IN BRIEF: The last major hurdle for Marty Jones' appointment as the new director of the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council was passed today as the board of commissioners unanimously voted in support of Jones.

Chairman Richard Oden said he and Jones had met Monday. "In our meeting yesteraday, we put a few things on the table man to man. I've given everybody a hard time about this, I am so passionate about this community."

"I know you will help us to drive this train into place so we can improve and enhance," the economic development team of the city, county and other agencies."

Oden pointed out the county pays $175,000 to fund CREDC and requested reports on the council's activities from Jones and Commissioner Oz Nesbitt, who is the BOC's appointment to CREDC and had nominated him during the final interview period as the CREDC choice for director.

Commissioner JaNice Van Ness said CREDC and the Development Authority is transparent to the board in their activities but that much of their economic development discussions are of a sensitive nature.

Jones said that his first official day would be Monday but that he was already setting up meetings with the heads of Rockdale's larger industries and companies. He would spend the first 30 days intrudcing himself to the players around the state in regional and state economic development circles.

"I'll be making sure everyone knows what we're trying to accomplish here," he said.

Jones, a former city councilman, was approved by the city council last week and approved by the CREDC board of directors at the end of October.

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