Gov. Perdue salutes partnership's efforts on economic issues

GOV. SONNY PERDUE

Governor Sonny Perdue and First Lady Mary Perdue met with members of the Clarks Hill Partnership of Georgia last week to congratulate the five-county partnership on its efforts in economic development.

Addressing the meeting of partnership members at Elijah Clark State Park in Lincoln County, the governor said, "This is an important part of the state. Clarks Hill Lake is a wonderful natural resource."

He went on to note that the Clarks Hill Partnership of Georgia is an example of the kind of partnerships the state is looking for. "I congratulate you all for having the vision to come together. It's important that we share our resources. We want this part of Georgia to be a place where dreams come true for our children and grandchildren."

County Commission Chairman Sam Moore and Payroll Development Authority Director David Jenkins represented Wilkes County at the meeting.

Spearheaded by state Senator Jim Whitehead in 2005, the partnership plans to promote economic development by encouraging industrial development and the creation of jobs, marketing attendant tourism and developing new tourist attractions, supporting recreational opportunities, expanding and upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing transportation services in each of its member counties.

The counties feel the partnership, comprised of Wilkes, Lincoln, Columbia, Warren, and McDuffie counties, will create a favorable environment for industrial development, trade, commerce, and residential development in the Clarks Hill region.

After arriving by helicopter at Elijah Clark State Park, the governor and other guests enjoyed a barbecue lunch with all of the trimmings. Lunch was following by a brief program, featuring remarks by Governor Perdue.

During the program, Bob Knox, mayor of Thomson and chairman of the partnership's board of directors, outlined the projects the partnership is supporting in each of the individual counties. These included:

Wilkes County - Heritage tourism projects and expanding Highway 17 to four lanes.

Lincoln County - Building a resort/ conference center near Elijah Clark Park and locating occupants for the industrial park.

Columbia County - The formation of a convention and visitors bureau.

McDuffie County - Expansion of the airport runway.

Warren County - Water system expansion and the construction of a frontage road along I-20 between the Camak and Norwood exits. The road will facilitate the development of a regional industrial park.

Others taking part in the program were Ninth District Congressman Charlie Norwood; State Representative Barry Fleming; and Senator Whitehead.

Among the other guests at the luncheon were local leaders from the five counties; members of U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson's staff; and representatives from Georgia Power Company, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Approximately 80 people attended the luncheon.

Following the meeting, Senator Whitehead said, "I am honored that Governor Perdue would make the trip to Lincoln County to meet with our partnership, which we're very proud of. It is evident that he loves what we're doing and wants to get other parts of the state to go in the same direction.

"It is a joy to see counties work together both as individuals and for the betterment of the partnership," the senator continued. "A lot of economic development as well as projects designed to enhance quality of life will come out of this partnership. It's really exciting."

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