The Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority continues to work with new prospects to bring jobs to the community, as was discussed during the regular meeting Tuesday.

Authority Project Manager Allan Ricketts said he has started to work with a bio-energy company that wishes to establish a corporate headquarters for a major research and development laboratory. The project, called Project Bug, could create 200 new jobs in the area. Staff members have already visited one of the company’s existing facilities.

Ricketts said that the company is now working with the Valdosta State University College of Arts and Sciences grants coordinator to identify and complete economic stimulus/recovery program renewable energy grants to fund the project. The staff has also selected a suitable site for the company’s headquarters.

The industrial authority’s staff plans to host a strategic planning meeting with the company’s administrators, U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston and several other local dignitaries and officials in July to coordinate activities and support for the project.

Ricketts said he is also working with a Georgia-based tea and coffee extract manufacturer that hopes to create a tea cultivation, manufacturing and bottling facility in Georgia or South Carolina. The project is referred to as Project Camellia. The industrial authority has partnered with the Lowndes County Extension office, the University of Georgia Nursery Production office and the City of Valdosta Economic Development department to host a visit for the company’s chief executive officer in the near future.

In other business, the industrial authority hopes to welcome a new member during its July meeting. The authority nominated three people to submit to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners, who will then appoint one nominee to serve on the authority. The new authority member will fill the vacancy of John Peeples, who recently resigned.

The authority will also elect new officers during the July meeting.

The authority met in executive session to discuss the purchase of real estate.