A new industry is close to opening its doors in Brookhaven’s industrial park.

Emory Dry Ice, a Texas-based company, is a leader in dry ice production and distribution for commercial and industrial use.

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide, used primarily for temporary cooling.

“They are trying to get up to full throttle this month,” Garrick Combs, executive director for the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Economic Development Alliance, told the city’s board of aldermen Tuesday. “This is $10.6 million in new capital, and about 20 new jobs to start.”

Emory Dry Ice began construction of their facility in January.

 

Retail outlook

Combs said while he has no direct involvement in wooing retail business, the Retail Strategy Group employed by the Brookhaven Tourism Council has reported it is in continued dialogue with three national brands of grocery stores.

“But they don’t have a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ from any of them,” he said.

Neither the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce — of which Combs is also executive director — nor the Economic Development Alliance work with retail recruitment.

“I think a public petition might help entice a grocery store or restaurant to come to Brookhaven,” said Ward 6 Alderman Andre’ Spiller.

“I think you’ve got a good group (in RSG) and they are pitching to the retail area,” Combs said. “They are still engaged with the three national brands, but there’s been no significant movement either way.”

“The Tourism Board hired Retail Strategy Group to market for us,” Mayor Joe Cox said. “There are several restaurants on the table, a hotel or two, as well as the grocery stores. They are very competitive.”

RSG is due back in the city around the end of August, Combs said, and all aldermen are invited to attend their report meeting.

“They’re not leaving any stone unturned in recruitment,” said Cox.