Longtime Douglas – Coffee Co. Chamber of Commerce President and Economic Development Authority Executive Director Joanne Lewis abruptly tendered her letter of resignation Monday during a meeting of the Chamber executive board and EDA members.
After regular business was discussed, Lewis surprised the group by announcing her retirement.
In her letter of resignation, Lewis stated:
“Since January 12, 2004, I have been employed as Executive Director for the Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority (Authority) and also served as the President of the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce (Chamber). Although the job requires wearing two hats and answering to two managing bodies, our focus has always been united through one main goal; that goal is growing jobs and business for the economic well-being of Douglas-Coffee County, Georgia.
I feel we have made great strides toward this goal. I wish I could take credit, but I cannot. I give all the credit to a strong group of local leaders and citizens that understand the importance of economic development.
Leadership did not happen overnight; it began in a strong way during the 1950s when a small group of young professionals joined in mind and spirit for the economic good of our community by forming what we now call the EDA. The result of their vision and determination continually reminds me of the important role that young leaders play in the planning and implementation process for economic development in any community; thus is the reason for this letter.
It is time for me to step down and give young professionals the opportunity to lead our community toward economic prosperity. After twelve wonderful years, I plan to retire February 1, 2016. This resignation is bound by my hopes that we will continue to applaud the past, embrace the future and do so with the same “can-do” spirit as those who have previously led the Authority and Chamber for nearly six decades as a united force to promote the economic well-being of Douglas-Coffee County, Georgia.”
Both the Chamber and Authority accepted Lewis’ resignation and immediately moved forward with naming a successor to the position.
Beginning November 1, 2015, Andrea Taylor, Chamber Vice-President and Authority Assistant Director, will fill the executive position for both organizations.
Lewis will remain as an employee, working specific industrial and retail projects until February 1, 2016.
Taylor has been with the organization working closely with Lewis for five years.
Also during Monday’s meeting, Lewis presented an update on current projects and programs that would support the mission of growing jobs and business.
In her report, she confirmed four industrial prospects are currently looking at the local community, and a commercial developer is involved in a site review process. Lewis reminded those in attendance that all large projects require time, with most taking twelve to twenty-four months to close. She did discuss the possibility of an announcement forthcoming prior to the end of 2015.
Industrial park development and partnership programs were also on the table for discussion. The EDA owns two large sites planned for industrial parks, both with more than a 100-acre footprint.
A new speculative building is also held in inventory as a recruitment tool for new industrial partners. Lewis reported that more than 20 economic development partners will be in Douglas this month to take a first-hand look at the facility, which she hopes will boost marketing efforts for Douglas-Coffee County and the State of Georgia.