Chilton County Commissioner Joseph Parnell talked about the “state of the county” at Tuesday’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

“I’m very optimistic about the growth of this county and what we can accomplish together,” Parnell told those in attendance at the luncheon, which was held in a crowded Helen Parrish Activity Center at Clanton First United Methodist Church.

Parnell was appointed to the commission in February 2014 to finish the term of the late Tim Mims.

Parnell said he’s pleased with what the commission has accomplished in the past year.

“Looking back at it, it’s been a little overwhelming,” he said.

Parnell said he has worked closely with fellow commissioner Shannon Welch, as both share a “passion for economic development” that stems from a commitment to seeing the county prosper to benefit future generations.

“We want our children to have a good quality of life in Chilton County,” Parnell said.

The commission scheduled an economic development meeting in 2014 that was well attended by local leaders and residents.

“I left that meeting with a different understanding of Chilton County,” Parnell said.

Subsequent meetings have been held, as county officials are working to learn from their counterparts in Cullman and Greenville, two areas Parnell said have parallels to Chilton County.

Though industry in the county has grown, Parnell said a lingering problem is that 49 percent of the county’s workforce leaves the county each workday for jobs elsewhere.

“We need to employ them here,” Parnell said. “We’ve got a lot of room to grow.”

In order for the county to experience significant growth, Parnell said all stakeholders will need to pull in the same direction.

“What we have to do now is we have to decide, what do we want to be as a community and who do we want here,” he said.

Parnell said the next work session of the commission would focus on outlining a path to economic development.

Welch also addressed the crowd, about the importance of relationships.

“Together, we can accomplish a lot,” Welch said.

Parnell and Welch were presented a gift, as a way of thanks, by new Chamber Board of Directors President Van Forrester.

Before the speaker, Forrester welcomed those in attendance at the luncheon, and Executive Assistant Brittani Ellison announced new members and upcoming events before state Sen. Cam Ward presented a grant for $1,500 through the Alabama Department of Tourism to the Chamber’s Peach Jam Jubilee event.

Sen. Clyde Chambliss and Rep. Jimmy Martin were also on hand for the presentation.

Chamber Managing Consultant Janice Hull introduced Parnell.

“I don’t know of a commission that’s been more visible and vocal than the one we have now,” Hull said.

The next Chamber luncheon will be March 3.