The Winn Parish Industrial Board has agreed to terminate its contract with Retail Strategies, a revitalization firm they’d hoped might locate new business or industry for Winn.  The decision came at the board’s April 23 meeting.

Representatives from the firm made a presentation to the board in March when they also revealed this was the first time they’d been to Winn since they got the $55,000 contract a year earlier.  Members commented at their April session that the presentation, while professional, sounded “more like a spiel than a research effort” with data simply gleaned from the internet.

The conclusion from Retail Strategies had been that their best hope for Winn might be some fast food franchises and that would be a four or five-year process.  Chairman Larry Bates observed that “fast food restaurant franchises won’t get us where we want,” adding that the board could do as well  by going directly to franchises in neighboring cities to pitch Winn’s possibilities.

Bates told the members that he’d been involved with a plan undertaken by a small community outside of Tulsa that succeeded.  There they purchased a 40-acre tract and designated it as an industrial park.  While it took several years of promotion, once the first business came in, others followed.  “I feel that Winn needs manufacturing.  It doesn’t have to be large mill with 200 workers.  Even small with 10 or 12 employees would be a benefit.”

He suggested that the board act to secure a large area for this purpose.  A problem today is that many available lots now are “locked” in by unavailable properties.  Delays could leave a situation of a series of small lots rather than a single park.

Glenn Austin pointed out if the board is looking towards industry, it would be forestry-related: lumber, treatment or equipment.

Tony McManus commented “I like that idea better than spending another $55,000 on just paperwork.”  He also said parish potential could improve if the log-discussed Hwy 84 four-lane project could gain traction in Baton Rouge.

Frank McLaren added that prospects of success increase with local people working together.

Discussion around the table showed support of pursuing an industrial complex.  “The upside is that a site would hold its value and it is something the parish could show to potential industry.  We know Jena did well.  We need a plan.  If one or two good people move in, others would follow.  We need a spot large enough for future growth.”