Hinds County Economic Development Authority | P.O.Box 248 | Jackson, MS 39205 | Ph. (601) 353-6056
Cook County, GA Economic Development Commission

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History of the Cook County Economic Development Commission

 

In October, 2001, a joint resolution of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, the Mayor and Council of the City of Adel and the Adel Industrial Development Authority was signed, forming the Cook County Economic Development Commission (EDC). The purpose was to provide for "... continued growth of Cook County and its municipalities and to provide new jobs for the citizens."

 

The Cook County EDC draws elected and non-elected officials into a powerful coalition with the muscle for flexible, dynamic decisions and expedient action. The Commission consists of six members, with two members appointed from the Cook County Board of Commissioners, two members appointed from the Mayor and Council of the City of Adel and two members appointed from the Adel Industrial Development Authority.

 

The leadership of Cook County understands the importance of working together, and by creating the Economic Development Commission, they have created a positive climate for economic growth in the county.  As a result of their efforts, businesses in the county enjoy the services of professional leadership - knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated.

 

 

 

Members of the Cook County Economic Development Commission include:

 

 

The Honorable L. L. "Buddy" Duke III

Chairman

L. L. "Buddy" Duke III is a lifelong resident of Adel, Georgia.  Buddy attended Troy University in Troy, Alabama, and graduated with a B. S. degree in Mathematics.  After college, Buddy returned to Adel to work in the family-owned business, Adel Ice Company, Inc.  The company was established in 1927, and Buddy purchased the company in 1990 to become a third-generation owner.

 

In 1988, Buddy was elected to the Adel City Council, a position he held for 26 years.  In 2015, he relinquished his council seat to run for Mayor.  On November 3, 2015, Buddy was elected to serve a four-year term as Mayor of Adel, and continues to serve in this capacity.

 

Since 2002, Buddy has served on the board of directors for the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia, and will become chairman of the board May, 2025.  He is a member of the Georgia Association of Regional Commissions (GARC), and is a member of the executive committee of the Southern Georgia Regional Commission.

 

Locally, in addition to serving as chairman of the Cook County EDC, Buddy is a member of the Adel Industrial Development Authority and serves on the board of directors for Cook Community Bank.  In January, 2014, Buddy was named "Man of the Year" by the Adel Cook County Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

Robert Brent Dixon

Vice-Chairman

Robert Brent Dixon was born in Hahira, Georgia, and grew up in Sparks, Georgia.  He graduated, with honors, from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering.     Following graduation, he began work as a project manager for the Georgia Department of Transportation before opening his State Farm Insurance business in Adel, Georgia, in 2009.

 

Brent currently serves as chairman of the Cook County Airport Authority, chairman of the Adel Industrial Development Authority and is an Industrial Development Authority appointee on the six-member Cook County Economic Development Commission.  Brent has served on the Adel/Cook County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, has been chairman of the Cook Medical Center Board of Directors, and president of the Cook County Kiwanis Club.

 

Brent’s State Farm agency has received multiple awards, and in 2012, his agency was named the Adel/Cook County Small Business of the Year by the Adel/Cook County Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

The Honorable William "Jody" Preston Greene II

William "Jody" Greene II was born in Orange Park, FL. Upon graduation from Cook County High School, Jody became involved in the family-owned retail business. Jody was involved in the company for approximately 36 years. Jody is now employed by Adel Outfitters and has been with the business for approximately 8 years.

 

In 2013, Jody was elected to the Adel City Council, a postiion he still holds today. Jody is also an Adel City Council appointee on the six member Cook County Economic Development Commission.

 

 

The Honorable Jeffrey "Jeff" Bernard Lane

Secretary

Jeffery "Jeff" Bernard Lane was born in Adel, GA, and is a lifelong resident of Cook County.  Upon graduation from Cook County High School, Jeff joined the United States Army.  After his Army service, Jeff returned to Cook County and graduated from Valdosta Technical College.  For several years, Jeff was employed with Burlington as a company driver and eventually started his own company, Jeff Lane Trucking, Inc.  His company is now in its twentieth year of operation, and Jeff holds the position of President/CEO of the company.

 

In 2005, Jeff was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners, a position he still holds today.  Since 2009, Jeff has been a Cook County Board of Commissioners appointee on the six member Cook County Economic Development Commission.  In addition, Jeff serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Cook County Boys and Girls Club, is president of the Cook County High School Tip Off Club, and is chairman of the Cook County FEMA Board.  He also serves on the Cook County High School Advisory Board and has served on the board of the Adel-Cook County Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

The Honorable Howard McClain

Howard McClain was born in Warner Robins, Georgia.  At the age of 9, Howard's family moved to Cook County and, except for periods away at school, he has resided in Cook County.

 

Howard graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Industrial Engineering.  Following graduation, he worked for 10 years in business and industry, before deciding to attend law school. Howard attended the Woodrow Wilson College of Law, and upon graduation from law school, he began practicing in Adel in 1981. Howard had a general law practice, and during his career as an attorney, he represented the Cook County Economic Development Commission and the Adel Industrial Development Authority.

 

After 28 years of law practice, Howard was appointed as a Superior Court Judge by former Governor Sonny Perdue, and remains on the bench today.

 

Howard's desire to see his community grow and provide more and better jobs for the young people entering the job market has become a driving force for his passion for economic development in Cook County.

 

 

The Honorable Lindsey "Lin" E. Parrish, Jr.

Lin Parrish was born in Valdosta, Georgia. After graduation from high school, Lin attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, majoring in business.

 

Lin began his business career in 1986, when he was employed by MP Landscapes, a local company.  In 2010, Lin purchased the company, and since that time, his business has grown exponentially. 

 

Lin uses his business acumen in his position as a Cook County Commissioner as he works with other Commissioners to help Cook County to grow and prosper.

 


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31
Jul

Cook County featured in Georgia Trend magazine

When it comes to location, Cook County has it in spades, with all the advantages… ...read more link

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People who live in one Southwest Georgia community can now save time and gas when… ...read more link

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SPARKS, GA - Celebrating the grand opening of Grimmway Farms’ new packing and warehouse center,… ...read more link


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