FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2007
Contact Information:
Jim Edwards
Thomaston-Upson County Industrial Development Authority
770-468-1200
Tim Chason
The Chason Group, Inc.
404-735-0540


Thomaston-Upson County Industrial Development Authority to Cast Broader Net
For New Executive Director

Thomaston-Upson County Industrial Development Authority leaders are casting a broader net to identify a professional to serve as executive director of the community’s economic development office. City and county government officials have put their support behind the position that will move the organization to a new level, according to Jim Edwards, 2007 chair of the authority.

The authority began the search for a new executive late last year after a re-organization of the local chamber and economic development responsibilities of the community. Several candidates have applied for the position with impressive credentials, says Edwards. Those candidates will be included in the broader search the authority is now conducting.

“The authority understands the importance of this position,” Edwards said. “While we have some good candidates in the mix today, we want to make sure we are not missing any others that may be out there who have not been contacted regarding the opportunities in our community. Employing the right person for this position is the responsibility of the authority and we are taking that extremely serious.”

The Chason Group, Inc. of Cartersville, Georgia has been selected by the authority to conduct the search. Tim Chason, president of the company, met with the authority recently to discuss the steps he takes when selecting an economic development professional. The first step is to listen to community stakeholders about their ideas on key attributes a person in this position should possess. As an example, some of the stakeholders to be contacted include members of the authority, city and county managers, leaders of Flint River Technical College, chair of the Manufacturers Roundtable, and the chair of the Thomaston-Upson County Chamber of Commerce. A position description will be developed for the executive based on the interviews and current trends in economic development. Statewide economic developers will also be interviewed to seek their input and support for the position.

Chason has conducted successful searches for the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce and the Development Authority of Elbert County and Elberton in the past. He is currently completing a president search for his hometown Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce and is working with several communities on strategic plans. Chason has an extensive background with chambers and economic development organizations. He served as chief operating officer of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce for ten years and worked with top economic development professionals and business leaders to attract and retain business in the state.

“Our goal is to involve the community as much as possible by building a consensus on the type of person that will be a solid fit for the position,” according to Edwards. “At the same time this is happening, advertisements and personal contacts will begin, seeking the additional qualified candidates. Thomaston and Upson County has an excellent opportunity for someone to build a career in the economic development profession.”

A weighting scale for the candidates will be a significant part of the selection process in determining how they match the needs of the community and position. The input from the stakeholder interviews will determine the weighting of the skill sets for candidates. Another part of the selection process will be an extensive application that focuses on past experiences of the candidates and philosophies on issues ranging from existing industry programs to business development.

“Over the past several months, the authority has been building stronger relationships with the local elected officials,” says Edwards. “We want a partnership that will produce positive results for the community in terms of new jobs and an increased tax base. At the same time, we want to make sure the authority is taking care of our existing businesses through value-added services.”

“The support of the Upson County Board of Commissioners and City of Thomaston has been tremendous over the past several years,” says Edwards. “When you add in the resources of the business community, the members of the authority feel we are on a successful path that will benefit everyone.”

Other members of the authority’s board of directors include Thomaston Mayor Hays Arnold, Danny Brinks, John Brodnax, Upson County Commission Chairman Glenn Collins, and Maurice Raines.