The Webster Progress-Times

Local elected officials gathered for their first Council of Government meeting on Nov. 10 at the Eupora Depot.

The Webster County Development Council established the Council of Government in order for elected officials to meet informally to promote more dialogue and work together for common interests of the different communities and bodies of government. No decisions involving official business of any kind are made.

The time of informal fellowship can help leaders understand the challenges that each community faces with hopes of facilitating cooperation for common interests, according to WCDC Executive Director Cynthia Wilson.

Chandler Russ and Tim Weston, economic development specialists with the Tennessee Valley Authority, were on hand at the initial meeting to share information on how TVA can be of assistance to communities, including loan programs.

Russ, referring to the council as an agent to share best practices, told those gathered: "I highly encourage you to continue this and have it turn into an interactive session."

TVA's objectives as stated at the meeting include increasing the ability of local leaders to handle prospects effectively, market the community to prospective businesses and industries, and retain and grow existing companies.

Referring to manufacturing job losses that have hit Webster County in past years, Russ encouraged the officials not to rebuild but instead to take their time to transform.

"Understand what you can become and work toward transforming the area into becoming that - something better than you are."

Russ said communities should plan to actively improve quality of life for industrial recruitment. Quality of life is mainly important when it comes to "sealing the deal," he said, adding, "Don't make it the first thing you talk about but it is part of the mix."

Asked about the prospect of securing spin-off industries from SeverCorr at the Golden Triangle Megasite near Columbus, Russ said "anything processing steel" is a possibility.

"There's a host of opportunities to be a supplier," he said.

SeverCorr will operate a steel mill designed to produce 1.5 million tons of high-quality steel for commercial and automotive applications. Construction has begun at the site with an expected completion date of 2007.

Responding to a question about TVA's possible use of reusable/renewable energy sources, Russ acknowledged that an enormous push is on for "green power," such as windmills, and that TVA is looking into all aspects of this.