A recently-released report included good news for Elmore County.
The Alabama Development Office (ADO) Jobs Report showed gains for the county in job growth (388) and investment ($34 million) between the last quarter of 2008 and the end of 2010.
Members of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority (ECEDA) board and staff said they are encouraged by the increases, particularly in the face of the ongoing recession.
“This is a positive indication that we are doing something right here in retaining and recruiting these jobs,” said Lee Greer of Tallassee, board chairman. “Our board and staff as well as our mayors and county commissioners have been very focused on job retention and doing all we can to make it happen.”
Sam Turner of Wetumpka, an ECEDA board member, said he was pleased.
“By working together these companies know Elmore County is a great place to do business and that we obviously have a well-educated workforce,” he said. “If we continue to invest in infrastructure for industrial parks and in education, there’s no stopping us.’’
The ADO report does not include retail, health care or other sectors. The figures included in the report are a reflection of 11 industry sector classifications in the county on which ADO reports.
“The partnership between the Elmore County Commission, our mayors, chambers, IDB’s and private stakeholders is working well,” said Tomi Selby, another board member. “Things don’t just happen, they happen for a reason. These partnerships coupled with a professional, focused staff at ECEDA and a spirit of cooperation are producing results for Elmore County.”
Local industry executives are also pleased with the report as well as assistance they receive from ECEDA.
Hercules Poly in Eclectic is considering expansion this year and Robert Price, president, said ECEDA has been helpful.
“Every staff member with whom we’ve worked has been exceptionally responsive and enthusiastic in their desire to help not only us, as a company, but the community as a whole,” said Price. “I, on behalf of everyone here at Hercules, am extremely appreciative.”
Paul Cocker, chief operating officer of GKN Aerostructures of North America in Tallassee agreed.
“ECEDA has gone beyond our expectations and I would recommend that any new or existing industry contact them,” said Cocker.
Executive Director Barry Mask said ECEDA is continuing to work on projects to bring more retail and additional industry to the county.
“We have a lot of balls in the air on several projects,” he said. “We are focused on closing these and seeing them all the way through despite the economy.
“Our board is working hard, the mayors are working hard and the county commissioners are working hard to create an entrepreneurial environment here to retain and attract jobs in a cost-efficient manner for our citizens,” he said. “We are doing all the things necessary to position Elmore County for the next jobs boom in the River Region when the economy sees an upturn.”