READY FOR NEW INDUSTRY

The Development Authority of Jasper County (DAJC) invited local elected officials and others to meet with them last Thursday to get an overview of their plans and accomplishments, and most of those present gathered for a photograph of the DAJC Chairman Rusty Bullard (seated, left) and Executive Director David Dyer (right) signing the “memorandum of understanding” that will be presented to state officials and the executives of “Project Wings,” a company that is prepared to located in the Industrial Park just outside Monticello. That company is expected to break ground before year-end, and be operational by late summer.

Steve Jordan gave the group an update on the Baxter International commitment, and Mr. Dyer talked of several projects that are in the works, with potential of bringing many jobs to Monticello and Jasper County.

State Rep. Susan Holmes was present, but had to leave early to attend another meeting. Others at the meeting included DAJC members Jan Gaston, Kim McMichael, Andrew Thompson, Interim County Manager Lorri Smith; Monticello Mayor Bryan Standifer and new city manager Tim Sweezey; Jasper County Commissioner Carl Pennamon, and Commissioners-elect Doug Luke, Bruce Henry, Gene Trammell and Craig Salmon. Also attending was Mary Alice Carter who serves on the Jasper County Water & Sewer Authority, and (not pictured) Sage Edwards, former Downtown Development Authority Director, Jeff Greeson and Robby Kelly, both of the DAJC, and Mark Walton with Southern Crescent Technical College.