An agency tasked at promoting industry in the tri-county area has selected Charlie Auvermann to chair its board of directors.

Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County, was elected last week to chair the joint development authority for Dawson, Lumpkin and White counties.

"I would like to thank the full board for its confidence and I look forward to helping the three counties move forward on a number of joint issues," Auvermann said.

Each county has four representatives on the authority serving four year terms.

The group worked together in recent years to promote the regional North Georgia Network fiber optics program.

Noting the success of the project, Auvermann said a number of other regional projects can now be considered for advancement.

Both the state and federal governments are looking for regional cooperation when issuing grants and supporting economic development projects.

The tri-county JDA is well positioned to take advantage of these government programs through our mutual cooperation, Auvermann said.

Among the projects being considered by the joint authority are regional marketing programs, industrial property efforts and improved middle to last mile broadband infrastructure ventures.