The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority approved a memorandum of understanding with Project Supreme at a special called meeting Thursday afternoon.

The prospect, whose identity remains confidential, is expected to have a huge impact on the local economy and employ 600 people within eight years. The total investment by the company is expected to be $106 million. It will occupy approximately 55 acres of the IDA's industrial park along Highway 21.

IDA officials will be in Atlanta on Monday morning to formalize the agreement with Project Supreme's executives and state leaders, who are expected to include Gov. Sonny Perdue.

"It's a tremendous deal for us," IDA Chairman Martin Wilkins said. "It's far and away the largest economic development project this county has ever had. It's one of the largest the state has seen."

For more, see Sunday's Effingham Herald.