Rotarians Hear From Southport's CEO

Peggy May

Southport's CEO was the guest speaker at this week's Portage Rotary Club luncheon.  Peggy May says she loves meeting the people who make it all happen in our community, noting it's also great to share a little bit of information about what they're doing out at Southport.  May says an economic impact study is underway, as a tender was awarded last month and they're expecting a draft by the end of December.  She notes the data they've been using when they go out to market their facilities and services is from 2006, adding that's fairly dated information because typically you'd like to have an economic impact study done at least every three or four years.  

May says it's important for her to get a good snapshot of what's happening at Southport and what their worth is to the wider community as well as the worth they can provide back to their own stakeholders.  She notes when they're looking for new commercial development, it's very important to be able to put a value on things and share that with potential customers.  

May adds they've recently completed a land use plan, which will be very helpful as they move forward.  She says some of their buildings are aged and will have to be removed, noting it's important as well to define areas for customers who may be looking for a specific piece of land.  May says they've had to plan how the roads will work and if some roads need to be eliminated, adding they also had to determine what was the most affordable way to deal with sewer and water systems.