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Effingham Industry Group to provide support services for local industries
Effingham Industry Group

Special to the Herald

RINCON – The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA) hosted the kickoff meeting for the newly formed Effingham Industry Group (EIG), an initiative designed to provide comprehensive support services for local industrial businesses. The event on Sept. 25 at Estes Express Lines in Rincon, brought together industrial business leaders for a roundtable discussion focused on “Retaining Top Talent.”

Moderated by Maria Whitfield, director of workforce for the Savannah JDA, the panel featured industry experts Marqueshia Henry, human resources manager at Great Dane; Tim Bailey, general manager of Webstaurant; and Lily Gibbons, recruiting manager at The Sack Co. The discussion explored various strategies that industrial companies can use to attract and retain top employees, with topics ranging from competitive compensation packages to company culture and social media engagement.

“Retaining talent requires more than just offering a paycheck,” Whitfield said. “It’s about creating a workplace where employees feel valued, connected, and part of something meaningful.”

Henry highlighted the progress Great Dane has made in improving brand reputation and training, while Bailey discussed effective compensation models. Gibbons shared insights on the importance of communication and professional development to both recruit and retain talent in the industrial sector.

This kickoff meeting for the EIG provided a platform for industrial business leaders to exchange ideas and collaborate on addressing workforce challenges. Established in partnership with the Regional Industry Support Enterprise (RISE), the EIG will host quarterly meetings featuring keynote speakers, expert panels, and roundtable discussions to tackle the evolving needs of Effingham County’s industrial sector.

Jessica Hood, vice president of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, commented on the broader impact of the EIG’s mission. “Our partnership with RISE allows us to offer programming and support to our existing industries that we hope will allow them to thrive and prosper in our community.”