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Memphis, TN. - Mayor Herenton and Mayor Wharton today appointed Charles Gulotta as the Director of the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Economic Development. The joint office, housed in the Division of Planning and Development, is responsible for implementing the city and county's economic development initiatives.
Mayor Herenton said, "Mayor Wharton and I recognize the vital role that our economic development program plays in our community's success. Mr. Gulotta possesses a unique combination of skills and experience that make him well-qualified for this position."
The Office of Economic Development, which administers a number of economic development programs including the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Tax program of the Memphis and Shelby County Industrial Development Board, has been without a permanent director since 2005. A major overhaul of the PILOT program as well as the renewed focus on economic development efforts through the creation of the MemphisED Plan, a component of the Memphis Fast Forward initiative, resulted in a nationwide search to locate an individual with a proven track record in business recruitment and retention as well as workforce development.
Mayor Wharton commented, "Our ability to provide the services our citizens need is dependent on nurturing businesses that will provide long-term investment in our people and our neighborhoods. Mr. Gulotta has years of experience working with public and private entities, and understands the importance of supporting projects that make a significant and sustainable contribution to the community."
Gulotta currently serves as President of The Alliance, which is the Chamber of Commerce and economic development office in Corinth, Mississippi. He has served in that capacity for the past fourteen years, providing leadership and oversight for a variety of programs such as industrial, community, and tourism development. Gulotta has worked closely with state and federal officials in developing infrastructure packages to support a number of companies in the area, including Kimberly Clark, Caterpillar, Kingsford Manufacturing (Clorox) and others. He has also assisted in the relocation and expansion of many smaller companies in Alcorn County. Gulotta's previous experience includes his work in establishing the Northeast Mississippi Business Incubation System as well as serving as a board member for several other local and regional economic development agencies.
"We at the Memphis Regional Chamber are extremely excited about the addition of Charles to our Economic Development team in Memphis and Shelby County," said Mark Herbison, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Chamber. "I believe his expertise and experience in the area of servicing existing companies and new business development will serve the community well as Charles takes over this extremely important position."
Gulotta will assume his new job duties on December 10, 2007. He stated, "This is a very exciting professional development opportunity. I look forward to being part of a vibrant community, and I appreciate the confidence the Mayors have in me. I look forward to working with them and the economic development team which serves Memphis and Shelby County."
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