The chairperson of the Johnston County Economic Development Advisory Board, Selma Mayor Cheryl Oliver, wants Johnston County Commissioners to consider making several changes to help with future economic development.
Oliver, representing the Advisory Board, addressed Commissioners during their June 4, 2019 meeting.
Oliver said the Board had seven main items they wanted to recommend to Commissioners going forward. They included:
- All economic development funding proceeds from the Atlantic Coast Pipeline project be directed back to economic development in Johnston County
- Build warehouse inventory. Many industries are looking at locations in Johnston County but there is a lack of readily-available warehouse space
- Public relations. Hire a Public Information Officer to proactively send out positive news about Johnston County
- Increase vocational training opportunities through the school system, community college, and private resources
- Support and invest in transportation, specifically commuter rail, and expand JCATS busing to meet growing transportation needs
- Formulate a Smart Technology initiative to improve the lives of businesses and citizens
- Create an Industrial Collaborative to meet quarterly with business and industrial partners to proactively solicit quality businesses to Johnston CountyOlive said the Economic Development Advisory Board looks forward to meeting with Commissioners in the near future to discuss their ideas further to help promote and attract businesses to the local area. Commissioners took no action during the meeting on the recommendations.
