Development.

As a growing city, we can attract commercial and industrial opportunities without jeopardizing our neighborhoods and way of life. I hope to work with the existing developmental board while encouraging individual councilmen and women to also go on the recruitment tour. 

One of the factors mentioned by some of the companies I have visited has been the importance of local leaders being personally involved.  We also have great resources with our river frontage as well as property bordering the Etowah County Mega Plex.  At some point, this will result in opportunities for annexation, railroad access, and an increase in employment opportunities for Rainbow City and Etowah County residents.  

I have personally toured Inteva and Fehrer in Gadsden during my time at the Etowah County Workforce Academy.  I watched as their skilled labor force built car seats and interior products  (Fehrer) as well as sunroofs. (Inteva)  The plant management explained that one of the main reasons they came to Gadsden was Gadsden State's workforce training and average test scores from local schools, which were much higher than the state average.  They also discussed the importance of communities having strong recreational and educational opportunities for their families. Rainbow City has all of these components.  

In the long term, an interstate ramp near the intersection of I-59 and Pleasant Valley Rd. could be an industrial development site for Rainbow City.  This would be an 8-9 year process. However, in the short term, we must recruit Level 2 Industries, which pay between $15-$25 per hour and supply other manufacturers with the needed producer goods. These factories could easily be located off the Rainbow City side of Steel Station Road. 

While recruiting new industries, the city should also offer incentives for existing industries to expand. I have discussed this with several local level 2 and level 3 manufacturers who feel they are being overlooked.