JDA Makes History for Tri-Government Cooperation

The first meeting of a historical cooperative effort was convened on June 10.At the East Ellijay City Hall, the group known as the JDA (Joint Development Authority) met Wednesday with members Travis Crouch, a local business owner and Post Commissioner, Lex Rainey, a retired educator and former Ellijay City Council Member, Alan Davenport, Chairman of the Planning Commission Board, Al Hoyle, Mayor of Ellijay, Don Callihan, East Ellijay City Council Member, and Jacob Callihan, part owner of the Pink Pig in Cherry Log.

This Authority culminates the efforts of all three governments of Ellijay, East Ellijay, and Gilmer County to coordinate in support of developing the community county-wide as the first Joint Development Authority of Gilmer County.

The JDA expressed a goal to nurture growth and new opportunities for both new and existing businesses in the community. Mr. Davenport also suggested making sure they attract the right businesses to the county while Mr Crouch added a need to make sure the attracted businesses fit into our community and provide for future generations.

The meeting, which basically amounted to a chance to get to know each other, did produce one notable idea as the Authority wishes to explore bringing on an Economic Development Director who could represent the county and network with businesses to help attract these businesses to our county.

The last point of business for the JDA was an executive session. This session during their very first meeting was used to discuss options and possible nominations for their seventh member. As the council is made up of two members nominated from Ellijay, two from East Ellijay, and two from Gilmer County, there is required a seventh member whom the first six shall appoint.

While there was no nomination publicly made, the council is hard at work to decide on this position as they are unable to take any real action without the full Authority. As this new Authority begins its functions within the county, FYN will seek to sit down with each member to provide each of their own views they bring to this cooperation.