Lawrence County Community Development Capabilities

In-house ability to write and administer grants that result in financial support for businesses locating or expanding in Lawrence County.

Wrote and administered a $412,500 USDA Rural Business Enterprise grant for the Southeastern Emu Oil Processing Facility that provided funds for a building and equipment in Silver Creek. Also assisted in securing a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant for water, sewer and infrastructure work.

Helped secure a $337,000 zero-interest loan through Southern Pine Electric Power Association for Agreaux Organics to help with start-up costs. The company is an innovator in environmental technology and converts agricultural waste into useful products such as fertilizer.

Assisted Venture Industries, an environmental construction/sandblasting company, by securing and developing an access road to its industrial site.

Wrote an application for a $900,000 low-interest loan that enabled Lawrence County to purchase buildings and property that it leased to Atlas Manufacturing Company. Also assisted the county government in securing a $450,000 zero-interest loan from Southern Pine Electric Power Association to enable Atlas to improve its cash flow by lowering the company's monthly lease payments.

Assisted in securing a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant to provide a waste treatment system, new water line and access road that enabled Lee's Pigskins Company to locate in Newhebron. Also assisted in securing an $175,000 zero-interest loan through Southern Pine Electric Power Association to Lee's for start-up costs.

Assisted in securing a $512,894 infrastructure grant to provide infrastructure improvements including a wood dust collection system to enable Foster Millworks and Timber Products to locate a cabinet/game call manufacturing operation in Monticello. Also assisted in securing a $247,500 low-interest energy improvements loan for equipment purchases by the company.

The Community Development Association/Chamber of Commerce has also secured full sales tax exemptions on construction materials and equipment used in new industry locations or existing industry expansions, and assisted companies in receiving property tax exemptions and corporate income tax credits.