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Jerry Gates saw those benefits right away.

After visiting the Butler County Industrial Park in February, it was only two months later, in April, that he began moving his business, Jackson Lumber Sales and Manufacturing, began moving into the new spec building.

After 30 years in the lumber business, Gates knew what the market needed. "I worked for a couple of corporations as a salesman and I was able to see the (lumber) business inside and out."

And with that knowledge, Gates opened a lumber business that specializes in selling lumber for packaging. "A 2×4 may not have much value. So, what we do is to take that wood and cut it to meet the specifications that someone has for packing. Basically, I take a low value product and give it a higher value."

Although Gates lives in Jackson, he found that Butler County would be the best place for his business. When asked why he chose to locate in Greenville, he answered, "Greenville is centrally located and is easily accessible to the Interstate. Most distribution for the company is in the southeastern United States.

"I really felt like the people here have really bent over backward to help me," added Gates. "Pioneer Electric, Malloy Chandler and George Alford have been extra helpful as well as Ricky McLaney of the local economic development office. These people and the whole town have really been very helpful and receptive."

When asked what he would advise other companies in moving to Butler County, Gates replied, "They're not going to find a place with a friendlier workforce. There are plenty of qualified workers in the county and not many cities would bend over backward like they have here in Greenville."

Gates plans for his business to be up-and-running by the third week in June.