The city of Waynesboro nearly filled a vacant economic development position at the end of 2009.

However, after a potential candidate fell through, City Manager Mike Hamp had to continue the search into 2010.

Hamp says, "Our communication with the current business base has not been what we would hope it would be."

That may change now that Greg Hitchin, a business development manager from New York, has been hired.

Hitchin says keeping track of available real estate and monitoring the labor force will be an important part of attracting other industries to the area.

He says, "I'm really looking forward to diving into the expertise that already exists in the marketplace and seeing what makes sense for the future."

Hitchin will be there to help small-business owners like Bill Mikolay, owner of Main Street Discount downtown.

"I hope the economic development director not only works with the resources of the city but also with tourism to try and bring more people into Waynesboro. This is the perfect place to start a business and raise a family," comments Mikolay.

Hamp and Hitchin are already emphasizing how communication will play a big part in revitalizing downtown, and that includes talking with business owners like Mikolay.

Hitchin says, "I want to help the existing local businesses succeed as well as the new businesses that might want to get started."

Hitchin brings 11 years of economic development experience with him to Waynesboro. His official start date is April 12.