HCEDA updated on ‘REAP’ interest

by Becky Meadows

The Hickman County Economic Development Authority, Inc. Board met July 17 in Clinton, with Wendy Puckett reporting that there had been two job fairs held in Fulton County and both had excellent attendance.

Norma Pruitt reported that she has had conversations with 22 people interested in developing business through the Retail Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (REAP).

Norma Pruitt said that she had spoken with investors who are interested in creating a fund to make cosmetic improvements to local businesses.

Howard Dillard said that he would like the board to write a letter of appreciation for Norma Pruitt’s work with the Kentucky Great River Region Organization, Inc.

Greg Pruitt reported that Peerless Premier, Inc. currently has 95 employees and have increased the starting wage to $9 per hour.

Greg Pruitt told board members that Fred Cox has been hired to mow the Business Park.

A motion was passed by the board to approve the budget for the 2019 fiscal year to meet the Special Purpose Government Entity budget requirements.

The board approved payment of the annual KACO insurance premium Invoice in the amount of $2,642.

A motion to approve $3,500 for ACT WorkKeys assessment costs was passed by the board.

The board approved payment in the amount of $2,095 to the Hickman County Museum Board for the Citizen of the Year sidewalk project.

The board elected Howard Dillard as Chairman, Rick Canty as Vice Chairman, and Greg Pruitt as Secretary and Treasurer for the 2018-19 fiscal year.

Greg Pruitt reported that Acee’s Inc. has made the following donations resulting from sales at the Spirit Pump at the Clinton convenience store:

• $385.52 to Hickman County Elementary School on 10-27-17.

• $216 to the Falcon Academy on 10-27-17.

• $182.31 to the Falcon Academy on 11-21-17.

• $208.38 to Hickman County High School on 12-8-17.

• $100 to the City of Clinton on 12-8-17.

• $189.53 to Hickman County Elementary School on 1-15-18.

• $199.14 to the Hickman County Booster Club on 2-16-18.

• $300 to the Hickman County Softball program on 3-2-18.

• $200.43 to Hickman County Elementary School on 3-16-18.

• $250 to Hickman County Little League on 3-30-18.

• $234.32 to Hickman County High School on 4-16-18.

• $241.78 to Hickman County High School on 5-4-18.

• $252.80 to the Hickman County Family Resource Center on 6-14-18.

Present at the meeting were Greg Pruitt, Steve Bradberry, Bob Williams, Kory Naranjo, Rick Canty, Howard Dillard, Wendy Puckett, Norma Pruitt and Becky Meadows.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned and the next meeting scheduled for October 16 at 4 p.m.