Gadsden, Etowah County plan to partner for economic development
On Tuesday, the Etowah County Commission and Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford announced their intent to establish a new partnership through the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority, which will further improve economic development efforts in Etowah County.
When officially approved next week, the Etowah County Commission will join the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority as its second fiscal sponsor. Currently, the City of Gadsden is the sole municipal contributor to the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority, and it will remain the largest fiscal sponsor.
The proposed partnership is the result of ongoing conversations between County Commissioners and Mayor Ford. At Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioners discussed a contract that will formally establish the partnership between the County and the IDA.
“This is a good partnership for Gadsden and Etowah County,” said Commission President Johnny Grant. “We appreciate the new administration for seeing how this could be a win-win situation, and we look forward to major announcements coming soon.”
Commissioner Joey Statum added that he was exceedingly pleased with the announcement, feeling like a “proud papa”.
“One of my top priorities is leveling up Gadsden’s efforts to increase and diversify our base of industries,” said Ford. “With this partnership, the IDA will now have more financial, real estate, and incentive resources at its disposal to coordinate industrial projects. Site selectors and developers now know they have a larger ecosystem of opportunity in the Gadsden area. This means Gadsden will be able to land larger projects coupled with potential supplier projects which may go into the county, or vice versa.”
“Etowah County is poised to land a major industrial development,” said Commissioner Craig Inzer. “By leveraging the recruitment resources and expertise of the Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority, we are sending a signal to site selectors and consultants that we value their interest and will provide them with a professional ‘one-stop shop’ when they look to Etowah County for their business.”
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