Little by Little, County Economic Development Effort Making a Difference

The Effingham County Board's Economic Development Advisory Committee is starting to see the fruits of its labor.

During Tuesday's meeting, Advisory Committee members reviewed progress since the Committee was established about two years ago. An estimated 20 jobs have been created through loans to startup or expanding businesses.

The big shot in the arm to the committee was the receipt of a $99,000 state grant. The funds have been loaned to qualifying businesses, and are being repaid by those businesses so they can be re-loaned to additional businesses.

The first loan was made to CW Motorsports when they moved to their current location on Keller Drive. Other loans have been made to Holli's Flour Shoppe, Chase Cardboard, JLS Technology Consultants and, most recently, to Retro's Pizza.

The Committee currently has $8,321 on account. Those interested in discussing a loan should contact the Effingham County Board office or check the County's website.

Committee Chairman Dave Campbell also shared Tuesday that despite the lousy weather and the problems inherent in getting guidelines and inventory in place, the two businesses that sold fireworks ahead of the 4th of July weekend reported good sales. The stores that operated were located north of Effingham along US Route 45 and south of Heartville, also along Route 45. Campbell said the operator located north of town is interested in a fulltime base of operations in Effingham County.