By Tim Franzen
timothy.franzen@gaflnews.com
ROCHELLE — During the Wilcox County Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and banquet Thursday, Chamber member Marvin Talley stressed the need for Chamber members to work together and increase focus on industrial growth.
Talley said, “We need to work hand in hand with each other and the Wilcox County Commissioners, improving communications to bring economic development to our area. State Representative Jimmy Pruett is also helping, but if we’re not together in Wilcox County, we’ll never accomplish anything.”
He also added, “The more of our young people who move out to accept jobs elsewhere, the more it costs the rest of us.”
Wilcox County Commissioner Clarice Morrison agreed saying, “Without some financial base, it’s almost impossible to attract industry and trade people. You have to help yourself.”
She also reported, “A budget hearing is scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m. and the budget approval and mileage rate will be voted on August 2 at 9:15 a.m.”
Wilcox County Commissioner Clarice Morrison agreed saying, “Without some financial base, it’s almost impossible to attract industry and trade people. You have to help yourself.”
She also reported, “A budget hearing is scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m. and the budget approval and mileage rate will be voted on August 2 at 9:15 a.m.”
According to Hazel Keen with the Wilcox County Tax Commissioner’s Office, the mileage rate is not scheduled to change from it’s current rate of 18.250.
The Wilcox County Board of Education will also hold a meeting Thursday, August 2 at 9 a.m. to set the millage rate to 12.610. The millage rate has stayed the same for the past five years at 12.610.
Chamber members in attendance also voted to defer the election of board members until October.
Acknowledgment was given to new businesses in Wilcox County including Sonrise Cafe, Fins Furs and Feathers, Wilcox Feed and Supply, Piglet and Mac Electric, all of Abbeville. Wee Care Daycare of Rochelle, and Sheer Designs Hair of Seville, also received acknowledgments.
In other business, Chamber members are being encouraged to join 10 businesses in the area with the Chamber. The membership drive started yesterday and the business year runs from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.
