FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2007
Contact Information:
Bobby Thomas
770-887-8262

Development Authority of Forsyth County Sets Strategic Goals and Vision

Members of the Development Authority of Forsyth County share a common vision: “Forsyth County will become ‘The Community of Choice’ for businesses and citizens to live, learn, work, and play in an economically diverse society”.

The development of a vision for the community was a part of the group’s strategic planning session held on June 12 in Dawsonville. Members of the authority and other key players in the economic development arena for Forsyth County were a part of the day-long session.

“The authority is making tremendous strides to become more active in the recruitment and retention of businesses in our area,” according to Bobby Thomas, chair of the organization. “Our goal is to be more involved in the process of increasing the per capita income of every citizen of our community. In the past, the authority has focused primarily on financing projects. With new direction and guidance from the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, we have set some lofty-goals, which we believe can add value to the future of our community if accomplished.”

In addition to Thomas, others serving on the authority include Joanne Tolleson, vice chair; Tim Perry, secretary/treasurer; Bill Barnett; Jerry Blankenship; Pam Sessions; and Andy Walker. The members are appointed for staggered terms by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners.

High on the priority list for the authority is to build a cohesive approach to economic development through a partnership between the authority, Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce
and Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. With all on equal playing fields and a clear understanding of the role for each organization, the authority plans to become more than a financing tool for companies looking for bonds.

Other strategic goals developed during the planning session included:

• Build a pro-business marketing team with community experts to utilize in the promotion of Forsyth County as a place for business.

• Develop and approve an annual budget to present to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners

• Partner with Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Forsyth County Board of Commissioners to initiate a Target Market Campaign to identify and build relationships with companies desired for the area

• Develop a partnership with a local historical commission to fund and manage historical markers for the community“Forsyth County is faced with tremendous competition for the creation and retention of jobs,” according to Tolleson. “Not only do we compete for new investments by companies with other Georgia counties and states across the country, but also from foreign labor markets. The cost of labor is a key for many companies when choosing a home for their operations.”


Financial accountability is critical to the authority members as well. Each member is governed by statutes established by the Georgia General Assembly regarding conflict of interests and training. According to Perry, “our goal is to serve as excellent stewards of the public funds we are entrusted with through the sale of bonds.”

Expanding the role of the authority was a decision reached during the work session. The mission of the organization was established as: “The Development Authority of Forsyth County will promote a healthy environment for the evolving community by providing financing, visionary leadership and resources to create and retain jobs, increase per capita income, grow and balance the tax digest, and enhance the quality of life.”

“Our constituents are broad,” says Thomas. “We are interested in the citizens’ well-being, new companies looking to locate in Forsyth County and existing companies considering expansion. We take our roles extremely serious and want to work in conjunction with the Board of Commissioners and chamber to make sure we are all on the same page.”

The authority was created in 1975 by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners.