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Durham gets award

By Mark Harrison
The Times-Journal

Published September 29, 2006

Jimmy Durham, director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority, has been awarded the North Alabama Industrial Develop-ment Association’s “Presid-ent’s Award For Excellence in Local Economic Develop-ment.”

NAIDA CEO Tate Godfrey presented Durham with the award on Tuesday. Durham received the award, in part due to his efforts in helping to bring a major new industry – The Children’s Place, Inc. – into the county, Godfrey said.

Representatives of The Children’s Place on Tuesday announced plans to locate a major distribution center in Fort Payne. It’s expected the plant could eventually create as many as 600 new jobs.

The Children’s Place plans to build a 650,000-plus square foot complex on Airport Road, representing about a $75 million investment. Officials said the plant should be up and running by June 2007 and would employ around 250 initially with plans to expand.

“[Durham] was instrumental in recruiting The Children’s Place into our city,” said Fort Payne Mayor Bill Jordan. “He’s worked very hard both on this project and others and certainly deserves the recognition.”

Godfrey agreed.

“[Durham] was chosen from among all the area’s economic developers [to receive the award] due to his aggressive and tireless efforts to bring jobs to DeKalb County. Over the past year, Durham has brought new jobs and business to DeKalb County. He truly loves his community and it shows in his work,” Godfrey said.

He said Durham was also selected because of his “innovative use of technology to enhance economic development efforts.”

In addition to serving as executive director for DeKalb EDA, Durham also teaches business courses at Northeast Alabama Community College and Athens State University.

Durham previously served on the city council and president of the Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Fort Payne Board of Education.

Godfrey said NAIDA developed the president’s award is normally presented to an individual who the organization finds is dedicated to their community; highly supportive of regional economic development; of high professional standards; consistent in efforts; and always displays creativity.

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