Two Buchanan County residents will have a voice in the county’s economic future after being appointed to the Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority Board.
The Buchanan County Board of Supervisors unanimously appointed Ryan Clevinger and Jody Sykes to the IDA board during its Aug. 3 meeting at the Buchanan County Government Center on Slate Creek.
North Grundy District Supervisor Lee Dotson made the motion to appoint Clevinger. Prater District Supervisor David Rose seconded the motion, and the board approved the appointment unanimously.
Clevinger said he hopes to draw from his business background and previous board service as he begins working with the IDA.
“I am honored to have been appointed to the Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority Board,” Clevinger said. “I look forward to using my years of business experience, along with the knowledge and perspective I have gained serving on other boards, to help promote economic growth and new opportunities for Buchanan County. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and will always do my very best to help build a stronger future for the community I am proud to call home and love so much.”
Board Chairman and Hurricane District Supervisor Tim Hess recommended Sykes for appointment to the IDA board.
Knox District Supervisor Trey Adkins made the motion to appoint Sykes, and Rose seconded it. The board approved the appointment unanimously.
Sykes said he wants to focus on attracting businesses, creating employment opportunities and giving young people more reasons to build their lives in Buchanan County.
“I’m honored to be selected for the Buchanan County IDA board,” Sykes said. “My goal is simple: bring new businesses, create local jobs, keep our kids here, and grow the tax base so we can build a stronger community. I believe our best days are ahead.”
The appointments come as the Board of Supervisors continues considering another IDA appointment. Supervisors interviewed candidates for the position, which appeared on the Aug. 3 meeting agenda, but later voted to table the matter.
In other appointments, supervisors unanimously accepted Hess’ resignation from the Cumberland Plateau Regional Waste Management Authority and appointed Rose to take his place.
Dotson made the motion, and Adkins seconded it. The board approved the motion unanimously.
Supervisors also unanimously accepted the resignation of Billie Campbell III from the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority Board of Directors and appointed Rocklick District Supervisor Craig Stiltner to fill the vacancy. Adkins made the motion, and Garden District Supervisor Jeff Cooper seconded it.
