Planning needed now for future growth

• The success of the Griffin Bell Quail Hunt with more than 25 business, government and education leaders from throughout the state in attendance. "One of the best we've ever had," Garriga commented.
• The ongoing Multi-Modal Inland Port project, to be located in Crisp County and will have an effect on a 50-mile radius on the trucking, rail and service industries. Garriga said the property has been purchased and construction on Phase 1 should begin in about six months.
• The Sumter Archway Partnership, which has contributed funds and time to help launch the Archway initiative for Sumter County.
• The success of Southeast Railcar and Locomotive Service, which now employs about 28 and will employ as many as 60 in the next two years. The PDA arranged a OneGeorgia grant in the amount of $400,000 for the start-up.
• PharmaCentra's location to Sumter County, pledging 120 employees over the next three years. Although Garriga said the company has "hit hard times," and the growth is not what was expected, two new contracts with substantial pharmaceutical companies has been secured and the company is starting to use the second area of the former Gertrude Davenport facility built out by Sumter County. He said the employment numbers "could double quickly."
• The recent PDA loan of $265,000 to Tape Specialists for a new plastic extrusion line.
• The PDA loan of $240,000 to Georgia Cold Storage to locate Georgia Parking LLC from Columbus to Americus, which will bring 10 to 20 new jobs.
• The success of 13th Colony Distillery in Americus and the estimated eight to 10 new jobs.
• Assisted Sumter Regional Hospital's Physician Retention Program with a $750,000 pass-through to local doctors whose practices were affected by the tornado of March 2007.
• The $3 million-loan to the Sumter County Board of Commissioners for SPLOST projects.
• The issuance of $18 million in revenue bonds for the construction of the new dormitory at Georgia Southwestern State University. The PDA acted as a conduit.
• The PDA also spent $800,000 to secure infrastructure for the Lowe's location with the City and County to pay back one-third each over five years.

Garriga also said he intends to continue monthly visits to Atlanta to meet with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Power Co., MEAG, rail company consultants, Atlanta Gas and others. He said the PDA will also continue the traditions of the Griffin Bell Quail Hunt, the industry appreciation fish fry, and participation in the Georgia Quail Hunt and Developers Day.

As for marketing and prospect development, Garriga laid out the following plans, which includes:

Organizing a summit of statewide developers and a local team at the Georgia Resource Center in which the local team will complete a comprehensive presentation of local products and incentives.

• Hosting a meeting in Americus of all aircraft industry specialists from GDED, other state agencies and consultant firms.
• Hosting at least 10 prospects to Americus and Sumter County.
• Attending trade shows for food processing companies and plastic extrusion sectors.
• Advertising in trade magazines targeted toward corporate real estate managers, and continue to expand the PDA website.

IDA member Rick Davis, a member of the Sumter County Board of Commissioners, asked if there has been any discussion of becoming more aggressive in attracting industry in light of some communities pulling back due to the slowed economy.

IDA member Lou Chase, an Americus City Council member, asked, "Is there a plan to be more aggressive?"
Paul Hall, an IDA member and PDA chair, said the group needs to have some type of utilization plan and decide how to market it. He stressed the importance of having Heart of Georgia Railroad based in Sumter County in relation to the Multi-Modal Inland Port project. "This calls for a great many community leaders to get together and point the direction we need to be taking so we won't be floundering, but to target industries," he said.
Garriga pointed out the importance of developing more property close to the Flint River with water and sewer capabilities, rail capability and other issues.
"Prospects locate in communities with the largest financial incentives," Garriga said. "Sometimes we're arguing over $25,000 to $30,000. The PDA is expecting the amount of time and money spent on local industry to keep them here. It will take additional funding to compete (for new industry)."

Davis said, "I would like to know if the difference in landing a new company with 30 employees will mean $25,000. As a County commissioner, I would like to know when that happens ... The City and County get along so well here. We have an advantage over Crisp County."
IDA Chair Barry Blount said now is the time to start building a "war chest" so "when it comes to competing, we can. We need to come up with a plan to fuel economic development now, not later, and when it's too late."
Chase interjected that the communities that do land the big prospects "have been proactive and have their act together."
Blount continued, "We need to plan now for the future; we need to have the funds available (for incentives) now. We need to think futuristic."
Davis commented that some of the communities that were being strong aggressors were "falling off" as a result of the economic downturn and they are realizing they need to step it up again. "They have more resources than incentives," he said.

Garriga explained that Crisp County is an empowerment zone and has "millions that other counties don't have. Competing with Columbus and Macon, that's another level for us. We have to start now with imagination and capability. It's tough keeping what we have ... We could lose more in these tough economic times."
Davis expressed the opinion that there is a "lack of trust due to a lack of communication," citing Lowe's (incentive package) as an example. "Now is a great time to rebuild our image ... We'll have great opportunities, but it's up to us how we handle it."

Garriga said two to four people need to get together as a committee and begin brainstorming. Blount suggested the IDA be that group. Garriga concurred but said they would have to meet more frequently than quarterly (the schedule for the IDA meetings).

Blount mentioned the growth expected as a result of the four-laning of U.S. Highway 19. Chase said someone had asked her recently what kind of growth is expected and where. Davis said the County is meeting in October to discuss the impact the new hospital complex will have on the 19 South and McMath Mill Road area.
"We need a vision for our comprehensive plan," Garriga said, "with all the growth at the university, planning and zoning, etc. and the accessibility to the students, the same with the new hospital. We need a serious land use revision."

Blount reminded the group that the next IDA meeting is Dec. 7.