On Nov. 14, 1902, a Mr. Preston asked the citizens of Statesboro to subscribe to his plan to build a seed mill in Statesboro, estimating it would take $30,000 to build the plant. Local investors included John W. Olliff, J.L. and Lester Olliff, B.E. Turner, the Foys, Hollands, Cones, Brannens, Donaldsons, Grimes, Groovers, Elliss, Parkers, Smiths, Colemans, Rogers, Johnsons and Caruthers. On May 3, 1903, it was announced that N. Olliff would be company president; J.W. Wilson would be general manager, with J.L. Donaldson, S.C. Groove and B.E. Turner serving on the Board of Directors.