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Velinda Walton Retires After 26 Years of Service to the IDA
Velinda Walton Retires After 26 Years of Service to the IDA
By JOHN KUYKENDALL
The Meriwether County Industrial Development Authority (MCIDA) Board of Directors announced the retirement of long-time employee, Velinda Walton and the appointment of Jodi Sharpe on June 30.
Walton worked for the Development Authority for 26 years.
Prior to taking a position with the Authority, Walton was employed by Goody Products and Woodbury Banking Company.
“Velinda knew every aspect of Economic Development,” said Jane Fryer, President of the MCIDA.
“I could ask her about anything that related to industry and business, and she knew everything about it.
“She was very dedicated to her job and enjoyed working.
“Not only did she know everything about the county, but she also helped organize the Keep Meriwether Beautiful program and served as secretary for the Joint Development Authority of Meriwether County and the City of Hogansville.
“She also served as secretary to the Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce for five years. “
“Velinda will be greatly missed by all that worked with her, said MCIDA Chairman Allen Parham. “She contributed greatly to the growth of the county.”
The MCIDA also announced the appointment of Jodi S. Sharpe, who has been serving as the Executive Director of the Manchester Development Authority.
According to a press release provided by the MCIDA, not only will Sharpe fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Walton, but she will also be named Director of Economic Development, assisting Fryer with the industrial projects that are already in Meriwether County; but help with the location of those that are in the process of making the decision to locate here.
Sharpe not only worked for the Manchester Development Authority. She is also a former employee of the planning and zoning department for Meriwether County, served as a tax appraiser and taught school in the Meriwether County School System.
She is a member of the Georgia Economic Development Association and has attended economic development training from Georgia Power and GEDA.
She is already an active participant in the Keep Meriwether Beautiful cleanup and will continue to work with the committee.
She is also a member of the Meriwether County Rotary Club.
“I am excited to have Jodi become a part of our team in the county,” Parham said. “She will be an asset to all our board members and the office of the IDA. She will be assisting in dual roles for us, but we feel like she can handle it.”
