CEDA Director Shelia Freely spoke of local economic development efforts and what local plants need most during the Bruce Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting Monday at Jeffery’s.
Shelia Freely
Freely said she has attended several economic development meetings recently promoting the “great sites” Calhoun has for prospective industry. She said some prospects have recently toured local buildings, but no specifics of those inquiries could be released at this time.
Freely said while she insist on focusing on the positive attributes of the county, there are realities that can’t be denied and should be addressed. During recent meetings with local industry leaders, she said one of the primary complaints was getting employees to show up for work.
“That’s something we don’t want to hear, but it’s a reality,” Freely said. “We need to acknowledge it and try and address it however we can.”
Freely praised the work of the school district’s Career and Technical Center which has offered several training sessions for local industries.
She expressed her thanks for the ongoing investments that Haworth and Weyerhaeuser are making in Bruce and said she is working with a team of local officials and MDOT trying to get a turn lane for Weyerhaeuser on Hwy. 9.
In other chamber news, President Becky Wright said the new heat-air conditioning unit for the chamber office in the Bruce Museum is in and donations have been made to cover its cost. Rickie Vaughn said he would oversee its installment as soon as possible.
Wright said they have seen several “new visitors” at the first two Throwback Thursday farmers’ markets on the Bruce Square.
“It’s always great to see visitors in Bruce,” Wright said.
Wright welcomed new chamber members, Stepp Saver Pharmacy and Hometown Cafe/Marly Klo Gifts and announced Metrocast was the latest Business of the Month honoree.
Wright also said plans are ongoing for the chamber’s 2nd Annual July 4th celebration on the square, highlighted by a fireworks show.
Alderwoman Ellen Shaw said plans are for the Bruce Theater to show it’s first movies the week of the Sawmill Festival (July 7-12).
She said it is also being considered to host the annual Aqua Queen Pageant that week. Shaw thanked city workers for the cleanup efforts around the building.
“It really does look nice,” said Joe Massey. “It’s made a big difference.”
Chamber Secretary Carol Shoemaker said the Sawmill Festival Committee continues work on the upcoming festival and that t-shirts should be in and available later this week.