SPRINGFIELD — The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) launched a new website earlier this month as part of its mission to provide current, targeted information about the community’s business friendly climate, thriving existing industry base, competitive workforce and location advantages. The website can be viewed online at www.effinghamindustry.com.

The comprehensive website features essential economic and industry data for the community and region, as well as a database of available properties, existing industries, and partner organizations.

 “We really wanted this new website to be more reflective of the community and region,” said Brandt Herndon, CEO. “Our goal is to highlight what we have here in Effingham County so that visitors to our website can get a feel for the community and the amazing resources and potential that we have here. We want these folks to be compelled to come to Effingham County to see it in person.”

Visitors to the new website will also see more original photography highlighting existing industries and partners, cost of doing business information, and a feature page called “Effingham Stories” that showcases entrepreneurial success stories from Effingham County. 

“Effingham County has a unique entrepreneurial spirit that we really wanted to showcase on our new website,” said Jessica Hood, director of Economic Development and Existing Industry. “We want this page to capture the stories of successful businesses that were founded and grown here in the community.” Hood says that this page was designed to be built upon, so that the ECIDA can collect and showcase more stories in the future.

“Effingham County has done an excellent job in recent years keeping our project team informed of new developments in the community, and continuing to build upon their external marketing efforts,” said Scott McMurray, deputy commissioner of Global Commerce for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Having a website that is easy to navigate, contains current and relevant industry information, and is visually appealing accentuates these efforts, and makes it easier for site selection consultants to get a good first impression of the community before reaching out.”

The IDA selected Marketing Alliance Inc. to create and implement the new website design based on a request for proposals sent to multiple economic development marketing firms. Marketing Alliance is a nationally recognized economic development marketing firm with offices in Jackson, Mississippi; Punta Gorda, Florida; and Waco, Texas. The firm has more than 300 clients in 27 states.