THOMASTON &045; Since its creation several months ago, the Marengo Economic Development Agency has been focused on a quick-paced timeline that will allow them to maximize their development efforts for the county. Their focus remained unchanged Thursday as they heard the latest developments in their search for an executive director.

According to Kathryn Friday, chairwoman, the committee appointed to oversee the director search has had positive feedback on the position, including inquiries from out of the state.

Jay Shows, vice chairman, said there have already been at least six resumes sent in. Shows also said there have been both female and male applicants. Applications will be accepted until the end of March and then the authority will undergo a standard interview process to determine their candidate.

Friday said the key to economic development, which has come up a number of times during the process of creating this authority, is to not only recruit new industry but also to strengthen existing businesses.

The next order of business for the board is to establish a tangible locating for the new director to operate from. The county commission has offered office space for the purpose and they will use funds from the pledges from each of the participating municipalities to acquire furnishings and equipment for the office. Shows also said a future goal is to have both a Linden and Demopolis office for the director to operate from.

While the director search is underway, the rest of the members of the board will participate in training courses to educate them on economic development and its varying aspects.