NATCHEZ — The men and women responsible for getting a brand new economic development agency up and running are only hours away from achieving their first goal.

The community is invited to gather at the Natchez City Council Chambers at 10 a.m. today for an introduction to the first Natchez Inc. executive director.

Hiring a director and bringing him to town has been priority No. 1 for board members since the group’s formation in June, board chair Sue Stedman said.

“We are very much excited and ready to make this announcement,” Stedman said.

Though the new director’s name won’t be announced until today’s meeting, Stedman did say he is from the South.

“He’s not a stranger,” she said. “And being familiar with the region was certainly a plus.”

The Natchez Inc. board received between 55 and 60 resumes for the position. The list was narrowed down to less than 10 for interviews, and ultimately to one candidate.

The board agreed unanimously on the candidate, and an offer was made Friday.

He has accepted and will be present at the meeting today.

“We had great people apply for this position, and it made us all feel very good about it,” Stedman said.

The new director will start work Nov. 1.

The City Council Chambers is on Pearl Street across from City Hall.

Natchez Inc. is a public-private partnership that replaced the Natchez-Adams County Economic Development Authority.