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EDC leaders urge focus on 'product' and funding as commissioners weigh economic-development structure
Summary
The Economic Development Commission vice chair and member told commissioners Person County must prioritize prepared sites and funding to attract industry; commissioners discussed using the $2.5M economic catalyst fund, governance options, and better coordination between planning, EDC and county leadership.
At the Feb. 17 retreat, the Person County Economic Development Commission (EDC) vice chairman Philip Allen and member Kenneth Perry told commissioners that the county's ability to recruit industry depends first on having "product" (prepared land or buildings), tight coordination among local stakeholders and active support for existing industries.
Allen framed economic development as "a team sport," urging alignment among the board, county manager, economic-development director and the EDC. He warned that "in the absence of product, there'll be no project," citing past successes where prepared sites led to major investments. Kenneth Perry emphasized local oversight and accountability for spending: "If you have it, they will come," and encouraged keeping economic development under local direction while ensuring clear financial controls.
Commissioners raised concerns about limited prepared sites and the county's current debt constraints, and discussed funding options. County staff said the economic catalyst fund currently holds about $2.5 million in fund balance; commissioners and volunteer EDC members debated whether to use those dollars for product development or incentives and whether to adjust the governance model to improve responsiveness and reduce perceived conflicts that have inhibited advocacy for certain projects.
Several commissioners urged reevaluation of policies and boards that require staff support and recommended a near-term review to identify possible savings and re-prioritization. EDC members committed to working with the county and to develop an action plan to identify product needs and funding strategies.
No structural change was approved at the retreat; the board asked staff and the EDC to bring back proposals and options for the manager and commissioners to consider in upcoming budget and work sessions.
