Local News

McClellan could be a leader in solving national problems if the idea for a research park there is realized, supporters of such a park say.

Speaking to about two dozen political and business leaders at the Buckner Arts Center on Thursday, Angelo Economics Vice President Chris Engle asked them to consider the possibilities and ways they could contribute to the effort.

Engle also challenged the Joint Powers Authority, which oversees McClellan development, to create a comprehensive marketing strategy for property at the former fort.

Angelou Economics will present a detailed report in two weeks that will outline a plan for developing the research park, Engle said.

The park would be similar to the Research Triangle in Raleigh, NC. Engle said Jacksonville State University will play a vital role in development of the park and in the process will foster its own growth and development.

Some possible research targets include technology integration, homeland security, information and database systems, software development, a film industry and advanced manufacturing.

“McClellan, in our opinion, is well-prepared, with a majority of assets in place,” Engle said.

The ideal park also would contain an “incubator” where research leaders could get together and exchange ideas, he said.

Having the Joint Powers Authority as the sole entity governing the property is a big piece of the puzzle, Engle said. Property controlled by several different private entities hinders coordination, he said.

McClellan’s proximity to Birmingham and Atlanta via I-20 is a plus for such a park, he said.

Challenges facing the project include a low number of young professionals in the area, which has led to a worker shortage, and Anniston’s troubled school system, according to the report. And Engle said JSU will have to broaden its scope as a research university.

“That is one piece of it,” Engle said. “It is not insurmountable.”

The JPA signed a $170,000 contract with Angelou Economics, a Texas-based company, in March to help develop a long-term strategy for McClellan.

The JPA board recently ran into trouble coming up with a definition for a marketing position.

The board allocated $50,000 for the position but has not had a lengthy discussion about how it wants to market property. JPA executive Director Dan Cleckler said he tentatively has scheduled a retreat to discuss the marketing position and a strategy, but has had only one or two responses from board members.

Cleckler wants to have the retreat on Nov. 27 or 28. Engle told Cleckler after Thursday’s presentation that he would like to help guide that discussion.

“One thing we’re very clear about for the vision to occur, there’s going to need to be a larger marketing effort behind McClellan,” Engle said.

Marketing committee chairman Pete Conroy, who is also on the committee for the research park, said the board is “very close” to developing McClellan’s marketing strategy.

Conroy said the best thing the board can do is make sure that people see McClellan and what’s available there.

Anniston Mayor Chip Howell left the meeting with a large Power Point presentation in his hand.

“I’m anxious to go through the balance of this proposal,” Howell said. “We certainly have the potential. We’ve got to address our work-force issues and education issues, and we need to bring that to the forefront in order for this to be the success it should be.”

Angelou Economics will present its final recommendations in early 2007.