Blackwell resigns from Oconee Economic Alliance

Richard Blackwell is leaving the Oconee Economic Alliance (OEA). After serving as the county’s Economic Development Director for the past six years, Blackwell is taking a job in the private sector. “Well, there is never a good time to take another step in life, but I have decided to move to a job on the private sector doing industrial development across the Southeast. I look forward to that challenge, I’m certainly sad to go, but the good news is Oconee County is well positioned for further success. We’ve had a good run and I look forward to watching more success come to the community. We’ve had over $500 million in new development, over 1,500 new jobs and a very low unemployment rate. A lot of good things are happening and I know that the good things will continue. The county has had so much success and again is well positioned that it was a good time to make a job. I’m sad to go, but also excited about the future.” Oconee County Interim Administrator Richard Martin accepted Blackwell’s resignation and said his professionalism, dedication and extensive knowledge in economic development have been impressive and that his impact on Oconee County’s industrial growth and job development will benefit the county for years to come. Blackwell’s last day will be Aug. 2.