Latest News 22-12-2010/5

TN to form new IT, ITeS policy

Promising to provide an investor- friendly industrial policy framework, the Tamil Nadu government proposes to bring out a new Information Technology and IT enabled Services (ITeS) policy that it said would give rise to many avant garde features.

"The new policy would catapult the state to the numero uno position," Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said at the 'Connect 2011,' a conference of top professionals from information and communication technology, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Noting that Tamil Nadu has emerged as a destination of choice for investors, she said the state remained one of the top three destinations in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the country.

Jayalalithaa said software exports from Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) units in the state have touched Rs 42,100 crore. "If we include exports from IT-SEZ units, it is estimated to be above Rs 50,000 crore", she said, adding it would be her government's endeavour to sustain and stabilise this environment of optimism.

The Chief Minister said Tamil Nadu at present has more than 1,800 software and ITeS exporters, including 210 foreign wholly owned subsidiaries and MNCs in software development.

Observing that the Indian information technology sector continued to be one of the sunshine sectors of the country's economy, showing rapid growth and promise, she said Tamil Nadu had carved out a pride of place in it.

LawCo IDB director hire coming after new year

The Lawrence County Industrial Development Board will hire a director after Jan. 1, interim director Vicki Morese said.

Morese said the board interviewed seven applicants Tuesday and Wednesday but has not made a decision. Nineteen applicants applied for the position.

Board Chairman Kenneth Brackins said the board is looking for “a self-starter, team-oriented individual who can coordinate and facilitate the industrial development sites” for the board.

Brackins said the board wants someone familiar with the latest trends and techniques in economic development.

“The key attributes we are searching for in a leader are expertise in federal, state and local incentives and site-selection processes, as well as excellent verbal communication and presentation skills,” Brackins said.

The board decided in November that it would require its next director to live in the county, have at least a bachelor’s degree and experience in economic development. The job pays a maximum annual salary of $57,000.

After discussing the applicants in executive session last week, the board narrowed the list of 19 applicants to these:

• Glenn Vann, Waynesboro, Miss., manager of day-to-day operations of a family-owned electrical wiring company, Vann Electric Service.

• Michael Duff, Canton, Mass., director of community and economic development.

• Kathy White Goodwin, Hartselle, marketing director for Hartselle Medical Center.

• John Hatfield, Decatur, Towers Electric in Gadsden.

• Tony Stockton, Moulton, retired project manager and strategic planner at Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Huntsville.

• Charles Ard, Decatur, logistics manager for Alphapet Inc.

• Larry Lee, Montgomery, director of the Center for Rural Alabama.