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IDA seeking more proactive approach
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Effingham County Industrial Development Authority Interim CEO Tre Wilkins discusses Blandford siding on Thursday. - photo by Mark Lastinger/staff

SPRINGFIELD — The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has determined that a unified voice is more likely to be heard when pitching Effingham County’s industrial assets.
Near the end of its Thursday meeting in the IDA building conference room, IDA members discussed ways to market the county’s industrial sites more effectively. It also talked about enhancing its profile and taxpayers’ understanding of its role.
The IDA pursues industries for its multiple sites. Industries with good-paying jobs are preferred.
“Everything that we do here is using taxpayer dollars,” said Jimmy Wells, IDA vice chairman. “That’s one thing we are always very cognizant of. It’s not to benefit the City of Rincon; it’s not to benefit the City of Guyton; and it’s not to benefit the City of Springfield.
“It’s to benefit the citizens of Effingham County, and the more cooperation we have between the various municipalities the more effective we will be.”
The IDA, seeking a CEO in the wake of John Henry’s recent resignation, discussed the possibility of conducting periodic meetings with Rincon, Guyton, Springfield and Effingham County officials so that each entity can air its industrial wants and needs. Wells said school officials should be included, too.See th

See the Dec. 27 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.

‘It Was Overwhelming': Rincon Mayor Kevin Exley Shares His Personal Journey Through Cancer and Recovery
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​Rincon Mayor Kevin Exley ringing the cancer bell at Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion after completing treatment for head and neck cancer — a moment he called emotional, humbling, and the start of a new chapter. (Submitted photo)
After weeks of intensive cancer treatment, Rincon Mayor Kevin Exley is returning to city hall and his full-time job in Savannah. In his first interview since ringing the cancer bell, Exley opens up about the pain, faith, and community support that carried him through the hardest chapter of his life. Now cancer-free, he reflects on the emotional journey — and the gratitude he feels to be moving forward, one step at a time.
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