Adams updates supervisors on MCDC happenings

The Montgomery County Development Corporation is sharing some of the big things happening in the county. At a recent meeting of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, MCDC Board President Ann Carder and MCDC executive director Steve Adams expressed their appreciation to the supervisors for allowing two supervisors to also serve on the MCDC Board, stating it was important to have their input. Carder said she was also grateful for the financial support.
Carder said the reason for the visit was to give the supervisors an update on what what recently been going on in the county.
“I know you get quick summaries from Randy Cooper and Mike Olson, who serve on our board, but we felt you might like something more detailed, as we have some great things going on,” Carder said.
Adams said he had conversed with Carder about his optimism going forward, and Adams said he expected great things.
“I told her I’m not just blowing smoke, I really think that 2022 is going to be a really big year for us. Since I took over in late April, and officially started in July, we’ve had seven small business consults, and we’ve had two new businesses start, one new business acquisition, and two business relocations, though I don’t take the credit for all of that,” Adams explained.
Adams also shared an update on the vacant K-Mart building, which has remained unoccupied for quite some time.
“We did have four business leads, and they were all willing to take a look at the building and engage in multiple tours. The building’s owner has also made several improvements to the building, waterline work, and work to the parking lot,” Adams advised. “We still have one very active prospect on that building, and I am hoping to know in the next few weeks whether they want to move forward. They don’t want to use the whole building, just the back portion of it.”
If that proceeds, Adams said the retail frontage would still be available, and they had a prospect for that as well.
“We had actually been recruiting one retailer who was very interested in the space, but they said, quite honestly, it was too big, and they only wanted half of it also. So depending on what happens with this prospect, we may go back and revisit that other retail prospect to see if they wish to use the retail frontage,” commented Adams.
Adams also said there were two new housing developers that had been invited to Red Oak, and had toured the town. Also, MCDC recently was approved to receive a Rural Housing Readiness Assessment grant, which would provide $10,000 towards a housing assessment in the community.
Interest had also been expressed in the purchase of the vacant Bancroft and Webster buildings.
“We’ve had six meetings, lots of tours of the building, and a DNR representative came down to talk to us about asbestos abatement, removal, and remediation, and the DNR will be working with us moving forward on those two properties. We’ve had developers tour the buildings, and we’ve got some real good opportunities. I think in 2022 we’ll see some very significant progress there,” said Adams.
Adams also said there were two industries that were looking at possible expansions, which he said was very good news.
“Both these businesses came to me a few weeks after I started, and after having done this for more than 30 years, the normal average is one every two to three years. The fact that I had two approach me in a matter of a few weeks is unheard of,” Adams stated. “These expansions will start in 2022 and run into 2024, so they won’t happen immediately, but we’re looking at 80,000 square feet in new construction between both businesses, and the total of the projects will be $10 million to $12 million, with the potential of up to $30 million in reinvestment, and it will also create 50 new jobs.”
Adams also shared the results of the latest business retention and expansion surveys, and said all shared similar priorities.
“Their top priorities are labor, which we can’t find, supply chain issues, a lack of available and affordable housing, which is preventing employees from coming into the county. Three of the manufacturers said they are also looking at continuous shift manufacturing this year, and they are concerned about having overnight child care available. That’s just more or less a heads-up, but I feel we need to be on the front side of it, rather than the back side,” Adams said.
Adams said so far he’s been involved in 1,300 calls, emails, and text messages since he started the job, and doesn’t seem to run out of people to talk to.
“I’m super optimistic about where we are moving forward, and I think there are some wonderful opportunities with business expansions and housing,” Adams commented.
Carder closed the presentation with her appreciation for being allowed to speak before the supervisors, and said that she and Adams were always available if the supervisors had further questions.