LULA — Lula officials want to open the door for more economic development in the city, especially along the busy Ga. 365 corridor.
After hearing from Tim Evans, vice president of economic development for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, recently, Lula officials are considering paying some $2,500 to join the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee.
City Manager Dennis Bergin said Monday night he is convinced it would be to the city's benefit to join.
"It's hard to recognize the direct benefit, but they certainly have done well in the county as far as economic development, and the committee does a great job as far as tracking new industry and expanding existing industry," Bergin said. "We're in the right place at the right time is what it boils down to. We're very fortunate in that regard."
Of the EDC's $444,000 budget, Gainesville and Hall County each contribute $136,000 annually, while Flowery Branch chips in $20,000 and Oakwood contributes about $16,500, Bergin said. The remaining roughly $136,000 is contributed by the membership.
"They've done some good things in a very tough economy," Bergin said.
Mayor Pro Tem Mordecai Wilson agreed.
"They sort of point toward the future and help to bring in businesses and different plants," Wilson said. "They are doing that for other towns and cities."
Bergin encouraged the mayor and council to give membership their full consideration.
EDC membership will appear on the agenda for the next city council meeting, set for 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15.
Because the $2,500 was not budgeted, city leaders will have to identify how to fund EDC membership.
