Commission turns focus to signage at Industrial Park

By Naeem McFadden

Published: July 24, 2008

Marion County Economic Development Commission Chairman Larry Atkinson said establishing signage on the U.S. Highway 501 bypass is a new focus of the group that will bring attention to the Industrial Park. Plans continue on developing the county’s park and on the building of a spec building, he said.

Running down a number of activities, acting director Frank Jones said, in reference to “Project Food,” that something could happen in the next 30 to 60 days. Project Henry is being worked on from two angles, he said. the North Eastern Strategic Alliance, a regional economic development group, also has the project and Jones has offered some information, adding that he received a call from a businessman wanting to look at buildings. Jones said there have been several discussions and that he is waiting on a late August decision about whether or not the man will occupy a building and expand his operation in the area.

There was a meeting with another project, Jones said, adding that one is looking into resources and the labor force. Jones told commission members that he felt good about the representation from leadership in the county. “We’ll be following up on that to see how it goes,” he said. Collectively, Jones said, all of the projects have the potential to bring in two to three hundred jobs.

Additionally, NESA is working to locate suppliers for the Heinz Corporation, Jones said, and LogisticCare, a call center, recently celebrated a successful first year in Mullins. Jones said there was a pretty good presence for the community at the appreciation events. The call center arrived in Mullins in May 2007, employing 55 people. The success at the company shows that Marion County has capable and qualified employees, he said.

Touching on some old business items, Atkinson referred to the Marion County Industrial Park rendering that was on display, saying “It’s becoming closer to reality/” He added that getting the marketing lined-up is one of the next steps. Deflecting negative rumors about the business climate, Atkinson said it’s important to spread the word and good news regarding the county’s economic state. “Always try to think positive and speak positive,” he said.

When asked by a commission member about the inland port “transportation logistics center” plans for the county, Atkinson responded that progress is being made. However, he said, more support is needed and he really can’t say where the county is in the process.

Jones told commissioners that sciway.net, a Web site that promotes the state, recently ranked the marioncountysc.com Web site among the top 10 in the state. The promotional tool shows the available industrial sites and building space in the county. He added that there are several signs in front of vacant buildings with the commission’s contact information.