Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:52:02 -0800 (PST)
From: Jamie Nunnelly
Subject: EDC – Judge For Yourself
I think we have a lot to be proud of in regards to the economic development corporation. While we are experiencing one of the worst recessions in recent history, the EDC developed a strategic plan that helped them identify industries to target, reorganized the board to make it less political, engaged all of the three municipalities in joint meetings so for the first time we can all work together on moving the county forward in a more productive way. The board also started a very active marketing committee, and has just finished developing a brand statement and new image, which will start to roll out in early 2012. The EDC diversified its funding for the first time ever under Dianne’s supervision, so that it is no longer reliant on just public funds. And, for the first time ever, it developed metrics so that you, the public, can see if they are meeting their goals or not. The entrepreneur committee started the Bootstrap Chatham events, which allow entrepreneurs to interact with each other, share resources and network. The Chatham Loan fund was initiated to help provide micro loans to small businesses who apply. The loan fund is overseen by the Economic Development Corporation and is administered through a partnership with the Center for Community Self-Help in Durham
It’s easy to criticize and say we’ve lost jobs. But that scenario is happening all around the country, especially in more rural areas such as ours. Luckily we are way ahead of the pack for the time when the economy begins to recover. There are already really positive signs that can be attributed to the EDC of new jobs coming into the county.
Here’s the link to a recent announcement of a company coming to Pittsboro: http://www.chathamedc.org/news-outreach/news/pittsboro-north-carolina-selected-alpha-install-business-headquarters Here’s a link to an announcement of a company moving to Siler City:
http://www.chathamedc.org/news-outreach/news/acme-mccrary-opens-siler-city-facility. Many economic development organizations from around the state are looking at Chatham EDC as a model to reorganize their own organizations.
Jamie Nunnelly