Alliance kicks off new focus for county
By Andrew Bell
Published in News on September 8, 2006 1:46 PM
The Wayne County Development Alliance honored its supporters and its members discussed the future of economic development in the county at a luncheon Wednesday.
The economic development organization -- a combination of the former Goldsboro and Mount Olive committees of 100 along with the Wayne County Economic Development Commission and county authorities -- officially became an entity in July.
The luncheon served as its unofficial kickoff, giving members and business and government leaders a chance to share ideas and plan for the year ahead.
More than 200 people attended the event at the Goldsboro Country Club, with a number of industrial leaders in attendance.
David Kornegay, vice chairman of the alliance, said it will focus on the same issues that the separate organizations did -- assisting existing companies in the county while recruiting new ones by coming up with good locations for them to build and providing incentives whenever possible.
"It can be tough in these economic times. We have to stay focused on marketing our community and find the right industries for us," Kornegay said.
He said both public and private groups will be enlisted to help in boosting Wayne's economy, Kornegay said.
Wayne County Manager Lee Smith, the alliance's treasurer, said more than 60 businesses and individuals have invested money in the alliance through an "Impact Wayne" campaign. The county provided the money for the alliance's operating expenses but money generated through the campaign will go to help buy land, build shell buildings and otherwise market the county as a good place to do business.
Smith said each dollar provided through Impact Wayne will be accounted for through monthly meetings and reports. Accounting and auditing firms have been hired to ensure all financial transactions are on record and in the best interest of the organization and its investors, Smith added.
Alliance Chairman Charlie Gaylor said the alliance and its Impact Wayne campaign will continue to reach out for support from the business community.
"We have to recognize that being as good as the next county is not good enough," Gaylor said. "We can't be just as good. We have to be better to provide for the needs of our community."
Other alliance officers are Joanna Thompson, president, and board members Andy Anderson, Jack Best, Don Chatman Sr., Jimmie Edmundson, Keith Gunnet, George Kornegay, Ray McDonald and Dr. Ed Wilson.
More information about the alliance and its fundraising campaign can be obtained by calling 731-7700.