Henry County’s Council for Quality Growth, incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 2001, has been working in conjunction with community leaders throughout the county since its inception.

“The growth council was created to promote an environment that would encourage growth in Henry County and lead our community to economic prosperity for years to come by advocating smart growth principles and practices, fair and consistent policies and regulations in government,” President Steve Cash said.

Members of the organization run the full gamut — developers, attorneys, realtors, bankers, policy makers and government officials — and comprise the total 90 members.

This level of membership, however, is a stark contrast to numbers of the past.

There is a pointed reason for the decline, Cash said.

“Prior to the recession, the growth council had grown to a high of 295,” he said. “The recession hit especially hard in Henry County. Henry County, for a decade, was in the top 10 counties in the United States for residential growth.”

While many members fell by the wayside due to the effects of the recession, the nonprofit continued to make strides in the county.

Some significant accomplishments include playing a major role in the creation of the county’s new building and development codes, establishing regular luncheons and speaker series and forming a viable relationship with city government to affect change.

As for the future, Cash said they will continue using the formula that has continually worked for them in the past.

“The growth council will continue to host our monthly luncheon and speaker series where we bring local, state or national leaders and experts to share about their successful programs and ideas that could help Henry County be that place of final destination to live, work, play, educate and purchase,” Cash said. “We want to see our county prosper again.”