Regional economic development staff offer training, outreach to Pickens County development authority

Eric McDonald, identified at the meeting as the new regional economic development manager, and colleague George Power introduced themselves to the Pickens County Development Authority and offered ongoing support and training services.

McDonald told the authority he spent more than two decades in economic development in nearby counties and that his team can provide "off the shelf" programs on board governance, leadership and retail, and can facilitate sessions the authority could count as annual training if the authority attorney agrees. "Whatever you guys need to be successful," McDonald said, adding his team could identify other specialists if a topic required it.

Lori Dowdy, who referenced the Georgia Department of Economic Development during the discussion, emphasized the state's focus on helping existing businesses grow and on industry retention. She said companies sometimes raise concerns over federal tariff duties that the state can only escalate to the governor and federal officials, but that the department can act as a resource and a conduit for those concerns. "We can listen to you, and we can take those concerns to the governor," Dowdy said.

Visitors and members discussed the value of annual existing‑industry visits to identify local problems before companies relocate. Members and visitors agreed that outreach to established employers is often easier and more cost‑effective than recruiting new firms.

The authority did not take formal action on the training offers during the meeting; McDonald and Dowdy left their contact details and said they would follow up as requested.