The Webster Progress-Times

Members of the Webster County Development Council gathered for the organization's quarterly meeting on July 16 at the Eupora Depot.

Plant Engineer Ray Manning of Plymouth Tube Co. presented a program on the company's energy-saving program. PTC has installed high-efficiency compact fluorescent lamps that it purchased directly from a manufacturer. CFLs use 75 percent less electricity and last 10 times longer than ordinary light bulbs.

Plymouth Tube has also provided each of its hourly employees with the bulbs for use in their homes. Manning offered to help other businesses or groups that are interested in securing CFLs at a discount.

In her progress report, Executive Director Cynthia Wilson said membership in the WCDC is now at 93 members, which is up from last year's 84. She also gave this update of work on projects and programs since January 2006:

€ Railroad project, in which the feasibility of reopening the West Point-to-Greenwood section of the Columbus and Greenville Railway is being studied. The feasibility study is nearing completion. Meetings have been conducted in each of the counties with elected officials, and business and industry; another was held July 24 at the Depot (see related story).

€ Highway 82 bypass lighting project - The project is pending with the state Transportation Department, which will let bids.

€ Preparation for potential automotive suppliers - The advisory board made the decision to purchase for supervisors, mayors, aldermen, advisory board members and the superintendent of education a copy of "Passport Japan." This paperback addresses Japanese business etiquette and customs. This was done to help officials be better prepared when the community has the opportunity to go after a Japanese automotive supplier.

€ Farmers Market - The Farmers Market is open again this year and has been busy despite the hot, dry weather experienced in May and June. Bobby Files is continuing as the market manager and it is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the produce is gone.

€ Website - The advisory board decided in June to contract with Andrea Lund of Ackerman to design and complete the WCDC's new website. She is experienced in designing economic development websites. Wilson has been getting the information and layout ready for her. Links for websites from within the community will be posted on the site. The advisory board also approved the purchase of software that will enable Wilson to keep the site current.

€ Buy Local - Wilson has been working to get a list of businesses in each municipality and within the county so she can prepare a marketing piece for visitors telling them what all is available "while wandering around Webster County." This information will also be included in a newcomer packet and listed on the website. The council has received folders to be able to use with the newcomer packets and with any prospective business or industry looking at the county.

€ County map project - This project is still not complete. Wilson said a representative of AdScope Designs had told her that it should be completed in four weeks.

€ Small Municipalities and Limited Grant applications - Municipalities in the county are in the process of submitting applications for these grant funds. No match is required with this grant. Wilson said support of state elected officials is important, and asked members to contact them and urge them to send a letter in support of the projects when the applications are submitted.

€ Budget request - Wilson has submitted a budget request to each of the municipalities and the Board of Supervisors. She presented this to them a copy of the progress report and has asked that funding be restored to original levels.

€ Fundraiser - The WCDC, local fire departments, the village of Mantee and Hitt Graphix are selling 911 address signs. Order blanks are available at the WCDC office and at the chancery clerk's office.