Public invited to county economic planning summit

All Warren County residents are invited to help plan Warren County’s “economic future” by attending the special “Economic Development Planning Summit” to be held June 15 at the McMinnville Civic Center from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m.

Nationally recognized economic development consultant William H. Fruth of POLICOM Corporation will lead the program which is designed to help create an economic development plan for our area. Fruth has personally analyzed the data for more than 600 local economies, created more than 150 community studies, and given economic presentations in 30 states.

There will be two distinct sessions at the summit. The first session will include the following:

Explanation on how a local economy works, the condition of the Warren County economy, what is driving it, and how it compares to other areas.

Economic projections as to where Warren County will likely be in the future if nothing is done, and where it can be if the community takes action.

An explanation of various economic development programs and what we can do to improve the size of the economy and the standard of living for our residents.

A discussion regarding our area’s geographic – economic strengths and weaknesses which influence how we will grow in the future.

During the second session, participants will form into small groups to discuss various options on how to implement a program for the county. Discussion will revolve around several topics including how aggressive the area should be, how the program will be financed, what type of business incentives should be offered, and which activities should have the greatest priority.

POLICOM and William H. Fruth have been contracted by the McMinnville -Warren Industrial Development Board to create an economic development plan for the county. Suggestions and ideas garnered at the summit will be incorporated into the plan.

All Warren countians are invited and urged to attend this important meeting. Organizers said the future of Warren County’s economy is in its citizens’ hands, and all input is needed. There is no cost involved, other than one’s time, with lunch provided. Reservations are required for lunch. Please call (931) 474-4769 by June 13.

For more information contact Don Rigsby, Warren County Director of Economic Development at (931) 474-GROW (4769).