Preparing communities for success

Eufaula-Barbour Chamber of Commerce members, during the annual membership luncheon, were encouraged to prepare their community for success in economic development.
Guest speaker Greg Barker of Alabama Power shared three primary factors for a successful business community: recruitment, retention and renewal. Recruitment was the main topic of discussion, as Barker informed chamber and city leaders that a city’s efforts to attract business and industry happen “before the prospect ever steps foot in your city.”
Being prepared to offer infrastructure and incentives companies are looking for is vital to landing new industries. Barker quoted a survey by Area Development Magazine that listed the top 20 things industries are looking for in a community.
A skilled labor pool was the No. 1 thing businesses require. “The reality is, companies looking for unskilled workers aren’t in the U.S. anymore,” he said.
Having an available building with detailed information on the facility is also important and was listed 13th on the list. And seven of the items listed in the top 20 were incentive related. Barker encouraged Eufaula leaders to set priorities and prepare a plan for recruitment. “If you do that, you’ll be ahead of a majority of the communities in the nation.”
He also stressed the importance of supporting existing businesses and industries to help them be successful and keep them in the community.

Last year’s Chamber president, Alabama Power’s Richard Hutto (right), passed the gavel to the 2015 president Ed Richardson (left).
Chamber President Richard Hutto also gave a brief report on the chamber’s success in 2014, saying, “The experience has been both challenging and rewarding. At a time when not so happy news seems to command the spotlight, it is important to note that good things are happening in Barbour County.”
He pointed out how several industries had chosen to expand in Eufaula, a new advantage site designation at Lakepoint Industrial Park, and efforts by chamber staff to be more active in the community through movie nights, special events and recognitions.
Hutto then passed the gavel to the 2015 president, Ed Richardson. Richardson briefly addressed those gathered and introduced the 2015 board members, including newly elected members Mo Erkins, Martha Hurst, Sone Kornegay, Dan McKenzie, Will Moore, Karen Sterling and Cassie Young.
Richardson also presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Medical Center Barbour’s accounting director, Sonya Bedsole.
–Tiffany Woo, Eufaula Tribune