For the first time in more than a decade the Apex Chamber of Commerce staff won’t include an economic development position.

The decision was made to eliminate the position during a Sept. 17 meeting between chamber executive board of directors and town manager Bruce Radford. It came just days after economic development director Jim Stella stepped aside after two years on the job.

The chamber’s economic development arm has struggled to achieve much success over the years, according to chamber executive director Brenda Steen.

In fact, a recent chamber study showed few positive results since its inception a little over 10 years ago.

The position was part-time until Stella was hired as a full-time employee in September of 2007.

Steen said that Stella was made aware that the position, which is funded by the town, was being reviewed. “It was not the person in the position,” said Steen. “It was the position itself. Throughout its 10 years it has not been successful. (Stella) left first to pursue other opportunities and then we made the decision to eliminate it.”

Radford said the decision was dictated by the lack of results.

“As part of the obligation for funding the position it was clearly stated by town council that there should be measurable success in two years,” said Radford. “Unfortunately, there has been no real measurable success for the last two years.”

The reasons for that lack of success are varied. The struggling national economy has certainly made an impact but the problems go much deeper.

“We’re not like some other municipalities,” said Steen. “It’s difficult for us.”

Some of the difficulties arise from the shortage of land available for purchase. Once land does become available it usually carries a very high price tag.

“Land is ridiculously expensive and there is a very limited amount,” said Steen.

The delay in construction of the regional sewage plant proposed for New Hill has also hindered efforts.

“It is a real problem,” said Steen. “Without that facility nothing can really happen until 2013. We are kind of in a holding pattern for large businesses.”

Radford said large businesses might hesitate before relocating to a town like Apex that has been recognized nationally for its high standard of living.

“Industries know they would have to pay a significant amount in wages,” said Radford.

Another potential roadblock is the town’s refusal to provide incentives to businesses.

Steen won’t discuss her personal feelings about incentives but said there is no denying that towns such as Holly Springs and Garner have attracted major industries by using them.

“You look at those towns and you can see the results,” said Steen. “We have people in Apex opposed to incentives. It’s not a level playing field for us.”

Steen said the chamber hasn’t received any requests by companies looking for incentives in the past two years. The reason for the lack of interest is because state and county officials have already steered such companies to other municipalities.

“Apex never even knows about them because (county and state economic development officials) don’t want to waste their time,” said Steen. “They know we don’t offer incentives.”

“(Incentives) to some extent play a role in being able to attract industry,” said Radford. “But incentives have not been something town council has been willing to offer.”

The town planned to spend $82,300 this fiscal year on the chamber’s economic development efforts. By eliminating the position the town will save about $40,000 this year.

The chamber will continue with other economic development efforts including town maps, resource guides, and fielding inquiries from prospective businesses.

Steen said the elimination of the position would have a positive impact on the chamber.

“We won’t get weaker, we will get stronger,” said Steen. “Some people believe the position was responsible for a lot of success. It wasn’t.

“This is going to allow us to focus more on our mission and our members. Six months from now people are going to realize we made the right decision.”