Staff Writer

The Industrial Development Authority has adopted its 2008 budget of a little over $200,000, but nothing is final yet.

The IDA is a joint project, meaning the City Council and Upson County Commission will review the budget.

The budget of $203,346 is about $3,000 less than last year's budget of $206,680

The new budget will include $5,000 for air travel to allow IDA Executive Director Chris Laborde to seek new businesses.

IDA Chairman Jim Edwards said in the past they have not had a line item for air travel, but felt it was important this year.

Edwards said Laborde is going to be traveling around to promote Upson County. He also mentioned the option of sending Laborde to speak with Kia officials.

“Should the opportunity arise for Chris to go to Korea and speak with Korea officials, we want to be ready,” Edwards said. “We don't know if that opportunity will present itself, but we want to be prepared.”

Edwards said Laborde will meet with both prospective businesses and businesses already established in Thomaston and Upson County. Edwards said the line item will provide Laborde the chance to visit the headquarters of companies such as Quad Graphics, whose headquarters are in Wisconsin.

Laborde has already done some traveling. When he was hired in May, Laborde said he planned on “getting out behind the desk and knocking on some doors.”

Recently, Laborde along with city, county and school officials visited the Georgia Resource Center in Atlanta. Wednesday Laborde oversaw a Georgia Tech Government Procurement assistance program for businesses in the tri-county area that had over 30 participants. On Thursday, Laborde was visiting the National Business Aviation Association to promote the local airport.

Edwards said he was pleased with Laborde's progress.

“I believe the team is coming together nicely and we are starting off strong,” he said. “We aren't sitting back and waiting. The bottom line is that he needs to be outside Upson County seeking opportunities.”

Edwards said if Laborde is to do that, the budget needs to reflect that need.