Hard work pays off

By Ken Bonner
The Daily Sentinel
Published July 15, 2009

It has been a busy summer for Jackson County Economic Development Authority President and CEO Goodrich "Dus" Rogers.

In less than a month Rogers has visited the Automotive News Manufacturers Conference in Birmingham, an Industrial Forum in Wolfsburg, Germany, has welcomed a new industry, Manroy USA, to Jackson County and a new occupant, L&L Lumber Company into a formerly vacant manufacturing facility.

"In this business you have got to see people and be seen," Rogers said Tuesday. "Meeting people and traveling is a big part of economic development. Our website is also a factor in providing prospects with the information they need."

Rogers is optimistic about the efforts being put forth by his organization and local and state governmental leaders in luring industry to the area and in helping existing businesses succeed and expand. He believes, as the economy improves, that Jackson County is in position to reap the benefits of the efforts being made today.

He says everyone, in particular existing companies, plays a role in recruiting industry to the area.

"Our best source of leads is often existing businesses. These manufacturers may need suppliers nearby or a prospect local companies deal with may need to locate closer to its customer base."

DEFCON 1 Manufacturing, which has since been purchased by Manroy USA, was instrumental in recruiting the company, a manufacturer of machine guns, mounts and accessories, to the city.

Rogers credits Allen Ainsworth and Keith Overby of DEFCON 1 with helping the JCEDA make initial contact with Manroy. The two felt the defense related business would be a perfect fit for Jackson County with its close proximity to Redstone Arsenal and Huntsville.

The process required patience and took time. Manroy USA officials visited the area a number of times beginning in late 2008 and looked at the small speculative building in the Jackson County Industrial Park at Hollywood at least 8-10 times before settling on locating their operation in the former API building in the Scottsboro Industrial Park.

"Existing companies can open doors for us. Even the average Joe on the street helped sell them (Manroy) on Scottsboro and Jackson County," Rogers said.

The way local realtors, businesses and people treat Manroy manager Steve Sarles, his wife, Melinda, and the company's owners came in contact with on visits to the area were pivotal in influencing the decision-making process. Rogers said people being friendly and helpful impressed the Manroy team.

Sarles also knew Jackson County was located in a HUBZONE (Historically Underutilized Business Zone), which provides an advantage in competing for government contracts. The reputation of EPCOT Ernest Pruett Center of Technology in Hollywood machining program and its ability to prepare students for the workforce also played a part in the decision made by Manroy executives.

It was a team effort. Rogers said the Scottsboro Industrial Development Board did its part as did the EDA Board.

"It all starts with the industrial boards," he said. "They help in securing tax abatements, site preparation grants and other incentives. Their work runs the sgamut of helping existing industries expand and providing what new businesses need to help seal the deal. The Scottsboro Board did its part."

Johnny Ivey is chairman of the Scottsboro IDB. Andy Mann serves as treasurer and Joe Porch as secretary. Isaac Ashmore, Forrest Benson, Blake Wright and Bruce Yates are other members. The towns of Bridgeport, Stevenson and Section also have effective IDB's, according to Rogers.

Bunn Lovelady serves as chairman of JCEDA; Tommy Harding, secretary; and Rudder Williams, treasurer. Other members of the board are Dr. David Campbell, James V. Hastings, Jim Green and Stacey Ledwell.

But Manroy isn't the only recent success story.

L&L Lumber Company of Huntsville recently purchased the McQuay building on Alabama Highway 35 West. The company will use the building as a storage and distribution center.

David House, whose company sold the facility, said Rogers and the EDA were instrumental in placing a "viable business in a building that had not been used for quite a while."

"Dus and his staff were instrumental in making this happen," House said. "They went above and beyond just doing their job. They love the Scottsboro area and try to make everyone see how great a place it is by their representation."

Rogers staff includes Shelia Shepard, vice president and Marilyn Lott, executive assistant.

In recent days JCEDA has sent out several requests for proposals to site location consultants representing industries interested in the area. An RFP includes more than the basic information.

"It means we've made it past the first cut. But the consultants are looking to narrow a large list down to the best one or two sites in a state," Rogers said. "At that point it comes down to incentives and what is best for the client company."

Editor's Note: This is the first of a four-part series. Tomorrow we'll look at another company that has chosen to locate in Scottsboro.