FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2008 Contact Information: Bobby McKinney, Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (229) 434-0044 Search for EDC president underway Albany - The next step in creating a stronger economic development arm for Albany and Dougherty County is in full swing. With the assistance of The Chason Group, Inc. of Cartersville, Georgia, the Albany – Dougherty Economic Development Commission has initiated a search for a president to lead the organization and serve as the lead marketer for the community. “Over the past few months, the commission has spent time focusing on developing the framework of the organization,” said Bobby McKinney, chair and interim president of the commission. “Budgets, staffing and long-term strategic plans are all a part of the foundation to build a successful economic development program. The selection of a professional to lead the commission is the next step for us.” The commission and Albany Area Chamber of Commerce divided their responsibilities in April. The commission’s focus is marketing the community to existing and new businesses. “Building a solid, multi-faceted economic development program is one of the top priorities for the city of Albany,” said Albany City Manager Al Lott. “Employing a professional to lead the commission is a significant step in providing a successful environment to attract new businesses to the area and work with our existing business base.” The early responsibilities of the search committee will be two-fold. “First, we must identify the experience and character traits that are important to the position,” said Richard Crowdis, Dougherty County administrator and a member of the commission and its presidential search committee. “From there, we will identify candidates who possess those skill sets and begin the interview process.” In late August, the committee will conduct an online survey of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce membership in an effort to gauge their priorities. Input from business, government and community leaders is a vital component of the search, McKinney said. One-on-one stakeholder interviews with key elected and appointed leaders will occur during the next month as well. “This search process will be just as much about marketing the attributes of Southwest Georgia to the candidates,” McKinney said, “as it will be the candidates convincing the committee they are the right person for the position.” Finding the right person for the chamber is more important than a timeline, McKinney says. “The search process is expected to take 90 to 120 days. However, the timeline is not what will drive the committee. Identifying the right person to lead the organization is the driving factor.” The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission is a proactive team dedicated to the recruitment, retention and expansion of industry for Albany-Dougherty County. ###
Bárbara Rivera Holmes Albany-Dougherty |