Parker chosen as new EDC chief

The Olney Industrial Development Corporation recommended that Olney Mayor Pro Tem Tom Parker take over as head of the newly formed Olney Economic Development Corporation.

The OIDC made the recommendation at a June 26 meeting, the same day the Olney City Council voted to approve the creation of the new EDC.

Olney voters approved a May 6 ballot proposition that changed the corporate designation of the OIDC to broaden the group’s mission, according to outgoing OIDC Director Wiley J. Hughey.

The change will allow the group to spend the half-cent city tax for economic development on “quality of life” such as the municipal swimming pool, new housing, and retail projects in the community. The recommendation to appoint Mr. Parker as director of the new EDC must be approved by the City Council following a review by City Attorney Bill Myers of whether Mr. Parker’s Council duties would conflict with his new role, Mayor Rue Rogers said.

In the meantime, the OIDC will conclude its current operations and contracts as it switches to the new corporate structure.

Mr. Hughey, who has served as OIDC director for a 25 years, said he would retire as soon as the transition is completed. Incoming Chamber of Commerce director Marissa Pink said she expects to work closely with the new EDC.