Fayette County Development Authority (FCDA) Business Retention and Expansion Manager Emily Poole recently reported to the Peachtree City Council on FCDA efforts involving a number of business prospects and recruitment inquiries focusing on Peachtree City.
Poole’s primary focus includes working with businesses in Peachtree City and those wanting to locate there. Her work also includes working with businesses and prospects across the county.
Speaking last week, and due to the nature of the confidentially required by businesses and their location and relocation efforts, Poole was unable to disclose the names of the companies exploring Peachtree City and Fayette County as a destination.
In terms of prospects for Peachtree City, what Poole could say is that projects in the works, but not ready to announce, include an advanced manufacturing company and a corporate headquarters from another state.
If successful, the move of the company’s headquarters would create approximately 40 jobs, Poole said, adding that many of the employees at the current location would not be relocating.
A third prospect involves the expansion of an existing aerospace/aviation company, Poole said.
Addressing the proposed subdivision of industrial property on Ga. Highway 74 South in Peachtree City, Poole said if the City Council approves the request by South-Tree Enterprises, it would have a positive impact because it would provide additional inventory in the city’s industrial area.
Poole said there is a green-technology considering locating in another area of Fayette County.
Handling recruitment inquiries is also a part of Poole’s job at FCDA. She said current inquiries for Peachtree City include a corporate headquarters, an advanced manufacturing company and an aerospace/aviation company.
Poole was asked about the companies that had located in Peachtree City and Fayette County due specifically to her efforts. But here response was one that played down her individual efforts while accentuating the efforts of others.
“Economic development is a team effort,“ Poole said, noting the necessity of having local, regional and state partnership and leadership involved in the move to secure a firm’s relocation or expansion in the Peachtree City and Fayette County area.
In terms of business retention and expansion, Poole works with approximately 30 companies.
Whether business expansion, retention, recruitment, development or support, Poole’s job involves working with companies large and small, primarily in Peachtree City. The idea, she said, is to work with them and help them grow.
Poole joined FCDA in 2012. She is responsible for facilitating business growth and better community-corporate partnership with Peachtree City’s leading industries.
“My goal is to be of service. Any resources I can access for businesses in Peachtree City and Fayette County, I will,” said Poole. “I love my job, because I get to serve those who are the lifeblood of our community. Our community thrives when we have a healthy business network.”
Though he has been the FCDA President and CEO for only a short time, Alan Durham said Poole has several years in building relationships and has great contacts.
“For the new guy, it’s been very helpful,” Durham said.
