Brazil, In. – Since 2005, the Clay County Redevelopment Commission, working with other local entities, has generated $75 million in revenue. 

That statistic was shared Wednesday night with members of the Redevelopment Commission by Jim Coffenberry of Thrive West Central during the commission’s regular monthly meeting in the courthouse. 

Because of the success Clay County has had in drawing business and because the county’s industrial park is now at 100 percent capacity, the celebration is being planned for 12:30 p.m., April 7, in Great Dane’s Conference Center. 

The luncheon and program will not be open to the general public but 30-50 local dignitaries and company representatives are expected to attend including Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, State Senator Jon Ford and Mayor Brian Wyndham. 

During discussion of the celebration, County Commissioner Bryan Allender said a contractor for Crane Naval Base plans to open an office in Brazil behind Wallace Brothers. 

The contractor plans to hire 15 people, Allender said 

One of the point men behind that $75 million that has benefitted Clay County in the last 17 years is Coffenberry. 

Now, he has announced his retirement from Thrive West Central the end of April. 

At the request of Tom Adams, president of the Redevelopment Commission, Coffenberry presented a written proposal to provide “industrial development services” similar to what he has performed  for the county for many years. 

Coffenberry would be paid $58.73 per hour for a maximum of $18,000 per year by the county beginning May 1 through Dec. 31st with the possibility of continuing the arrangement in 2023. 

The county’s relationship with Thrive West Central is not expected to be affected because Thrive West Central provides many services that Coffenberry will not be providing, Coffenberry said at the meeting Wednesday night. 

Coffenberry’s proposal will be taken up at the April 20 meeting, 6 p.m., in the courthouse. 

Click below to view Wednesday’s meeting.