Coweta County

took another step Tuesday toward establishing itself as an economic development

power.

The County

Commission unanimously approved the concept of hiring a staff member to

head up the county's economic development office.

Commissioner

Jim McGuffey, who serves on the county's Economic Development Commission,

said the commission needs to fast track this position.

McGuffey said

the new person would report to County Administrator Theron Gay and a job

description should be devised immediately.

The new hire

would work closely with the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce and the

county's Development Authority in marketing the whole county, McGuffey

said.

The county

already has Buddy Harrison in place, who markets the Shenandoah Industrial

Park.

Commission

Chairman Robert Wood said the person hired would probably work closely

with Harrison, but also work on retaining existing industries and working

with small businesses.

McGuffey said

the funding for the new position would come from funds previously allocated

for economic development.

The commission

approved the concept unanimously and asked Gay to report back with all

the details after they are finalized.