It is not part of the job description for Lawrence County Clerk of Courts, but newcomer Les Boggs said he wants to get involved in economic development.

Boggs told the Lawrence County Commission Thursday that the future of Lawrence County hinges greatly on the development of businesses and he would like to help prospective small business owners get a good start toward success.

Boggs said he believes 85 percent of all employees in Ohio are employed in small businesses. In 2004, 170 new business licenses were granted in Lawrence County. Subtracting those businesses that changed names or made changes in existing business, Boggs estimated there were 140 actual new business licenses granted last year.

"I'm not here to step on anyone's toes or to high hat or be in the limelight, but it helps if our eggs aren't in one basket," Boggs said.

He said one of the biggest obstacles to those businesses succeeding is that, while local entities offer assistance to small businesses owners in the form of training and consulting, many business owners are not aware of what agency offers what assistance.

Boggs suggested local leaders provide financial institutions with contact information so the information can be passed along to clients in addition to local clergy and the media.

Boggs said he would be willing to get monthly lists of new businesses and send the business owners information about available assistance. He also suggested local officials set goals and monitor whether goals are being met.

Commissioner Doug Malone said afterward that statistics show some new businesses may initially need extra help to be successful.

"Most small businesses that don't make it, don't make it in the first two years," he said.

Commissioner Jason Stephens agreed with Boggs' desire to make information more accessible.

"We do need to make it easy to do business in Lawrence County," Stephens said.