The Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce has created a new position, a director of commercial development.

The person hired for the position, Dave Bernd, will be responsible for recruiting more retail businesses, including restaurants and shops of all kinds.

We believe this is a good move by the chamber.

Bernd brings to the table a background in business ownership. He also worked his way up the corporate ladder at Kimberly Clark. He is familiar with the site-selection process and brings a winning personality to the position.

We welcome Bernd and his family to our community. Having observed him interacting with business and community leaders, we have high hopes that he can recruit a variety of new businesses into our community, not just the chain fast-food restaurants that we have been attracting.