After an exhaustive 10-month search, the economic development search committee announced its new lead-man last week, Franklin native Trevor Dalton.

Dalton brings a fresh face to the leadership of Macon County and is the model for what Economic Development Commission members say is one of its targets – bringing young, skilled talent to the area to create a sustainable business environment for the future.

“We were very impressed with the fact that he’s personable, appears highly intelligent and he’s enthusiastic – especially about Macon County – and he’s young,” said Ed Shatley, EDC board chairman.

Shatley referenced a recent market analysis completed by EDC consultant James McCoy, another man who fits the model of what the EDC said it aims to attract back to the area.

A lack of skilled, competitive salaried jobs often leaves the youth of Macon County relocating to other areas to start their careers, McCoy has said. Macon County has long been an area focused on a rich tradition of generations of family remaining in the area, and that tradition is a quality some indicate they would like to see come back to the county.

McCoy fits that role, having grown up in the area, moved to Atlanta, and recently returned, part-time, as a consultant. Dalton, too, started his career elsewhere before the recent economic crisis had him return to his roots last February.

Dalton was raised in Macon County and attended Franklin High School. He then enrolled at Appalachian State University, graduating in 2007. Parents Wendy and Terry Dalton are owners of Dalton Construction.

Dalton moved to Surf City, N.C. first starting his career as an independent insurance agent with SFI Group.

EDC members say Dalton posesses a strong financial background; a degree in business administration specializing in insurance and risk management, experience as an insurance agent and a former project manager for a software development company.

Having experience in software development could be another boost to the position. McCoy recently identified software development companies as the perfect business model for what the EDC should be attracting to Macon County.

“Trevor is a thoughtful and articulate business professional. He has a strong background and experience in business. He has great sales experience and has worked in the software development business. Those are the qualities that made him uniquely qualified for the position,” McCoy said.

Dalton was selected out of 25 applicants who submitted interest in the position after the county advertised in April. Seven of those received an interview and three returned for a second interview.

EDC board member Mark West echoed the sentiment, saying, “Based upon a combination of Trevor's education, business experience and technology background but more importantly his enthusiasm, dedication and interest in the future of Macon County allowed him to emerge as the leading candidate.”

Dalton said he has kept tabs on the Macon County market, even while living away from the area.

“It’s a very tough, changing environment. That’s the type of environment I like to be in,” he said.

Dalton started the job last week and hit the ground running. His first order of business is a meet and greet of local business owners, government officials and support organization leaders.

“There is a plan in action,” Dalton said.

McCoy worked to establish a 90-day plan for the new coordinator. “[The plan] is primarily meeting with people and listening to what they want and what their expectations are. The weekly meetings/coaching sessions with me are designed to help him better develop his skill set for ED. He is also executing two mock RFIs (requests for information), which will help him to get quickly acclimated to the environment,” McCoy said.

RFIs help to establish the county with site selection firms – organizations geared to finding the right place for a new or existing company to establish, relocate or expand.

“Right now I’m just starting to get my name out. I am primarily working with businesses in Macon County – whether in Highlands, Otto, Nantahala, Franklin or Cowee – and helping them to fulfill their needs,” Dalton said. “Eventually we’ll start work on attracting new business and promoting why Macon County is a great place to work and live.”

Dalton will also be working to review previous EDC studies and plans, create a data resource library and research local civic and state professional organizations for membership.

“I’ve started on [the plan] and am checking things off left and right. It has been really helpful to come into this with a plan in place,” Dalton said.

McCoy is consulting with the EDC and Dalton in an effort to get him moving in the right direction.

“I think with his help, we will see great things for the future of Macon County,” Dalton said.

EDC members identified the need for a full-time, paid director last summer and adopted a strategic plan this past August, which authorized the hiring of a director. Earlier this year, the position was split into a consultant and coordinator role.

“While Economic Development will always be challenging, given the current coordinator and consultant plus the leadership and support of the Commissioners, we are extremely optimistic about the possibilities of future success for the citizens of Macon County,” West said.