Wendell commissioners took an important step last Monday night when they agreed on how to proceed with plans to hire an economic development director.

But make no mistake: it was a half-step.

The town board agreed to hire a part-time economic development director. That person — or the firm they work for — will fulfill a six-month contract. They will not be an employee of the town.

Commissioners are to be congratulated on using the town’s limited resources in a way that will eventually result in a return on their investment.

We are reminded of the cliché “It takes money to make money.” That notion applies here. Truly beneficial economic development does not just happen. It takes a dedicated leader to make things happen. By investing resources in economic development, the town has signaled its intention to grow in a way that benefits all of Wendell.

To this point, Wendell’s economic development initiatives have been limited to say the least.

The town has poured money into the Wendell Chamber of Commerce. Most of that money has gone unspent. The largest chunks of money that were spent went to projects requested by the town itself.

Town Planning Director Teresa Piner has been Wendell’s de facto economic development officer.

It’s an unfair mantle to lay on a person whose full-time job is nearly too demanding to handle. In fact, just last year, the town agreed to add a staff position in the planning department to handle the growing demands on that office.

It’s important to note that no economic development program bears fruit quickly. Experienced economic developers will point out that it generally takes about three years before there is a significant success to celebrate.

Patience and commitment will be required on the part of town leaders. Patience will allow time for a first-class program to take shape. Commitment will come in the form of more funding to make the position a full-time permanent staff position that reports to the town manager.

This, however, a wonderful first half-step.