Local industries faring well during pandemic

The Houston County Development Authority met for the first time since March, Wednesday. The authority canceled its meeting for the month of April due to COVID-19 concerns as well as following Governor Brian Kemp’s shelter-in-place order.

Despite certain limitations, Angie Gheesling, Executive Director of the Houston County Development Authority, said local industries and manufacturers have fared well during the pandemic.

“It was a little scary at first with all of the unknowns in the beginning, but over all, Houston County industries have fared very well,” Gheesling said. “At first it was a matter of fielding questions and finding items such as sanitizer, thermometers, but in true Houston County fashion, business leaders came together and made things happen.”

In national headlines, pork and meat industries were taking a hard hit with employees testing positive for COVID-19, and some industries closed. Gheesling said they hadn’t seen that in the poultry business as much, and that the Perdue chicken plant in Perry was doing very well despite rumors that were going around.

“Today, the Perdue plant has no cases, and even early on during this pandemic, they had no cases,” Gheesling said. “Unfortunately, rumors were going around that they had employees test positive, but it was not true. Perdue was very generous and opened their doors virtually to show us what they were doing to protect their employees. Also the rumors of the Frito Lay plant were not true; they have had no positive cases. So, on our part, it’s been a matter of educating the public. Both plants are doing well, and in fact, both are hiring right now. Also hiring right now is Anchor Glass. So, in the midst of this gloomy time, it’s actually been really nice.”

Gheesling then shared how Robins Air Force Base and the community came together to help the need of PPE (personal protective equipment).

“One day I received a call from Lieutenant Colonel Jay Vizcarra wanting to help with the demand for masks and shields,” Gheesling said. “So we worked with looking at 3D printers and

partnering with the Firestarter Fab Lab and the surrounding universities. It then blossomed, and they have produced in the masses for masks, shields and more for our local hospitals and surrounding hospitals. Some have even been shipped to other states. From there, others were inspired to donate to this effort as well, such as Cemex; they plan to donate $10,000. It has been very heartwarming seeing everyone come together.

“I also have to commend the Robins Regional Chamber [of Commerce] and Perry Chamber of Commerce,” Gheesling went on to say. “It’s incredible what they have done as a response during this time in helping small businesses recover. I know the Robins Chamber has had someone on their page 24-7 monitoring and helping with field questions. Really just a stellar job by both chambers.”

Gheesling said also during this pandemic, that the authority has received a new project lead. A consultant is looking at the rail site. One matter that has been brought up is the sewer services for the site. Gheesling said one line that is three miles from the site is at capacity and the next line is 12 miles, which is served by Warner Robins. Gheelsing hopes to soon be in discussion to come to a resolution. Other projects looking at Houston County are close to closing a deal, while others are preparing to make an announcement. Gheesling said more details should be announced sometime in June.

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