The Centralia Industrial Development Commission that was disbanded earlier is coming back.
Interim City Manager Forrest Langenfeld feels the commission still definitely has a role.
“There’s a lot of activity right now with existing employers in the community and even some folks looking at empty spaces we have. It’s very important to have an active community citizen-driven effort to work with city staff on trying to help our industrial community flourish.”
Langenfeld sees several roles for the commission to undertake.
“Reinstall and active industrial visitation program where members of the commission will meet with each of our existing plant managers and key figures of each company in the industrial pack. Also getting involved in getting an incentive package in place that can lure good-paying jobs to our community. Citizen advisement on that is highly necessary.”
Langenfeld also wants the commission to provide an analysis of current industrial sites.
The commission will also be working with the city’s new Assistant City Manager/Economic Development director Derek Sherman.
The commission was disbanded earlier at the recommendation of former City Manager Lowell Crow who no longer found any duties for the group.
