Leader Lookback: City names first development manager
This is what was in The Evening Leader 50 years ago this week.
DALE GRIMES TO BECOME ST. MARYS’ FIRST INDUSTRIAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Kenneth L. Hegemann, Safety-Service Director, announced the appointment of Dale Grimes to the position of Industrial and Community Development Manager for the city of St. Marys. The position was created by the city of St. Marys Council in an ordinance passed June 8, 1970. Mr. Grimes assumed his duties on Jan. 4, the effective date of the salary established for the office in an ordinance passed Dec. 28.
Mr. Hegemann indicated that with the filling of this position, the city of St. Marys will be able to take an active part in working with the existing industry in the city of St. Marys and also in attracting new industrial developments to the city.
“Existing industries that are allowed to grow and prosper in a community is extremely helpful in
attracting new industry. Community support is vital if any encouragement progress is to be made. Industry interested in locating in a community is not only interested in the labor market, tax structure, available housing and other important items, but they are also interested in how the citizens of a community feel about not only industrial expansion, but the community as a whole. We cannot expect new industry to be interested in a community if its citizens are not, “Mr. Hegemann said.
He said that industrial and community development is not a one man job, but requires the time and effort of many citizens and organizations within the community.
It is hoped that good working relationship can be developed with the local chamber of commerce, the Community Improvement Corp., the local financial institutions and other citizens and organizations which are vital to maintaining our existing industrial level, the expansion of existing industries, and the location of new industries in the city.
Mr. Grimes’ time and effort will be spent on preparing site data for industrial plants as well as other commercial developments and meeting with companies which may be interested in expansion or relocation.