.

During the presentation, he noted there were 20 prospects during the year.

"I'm not sure we've ever had that many prospects," Garriga said. "I think that many jobs is something you should be proud of."  "This is an organization that's making strides," Garriga said later.

He noted that recent industry development initiatives in Sumter County had gotten some "negative press" recently.

"We can't talk about these confidential projects," Garriga said.

Garriga and other members of the IDA praised the recent Managers' Tour, and Garriga said as a result of the meeting, three active projects have been secured for Sumter County.

"I think it was real beneficial for us," Garriga said.