The Effingham Industrial Development Authority rewarded Chief Executive Officer John Henry by tearing up his one-year contract and giving him a two-year deal.

Henry, who has been CEO of the IDA since July 2006, also received a 5 percent pay raise.

“He’s done an excellent job,” said Charles Hinely, one of the longest-serving members of the IDA. “What I like about John, more than anything else, he is strictly business.”

Henry received a 4 on the IDA’s personnel evaluation, a mark that shows he exceeds requirements for the job. Henry steered the negotiations with EFACEC that culminated in the November 2007 signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Portuguese conglomerate.

Hinely said the recent economic struggles across the country have hurt Effingham, and Henry’s work in landing prospects, as well.

“It’s a shame the economy has gone the direction it’s in,” he said. “There’s no telling where we’d be.”

Henry, who has been with the IDA since 2004, was named CEO a month after board members terminated Brad Lofton from the same position. Hinely said he and fellow board member Arthur Rud championed Henry, who was then the project manager, for the position.

“He’s done an excellent job,” Hinely said. “He is a hard worker. Effingham County is his number one priority. He really works for the county.”