Last week we talked about Melvin Stone slaying a whole flock of Goliaths. This week we focus on the director of Butler County's Commission for Economic Development, Rick McLaney.

Rick and Mayor Dexter McLendon together have performed the double-barreled Herculean task thus far of landing two Tier One Hyundai suppliers with perhaps more to come.

The two suppliers will create some 500 new jobs here, thus giving the area a decided boost to the local economy.

Rick has worked feverishly for the acquisition of those industries and continues to toil sans cease in that vineyard.

This, mind you, is in addition to his other normal research and development duties.

The hallmark of Rick's existence, besides his family and church, is the hands-on betterment of his fellow man.

His aspirations in that area is illustrated via his efforts to supply jobs for those in need of employment.

A University of Alabama graduate, Rick is vitally interested in the Crimson Tide's football program and keeps track of everything pertaining to it.

Prior to his six years with his office here, Rick came highly recommended and qualified for the position, having spent some 27 years working with the State of Alabama Development Office.

That's where he worked primarily with research, existing industry development, community development and recruitment of new industries.

Rick and his wife, Lorraine, have parented three daughters: Tyler (David) Strickland, Susanna and Kate.

They are the proud grandparents of a grandson, Dawson Strickland.

Buster MacGuire is copy editor and columnist for the Greenville Advocate.

He may be reached by calling 334.382.3111.