CENTRE — The Cherokee County Industrial Development Authority (CCIDA) is pleased to announce the addition of Cherokee Electric Cooperative Manager Randal Wilkie as a courtesy member.

“Randal brings a wealth of knowledge to the board,” said Donnie Free, chairman of the Authority. “As manager of the Cherokee Electric Cooperative, his expertise with electric power service and working with TVA will assist the board in understanding the local power needs for our existing businesses and will have a seat at the table for any future expansions or prospect requests. We appreciate his willingness to serve and the generous contribution by the Cherokee Electric Cooperative to further the county’s economic development efforts.”

Other partners of the CCIDA include the Cherokee County Commission, DeKalb Cherokee Gas District, TDS Telecom and Gadsden State Community College.

The CCIDA provides assistance to new and existing industries and developers, encouraging growth within the county.  The purpose is to attract new industry, retail development and other positive economic development projects to Cherokee County and to provide support for existing industry.

The Authority is governed by an eleven-member board and Director Luanne Hayes. The organization has a representative appointed by each of the county’s commission districts and towns. The CCIDA meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. in the conference room at the Gadsden State-Cherokee.