Published: July 17, 2008 11:40 pm            

Tipton EDC director resigns

Bill Keir has accepted a job in Georgia

TIPTON — Bill Keir is resigning his position with Tipton Economic Development Corp. to accept a job in Roswell, Ga.

The executive director’s resignation comes as the EDC board is trying to get back on track after a tumultuous year plagued with funding uncertainties. After months of trying to secure city and county funding, the organization is working on a strategic plan under the direction of Ball State University.

The year’s hardships did not contribute to his resignation, he said.

“The main reason was I had a job offer from a city very near where my family lives. Instead of commuting down there frequently — which is 600 miles each way— this is a lot more convenient to just live down in the same state,” Keir said.

Keir’s resignation, announced Monday, will be effective Aug. 31. In September, he will take over the role of economic development manager with the City of Roswell Community Development Department.

Keir’s announcement came as a shock to the EDC board, as well as the city and county executives.

“I had no idea,” said Vance Voorhis, the new chairman of the EDC. “Bill decided it’s time to make a professional change and I respect that. So now we’re left with determining what the right direction is for us at this point.”

Voorhis said the EDC will be holding an executive session with the goal of determining whether an interim director is necessary, as well as to discuss restructuring.

He said the board will focus on the strategic plan that will take place over a period of five to six months. The plan will incorporate the community, and the city and county executives, as well as EDC board members.

Keir said the EDC doesn’t need the input of a staff member to work on the strategic plan. He believes the staff will succeed in incorporating government and community ideas.

“We seem to have good momentum going,” Keir said.

Since coming on board in February 2005, Keir said he is most proud of his accomplishments at the Industrial Park and assistance in bringing the $530 million Getrag manufacturing plant to Tipton.

“I’m hoping [the] strategic plan will be just perfect for guiding the [EDC board] into the short-term future. It’s just so important,” Keir said.

The city and county executives had mixed reactions to Keir’s resignation.

Mayor Dan Delph said he was glad to see Keir move closer to family.

“It’s good that he has a strong relationship with family and that’s what anybody would want to do.”

Kenny Ziegler, president of the board of commissioners, expressed some frustration.

“The only thing I don’t understand is why is he fighting for all this money and going to leave us,” Ziegler said.

Keir said the EDC members will do well in the next year.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with them,” he said. “We have a lot going on right now.”

        

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