Economic Development Task Force Considers Proposals From Local Organizations

The is considering project proposals from local organizations that could result in better efficiency and partnership between economic development groups.

During a Tuesday evening meeting, The  and the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce presented similar proposals for committees that would structure area efforts for economic growth.

The Economic Development Foundation's plan involved creating a roundtable discussion between their organization, the Industrial Development Authority and the Economic Development Authority. President Peggy Chapman also suggested that local government become more financially involved in the organization to better stimulate growth in Athens. The Economic Development Foundation currently operates under a budget of slightly more than $300,000 a year, with a staff of two people.

"I think that if you look two years down the road, and if we really start working hard with our existing industries — because they’ve been overlooked — and if we really start helping them develop and expand, and do what they need to do, that’s going to be a big task for two people," she said. "Today, I think the budget that we have we can live with. But if you’re looking at five years down the road, you need to be thinking about a $500,000 budget. And if you’re looking at investing outside of an office, doing things like looking at property, or maybe not even buying property but investing in property, we may need more than that."

The Chamber of Commerce suggested that local organizations involved in economic development, including UGA and the , be brought brought together in a more formal setting with the ability to pass rules and make votes. 

"Peggy mentioned a roundtable that gets together and talks about economic development. We want an Economic Development Coordinating Committee," said Brian Brodrick, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. "This committee could set policy. It would be a formal setting to talk about development. We don’t envision another level of beaurocracy with this. What we imagine is an organization that strengthens what we already have."

Brodrick did not stress government financing during his presentation, and pointed out that much of the Chamber of Commerce's revenue came from private donors. However, he said that the public sector needed to work together to decide how they wanted business to develop.

"We’re close to the finish line now. We’ve been close for some time," Brodrick said. "I was a runner in a past life and I use running metaphors sometimes, and I remember a coach once said to me “just keep going until you reach the finish line.” I think when we get the public sector right, the private sector will follow."

Both plans are being considered by the Economic Development Task Force, who will next meet on August 8. It was not announced when a final decision would be made on Tuesday's proposals.