Staff Writer

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s goal of economic development got a boost Wednesday from a $12,500 grant from the Southeast Alabama Gas District.

The money represents the gas district’s mission "to promote industry and development in Southeast Alabama," said Shannon Gooden, marketing and communications coordinator for the Southeast Alabama Gas District. "It is a privilege to fund economic development.

"But if the cities don’t ask for the money, it stays on our books. The chamber and the city are doing the people justice by requesting those funds."

Troy Mayor Jimmy C. Lunsford, who is on the gas district’s board, said the grant program began four years ago to aid economic development for Southeast Alabama.

"The point of this is to assist the community development by recruiting new industry," Lunsford said. "Each director chooses where the money goes in his community.

"We feel it will do the best job funneled through the chamber, which is the city’s economic development arm."

Chamber President Marsha Gaylard said the money has been used to produce a brochure promoting Troy as a location for business and industry

"Last year, the money paid for recruitment advertising in a national magazine to target specific industries and area," she said.

The advertisement have led to "a lot of feedback" and about four prospects a month, she said.

This funding will be used to continue those recruitment parents.