Big Announcement to Come--Is it A Replacement for Pemco?

The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce sent out a notification Tuesday that along with Governor Robert Bentley, leaders from Houston and Dale County will have big news regarding an "economic development."

Also on the list of presenters, the Houston County Airport Authority, prompting many to wonder if this announcement means the airport has finally found a new tenant for the property formerly occupied by Pemco.

Specifics of the announcement are being withheld, but WDHN does know that a company is coming to Dothan and with it, jobs.

"Things are moving forward," said Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz. "We now have companies that are interested in moving to Dothan and it's exciting because things have been tough the last four years."

Mayor Schmitz recalled the last few years in Dothan, seeing companies like Pemco Aviation pack up and go, leaving behind empty buildings.

Mayor Schmitz said the company that will be announced on Friday will ease the pain felt in that area.

"I know this company, when they are up and running, is going to have a $25 million pay roll, which in this community is going to make a large difference," said Schmitz.

If the company is a replacement for Pemco, as many suspect, then many jobs will be restored in the community, plus some.

"Any time that you lose jobs and can get them back, that's a great thing," said Schmitz. "But this company is interested in growing, and that is going to add jobs also."

The announcement will take place at the Dothan Civic Center.