Board tabs Ellis with JEDCO interim title

Keri Ellis, who has served as secretary and public information officer for the Jasper Economic Development Corporation, has been selected as acting executive director for the group.

Ellis was chosen for the position during the monthly meeting of the JEDCO board July 3.

The decision to appoint Ellis was made after the board accepted the resignation of executive director Tom McClurg. McClurg tendered his resignation June 26.

In his resignation letter, McClurg cited a "need to take time off to recuperate and to get a fresh outlook on life and the future."

Jasper Mayor and JEDCO board member David Barber motioned for Ellis to move into the position with a 10 percent increase in pay.

"I would like some time to think about this and decide what we want to do here," Barber said. "This would give a few months to think about it."

JEDCO board president Gayle Meigs the time would allow the board to get criteria in order before posting the position.

"I think it is a wise decision because she is certified in economic development, which is a major requirement for the job," McClurg said.

In other action, board members selected Apec Construction Company, of Anacoco, Louisiana for the building of additional taxiways and roads, at the Industrial Park, adjacent to the Jasper County Airport. Apec's bid was $547,043.