Job Recruitment

In 2002, I was instrumental in obtaining $30 million in state funding and incentive packages for Goodyear. This funding kept Goodyear from closing but did not do so long-term. As a result of the closure, a strong emphasis will be placed on attracting industry that is appropriate for our community. According to the consultants that I have met with, we have several things to do to make us more competitive for industry looking for places to locate:

  • Design an industry friendly dashboard for potential industries. A dashboard that focuses on good, precise data that demonstrates why an industry should locate here. A dashboard that illustrates our strengths such as GSCC, JSU, location, low cost of living, available properties, Noccalula Falls, Coosa Landing, and our vibrant downtown which includes restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. The dashboard will also diminish our weaknesses or show ways the weaknesses can be diminished. This dashboard will be expanded into a complete business campaign.
  • Provide a workforce that meets industry needs. If a workforce is not readily available, draw on the relationships with GSCC and JSU to demonstrate how a workforce can be trained in a timely manner.
  • Create an incentive package for industries to locate here. This package will focus on state incentives, as well as local incentives. Outside of the normal incentives offered, the relationships with GSCC and JSU will be highlighted, as well as low cost of living.
  • Attract young people to Gadsden or retain those that are already here. Young people are attracted to things such as river walks, hiking trails, downtowns with downtown living, and art districts. As your mayor, I will continue to invest in the things we are doing right to attract young people while also working to create the other things we need.
  • Identify growth areas for Gadsden. This includes readily available land and properties, as well as resources such as the labor pool. We will identify where we can grow and who can make that growth happen.
  • Maintain transparency with the community during the recruitment process that does not give a competing location an advantage. Also, provide enough information to the community that they are assured there is no hidden motivation nor agenda.