A local business owner blasted the Quitman Development Corporation (QDC) and its executive director during the “citizen’s comments” portion at the beginning of the organization’s meeting last Tuesday.

Heather Boisclair, owner of The Shops at 107 in downtown Quitman, addressed the QDC board with concerns over the sale of the building which houses her business and what she feels is the possible conflict of interest involving QDC Executive Director Denea Hudman and developer Jamie Wyatt of Colonial Construction.  

Boisclair opened her statement declaring her intentions when she moved to Quitman. “I was recruited to Quitman by Denea Hudman. I was told that The Shops would be part of a small business incubator project. I moved my family to Quitman in December and transferred my kids in the middle of the school year for this project,” Boisclair explained. “This was not a decision we took lightly, but I was excited to be part of a community and the growth revitalization to the downtown area.”

Boisclair said the building being listed for sale was surprising to her. “Within the first two months of my opening, Jamie Wyatt, my landlord, and Denea’s business partner, decided to list the building for sale with Denea listed as the listing agent without my knowledge,” Boisclair noted. “This was a complete shock to me, but fully within his rights to do so. At the time, I sent an email to Denea with questions on how and why this happened. It went unanswered. I never negotiated any lease or rent with Jamie (Wyatt), it was all done through Denea.  I feel completely mislead and deceived.”  

Boisclair had a challenge for the QDC board. “I challenge the QDC to see and acknowledge their faults and investigate the unprofessionalism of Denea Hudman, the untruths that has been told to the board, city council and myself, the most important being the conflict of interest. That is not valuable for the city of Quitman, for the QDC Executive Director to be partners with the developer and the listing agent for 107 Lipscomb. This is me asking the QDC to make their wrong, right,” Boisclair added. “I cannot express the disappointment and sadness I feel. The closing of the The Shops at 107 does not support economic  growth and revitalization to the downtown area of Quitman.”

Hudman responded to Boisclair’s remarks. “We have responded to Mrs. Boisclair’s numerous requests on multiple occasions. I have always only responded to statements based on truth that have to do with the Quitman Development Corporation,” Hudman noted. “In addition, I have also provided copies of documents that have been requested by Mrs. Boisclair that I have had in my possession. Questions regarding her lease and building should always be directed to her landlord, Jamie Wyatt.”

Hudman receives no commission whatsoever on commercial property sold in Quitman. Hudman explained her real estate connection. “Economic Development Corporations are allowed to use incentives to attract business to the area, including rent and real estate incentives.  The rent incentive was unanimously approved by the QDC Board of Directors.  All incentives are dealt with on a case by case basis,” Hudman said.  “The QDC Board is aware of my real estate commission donation to economic development in Quitman.  The QDC Board unanimously supported my marketing and selling commercial real estate in the City of Quitman as long as there was no commission paid to myself or my real estate company. So, the board and the city council know exactly what I am doing.” 

Hudman said Jamie Wyatt of Colonial Construction, and owner of the building which houses The Shops at 107, has made an offer to Boisclair. “Jamie Wyatt, the owner of 107 Lipscomb has indicated that he has offered the same lease for the next two years.  This seems to be a good faith effort to keep The Shops at 107 open, but that is between the tenant and landlord.  I certainly do not want to see the Shops at 107 close at year end,” Hudman said. 

Boisclair said she would not renew a lease with Wyatt and expressed her disappointment in the situation. “The rent incentive paid to Jamie Wyatt in 2019 belongs to the shops. I found the 15 tax producing tenants, I’m investing in this community, and I am bringing in the tax dollars,” Boisclair said. “Denea Hudman or Jamie Wyatt have had nothing to do with the success of The Shops. If I do not find another location, The Shops at 107 will close at the end of the year. I will not renew a lease with Jamie Wyatt.” 

Wyatt responded to Boisclair’s claims. “I was excited when Heather Boisclair elected to be a tenant at The Shops at 107, a collective public/private partnership to foster growth in the downtown area. The listing of the building was simply done as a means to generate revenue to acquire a 16,000 square foot building in another city. I discussed the sale with Mrs. Boisclair and extended the first right of refusal in which she declined,” Wyatt explained.  “I have declined two out of town investor offers as of today (Sept. 20), and one local offer. As a property developer, this is common practice and I did not expect the reaction and hostility that Mrs. Boisclair showed.

“I have offered to discuss the structure of the tax and rent incentives with Mrs. Bosclair in which she has declined. I have offered to sell the building to Mrs. Boisclair on three separate occasions in which would allow her to incorporate the tax and rent incentives into her investment.  I have discussed a long term lease in which I could offer back to Mrs. Boisclair a portion of rent incentive. All offers and discussions have been declined.”

Wyatt believes the concerns should be limited to him and Boisclair. “The concerns should be limited to myself and Mrs. Boisclair. She has opted to include others that are not part of the business matter. She has made comments regarding certain city staff and elected positions in which I do not agree with,” Wyatt said. “These individuals, both with the QDC and the city have been instrumental in the downtown success as well as pursuing community-wide success. Upon completion of Mrs. Boisclair’s lease, I wish her continued success in any other ventures she may pursue.”