CENTRE — The Cherokee County Industrial Development Authority (CCIDA), a non-profit local entity created to help expand business growth in the county, officially launched its new industry recruitment website at a board meeting on April 21. 

IDA Director Luanne Hayes said the committee charged with overseeing the website’s production helped put Cherokee County’s “best foot forward.” 

“The committee of Donnie Free, Thereasa Hulgan and Scott Wright worked hard to ensure the accuracy of the site,” Hayes said. “They wanted the site to appeal to local citizens, as well as anyone viewing it from outside the county.” 

Hayes said the IDA’s new logo and promotional slogan, “A Natural Advantage,” are displayed prominently throughout the site, which is visible online at www.cherokeecountyida.org. The IDA’s presence on the World Wide Web will serve as a porthole to regional, national and international companies who may be interested in the opportunities Cherokee County can offer for expansion of an existing business or creation of a new one. 

Hayes said the site will be a valuable tool in recruiting new industry and creating new jobs for the people of Cherokee County. She said one of the major strengths of the site is its extensive content. 

The site is packed with detailed information about the county, all readily accessible and very user-friendly,” she said. “This day in time, investors are sizing up communities simply by reviewing a community’s Web page in the comfort of their own home or office. We wanted to showcase Cherokee County and all that it has to offer.” 

The new website – which has been in the works for several months and was funded exclusively by contributions to the CCIDA – includes several pages of information about Cherokee County important to businesses, including interactive maps and full-color photographic slideshows, tax charts, income comparisons, and demographic statistics. 

Hayes said the company chosen to create the website was key to its professional appearance. 

“The staff at Red Sage Communications was great to work with on this project,” Hayes said. “They have the knowledge and expertise in the economic development area to bring together the key components.” 

Recreational opportunities such as Weiss Lake and Cherokee Rock Village, the new regional airport and its 5,500-foot runway, and the Leesburg industrial park are among the additional “advantages” the site lists in the hopes of luring businesses to the area. 

Hayes said she is excited about the aspects of the county that make it a unique draw to potential investors and entrepreneurs. 

“Our goal is that the website be a lure and capture the business interest and subsequently lead to an investment in Cherokee County,” she said.