In an effort to make economic development a priority in Coweta, city officials have approved the hiring of an economic development director.

Last week city council members Robbie Morton, Roy Dale, Billy Embrey Embrey, Chad Jester and T Tim Kelley voted 5-0 in favor of signing an agreement with Rickey Hayes of Retail Attractions, LLC to help promote Coweta.

City Manager Steve Whitlock said Hayes will be a contract employee drawing a salary of $2,500 per month. His pay will come from gross receipt taxes that have been earmarked for economic development.

Hayes joins the city team this month.

Marketing and economic development is a huge priority of the Coweta city council and having Mr. Hayes on staff will further that directive, Whitlock explained.

Hayes is the former economic development director for the City of Owasso. He founded Retail Attractions in 2007, primarily to help suburban cities reach maximum growth potential.

During his six year tenure with the City of Owasso, the metropolitan community experienced tremendous growth in both commercial and residential investment. The citys sales tax base more than doubled and new commercial construction totaled more than 3.8 million square feet with almost a quarter of a billion dollars in total value.

Hayes sees good things coming on Cowetas horizon as well.

"Coweta to me is an undiscovered jewel, Hayes told council at its March 3 meeting. As residential development continues in Broken Arrow and the east, you have much of the same draw phenomenon Owasso did. People funnel through here to get to the big city of Tulsa. We capitalized on that in Owasso in a big way way.

Hayes said he has already talked with two retailers who are watching with anticipation as to the Wal-Mart volumes.

We believe the market is here, and I believe I can help you, Hayes said. I cant promise you anything except the right people in the development field will know about Coweta and the opportunity here.

In addition to working with Coweta, Hayes is also a consultant for the cities of Claremore, Glenpool and Broken Arrow.