Wednesday, November 13, 2002

Development authority's Clark says movies helped county's economy

By CAROLYN CARY
ccary@TheCitizenNews.com

The Fayette County Development Authority presented its quarterly business development update to the Fayette County Board of Commissioners last week.

The Strategic Plan Program of Work Highlights include the Existing Industry Initiative, the Small Business and Entrepreneur Support, New Business Attraction and Recruitment, and Quality of Life plans. Charts show that the major layoffs in fiscal year 2002 were 305.

Fiscal year 2003, which started in July, has seen 125 layoffs.

Existing Industry contacts in 2002 were 405 and this year's goal is 426. So far, 422 contacts have been made.

The development authority has set a goal for FY 2003 in assisting 200 small businesses.

Chris Clark, authority president and CEO, pointed out that national movie and video productions in Georgia are on the rise. "While there are numerous benefits to this 'clean' investment, the greatest is the positive local impact on small business.

"In FY 2002, the estimated local impact from the movie, 'Sweet Home Alabama,'was $1.125 million. To date, the movie 'Fighting Temptations' has made a $500,000 impact," Clark said.

Commissioner A. G. VanLandingham thanked Clark and several members of the authority board of directors on hand, for their dedication and hard work.

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