By Ray Van Dusen
Monroe Journal
ABERDEEN – Motions made Monday by District 5 Supervisor Robert Tomey and seconded by District 4 Supervisor Fulton Ware sealed the deal to bring 100 new jobs to the region.
The Monroe County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Monday on a purchase agreement and an immediate possession contract with United Furniture Industries to acquire a county-owned 500,000-square-foot building on Highway 41 in Wren formerly occupied by Lane Furniture.
“At the end of the day, the goal of economic development is job creation,” board president Billy Kirkpatrick said. “This project with United creates 100 new jobs across the region while making the county whole on the Lane building and placing the building on the tax rolls. We look forward to supporting United in their continued efforts to grow in Monroe County.”
The expansion was officially announced Tuesday morning.
“At the heart of any economic development strategy is the support of existing industry. This project is a testament to our chamber and community’s commitment to those companies that call Monroe County home. As we continue our work to locate new industry, it is vital that we do all we can to work with those that are already here,” said Monroe County Chamber of Commerce President Brad Stevens.
The building was constructed in 2004, and its only tenant was Lane Furniture, which moved out last June. Since then, Monroe County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Skip Scaggs has been actively seeking a new tenant.
“I never doubted we’d put someone in that building. I’ve been pushing for this for a long, long time. I am very proud of United for making that purchase in the county, and they will be a very good fit. United has made a strong commitment to Monroe County with this investment,” said Tomey, who also complimented Scaggs’ work in the deal. “Skip is the best economic developer we’ve had since we united the chambers.”
By United Furniture Industries’ decision to move into the building, it will be back on the tax rolls, and the Okolona School District will also benefit from school taxes.
“We’ll be able to reduce the millage, and I hope a great deal of this money will wind up in our road budget,” Tomey said.
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