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Wednesday, June 13, 2001 Clark speaks to builders Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Fayette County Development Authority, was the speaker for the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia's Development Authority Night, held recently at the Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center. Clark told the group, "Last year was one of the most successful in regards to attracting new industry, headquarters and assisting in local expansions. With nine major announcements, two of which were the expansions of Panasonic and Cooper Lighting, Fayette County recognized a $150 million local impact. "When you consider that in the average year there are only 1,500 major national projects and over 15,000 communities are competing for the same you realize how fortunate we have been." Clark also noted that the much of the Development Authority's focus has shifted to existing industry retention and expansion programs. "Chairman Randy Hayes and the Board of Directors of the Fayette County Development Authority believe that an emphasis must be placed on the those businesses that call Fayette County home, that employee local workers and put their money back into the community. We must understand that 80 percent of all new wealth creation and job growth is created by established industry and business." He also discussed the goals and development strategies of the Development Authority. "Our Board members represent the county, the airport authority and the three largest cities in Fayette County," he explained. "They are interested in balanced and controlled growth, of protecting our quality of life and enhancing the things that make our community special. They also have a responsibility to the taxpayers. That's why we try to balance the growth of quality business with residential and workforce needs. "If we continue to help local companies grow and at the same time diversify the tax base with selected new industry, we can help alleviate the tax for services burden on the average homeowner and allow the local governments to offer enhanced services. We're interested in developing our community for today and tomorrow, not in just growing for growth's sake." Richard Smith, director of economic development for Griffin Technical College, also spoke to the group about the Certified Construction Worker program being offered by the college. Smith, who was accompanied by David Gibson, state coordinator for the program, said that there are current programs at McIntosh High School and Sandy Creek High School in Fayette County. "This is an introduction to the construction industry, and it covers such subjects as workplace ethics, decision making, problem solving, teamwork and safety," said Smith. He said the program's graduates would be "valuable, skilled employees for your companies." Wachovia served as sponsor for the meeting. Southern Community Bank is the association's underwriting sponsor for this year's meetings. The Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia serves builders in Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, Heard and Meriwether counties. More information about the association can be obtained by calling the association office at 770-716-7109.
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