The Development Authority approved $19,800 towards a promotional video to be used for economic development in recruiting companies to the area.

 The profile would be created by the "Today in America" series, narrated by Terry Bradshaw, which produces segments on communities and airs them on regional and local cable channels, broadcast channels and as paid shows, according to the company's website.

The communities are required to pay for a portion of the production costs of the 5-minute profile. In return, the community owns the profile and is able to use it for their own purposes, including recruiting companies.

Glenn Sears, director of the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council, reported to the Development Authority on Tuesday that producers had been in talks with CREDC about profiling Conyers/Rockdale County as one of the "hidden gems" of America.

"This could be an image changer for us," said Sears. Rockdale would be one of four places on the Eastern seaboard to be profiled, he said.

The Development Authority also voted to provide up to $3,500 in funding, at $35 an hour, for Julie Mills to be hired by CREDC as the local coordinator for the profile piece. Mills is currently working for the Hospital Authority of Rockdale Conyers, had worked for United Way, and was also formerly the Public Affairs/Chief of Staff for the county.

The Authority members discussed avoiding using well known people or elected officials to avoid making the video dated and to give it a longer shelf life. When asked who would have the final approval on the piece, Sears said it would be a combination of CREDC and the production company.