The Jewell Bistro, potential funding for a new clothes store, and the search for a new executive director were among the topics discussed at Monday’s Jasper Economic Development Corporation meeting.
The meeting began at 5:30 and lasted more than two hours, including an executive session to discuss personnel.
Following much deliberation and back and forth, the board voted to hire an interim executive director and attorney to represent the board as it moves forward with the collection of funds given to the Jewell Bistro, a restaurant and bar in Downtown Jasper that recently announced its closure after receiving money from the economic development organization.
The company received approximately $111,000 to assist with fire suppression, electricity, exhaust, and other infrastructure.
After much deliberation, the board decided to engage former JEDCO Executive Director Tom McClurg as an interim director until a new director could be recruited. However, the sum to be paid to McClurg and other elements must be finalized.
In addition, the board decided to keep Kenneth Brooks on as a consultant to help with day-to-day planning and operations.
Also mentioned was the possibility of assisting or supporting a new Beall’s Clothing Store. According to the details, the company intends to invest approximately $440,000 to open the store, which will be located in the shopping complex adjacent to Brookshire Brothers at the crossroads of Highways 190 and 96, with the property owner agreeing to spend $350,000.
However, the firm wants $160,000 from JEDCO to help with the installation of air conditioning equipment.
Following discussion and board members voicing both opposition and support for the project, as well as the fact that the previous JEDCO board had provided Beall’s with a letter of commitment for the project, the current board voted to proceed with funding plans, but only after receiving additional information from the company.
Bill Grant, president of the board, stated that while he did not believe JEDCO should continue to finance retail operations or ventures, but rather pursue manufacturing and industrial operations that would provide more payroll, he did believe JEDCO should honor prior commitments.
Also on Monday, the board accepted Jessica Larkin’s resignation as Treasurer, who stated that she intended to continue serving on the board but did not want to be an official. Tina Wright was nominated for and accepted the role after a discussion.
