Banker to chair OC’S new economic effort

An Oconee banker today took the helm of the new vessel that’ll chart the county’s hopes for economic prosperity into 2014 and beyond. Blue Ridge Bank’s Glenn Buddin was elected chairman as a part of a slate of officers for the new Oconee Economic Alliance, which is replacing the county’s Economic Development Commission. Joining Buddin are Jim Evers, as vice chairman; Mike Stancil, as treasurer; and Joey Hawkins as secretary. Serving in the role of immediate past chairman will be Robert Halfacre. This morning’s meeting served as an official joining of hands between public and private interests who believe that, by working in tandem, they can foster economic development in ways better and more suitable for contemporary time. Part of the new set up places the economic development staff, led by Richard Blackwell, into leased offices along Seneca’s 123 By-Pass. Blackwell said no one should worry whether the Alliance can afford the lease of the private office space. He says there are adequate funds in the budget.