New industrial recruiter position explained
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Commissioner Bill Zechman asked if the board was mainly concerned with experience and a track record in filling the position.
“We’re looking for the best that’s out there that we can get,” Hamby said. “My own feeling is if we can find somebody with the right experience and track record, that’s good, but they’ve got to be part of the community too. Before we probably looked for people who had connections, good connections, and maybe that’s not necessarily what we need.”
Hamby stressed the continuing importance of the joint operating agreement between the Chamber and the IDB, noting the recent changes to the industrial recruiter position was in no way intended to weaken that ongoing relationship. He said the IDB simply felt it would be more efficient and effective if the position was focused totally on the county’s economic development and industrial recruitment.
“What salary range are we looking at,” asked commissioner Roy Pierce.
“What we’re saying now is commensurate with experience,” Hamby replied.
“Where will his, or her, office be?” asked commissioner Gary Prater.
“That relationship with the Chamber is still there,” Hamby said, “So when the new Chamber building gets finished, it will be in there.”
Hamby told the committee the position was being posted today in the Southern Standard as well as several Websites across the country. He also assured the committee that recruiting efforts were continuing, with those responsibilities being handled by himself and interim recruiter Joyce Lawson.
Committee members discussed the slow state-wide economy and lack of new businesses locating in Tennessee. As a result, the committee expressed concern about what was being done to encourage expansion of existing industry in the county, as well as attracting new industry.
“We’re going to put significant emphasis on existing industry,” Hamby said, “That’s where our growth is coming from. We know that.”
“There is some money available for, say, new equipment, and that type thing. And this is through even local sources to some degree. There is some low-interest money available, at least through one organization.
“Caney Fork has a revolving loan process now, where they can loan out, not a lot of money, but if a guy just needs to spend $100,000, I think it’s limited to $150,000, but if he wants to put in a new product line, then that’s a little help.”
Also on a positive note, Hamby reported the unemployment rate had dropped, from 6.9 in June, to 6.5 in July.
After Hamby’s report, the committee moved on to the appointment of the county’s open IDB member. Committee Chairman David Vandagriff submitted Levoy Knowles name, which had previously been submitted at the last meeting of the previous commission. The committee then passed the appointment unanimously, paving the way for a full commission vote later in the month.