Recently reported, Newberry County Council voted 5-1 with Councilman Kirksey Koon voting against spending $18,000 for continued Central South Carolina Alliance. Mr. Koon has not found where the Alliance helped Newberry County in the last three quarters.
Councilman Cain agreed with Mr. Koon but still voted to spend the money, because of no alternative and the minimal growth in Newberry was not because of the Alliance. Hmmm!
Newberry has the only certified large property available in South Carolina around Exit 72 as reported by this council the last few years.
Newberry is still throwing money at the Exit 82 business property that has sat vacant for years with a $5 million spec building.
So nice to hear VOLVO and other businesses not even mention Newberry County property availability.
Mr. Hipp, Cain, Reeder, Stockman, Waldrop and County Administrator Wayne Adams needs to stop wasting taxpayer money. It appears they could (can) put a nice package together with $18,000 quarterly being wasted to the Alliance.
Drop the Alliance and have the new director for Economic Development send letters directly to potential business CEOs or presidents. Then follow up with calls to the leaders or secretary within one week of mailing and continue following up. Best way to get results.
The six active projects are a good start. But anyone in sales knows not to hang your hat on possibles. Create a buzz with 30 or more businesses actively looking at Newberry County. The marketing piece and flyer is poor to moderate at most for appeal. It can be much better.
This Council does a pretty good job over all. Our Representative McLeod and Senator Cromer should be getting more active.
We as taxpayers must sound an alarm every once in a while when we see money wasted. Newberry folks need jobs not wasting money and kicking the can down the street.
Louis Neiger
Newberry