Georgia County Government - March 2009 - (Page 14)

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA continued from page 13 within two or three hours, going in any direction.” Owing to this, the region has recruited businesses from the lucrative fields of automation and high-technology, including the aviation manufacturing industry and bioscience research, the latter represented by Optima Chemicals Corp. Such high-tech industries are key to longterm economic viability in rural areas. Other progress has followed the region becoming a leader in the manufactured homes, cargo traders and modular office building industries. Successful local companies like First String Space are on the leading edge of a skyrocketing modular building industry, notes Lewis. Yet another prominent industry in Ware County is boat building, with the presence of Carolina Skiff and Sundance Boats. Three manufactured housing businesses have also located in Ware County, and are doing very well, says Chairman Jimmy Brown. Ware County is perhaps most excited about its newest industry, Enhanced Recovery Systems, the thirdparty debt collection service that has ushered in 300-plus jobs. Surprisingly, it is Atkinson, the smallest county among the four, that has made some of the greatest economic growth strides in Southeast Georgia recently, notes Futch. “You might call it ‘super growth,’” adds Lewis, who incorporates Atkinson County into the ongoing regional marketing efforts she undertakes on behalf of the Joint Atkinson-Coffee County Development Authority. Credited with playing an instrumental role in these developments has been Commission Chair Linda Tanner, who took office a little more than one year ago, and is now entering her second year. “With regard to creating jobs, Atkinson County has really stepped into the spotlight,” agrees Tanner. “Landing two major manufacturing operations has opened new horizons for other kinds of growth. These are Langboard Timber and First String Space, the manufacturer of modular classrooms, hospital facilities, portable offices and jails.” Both are credited with stimulating other developments such as the popular “No-Name Bar” in Willacoochee. Commissioner Tanner is leading an effort to seek larger investments for an Atkinson County Industrial Park proximal to Corridor Z. Workforce Development is Key Commitment to workforce development support – coordinated by the Southeast Georgia RDC, local governments and all local technical colleges and state universities – has garnered the region the reputation of having one of the best workforce development programs in the state. The region’s University System institutions and technical colleges continue to be on board with progressive, ongoing workforce development efforts, as well. “Education is an integral component to economic development here,” Futch points out. “The focus on education is critical as the economy falters and high school drop-out rates remain a threat in rural areas.” “Our Quickstart Program is the No. 1 workforce development program in the U.S.,” Futch asserts. Administered in cooperation with East Central Technical College, Waycross College, Working Together To Serve You Better Preparing TODAY to meet TOMORROW’S Energy Needs For products and service you can trust PROUDLY SERVING: Seated L-R: Terrell Jacobs, City Manager; Jackie L. Wilson, Mayor; Olivia Pearson, Commissioner Ward 3; Standing L-R: Ronnie Anderson, Mayor Pro-tem/Commissioner Ward 5; Marty Swain, Commissioner Ward 2; Johnnie Lee Roper, Commissioner Ward 1; Bob Moore, Commissioner Ward 6; Dennis Josey, Commissioner Ward 4 Ware Bacon Atkinson and Coffee Counties Fuel South 3020 Harris Road Waycross, GA 31503 (912) 284-0264 City of Douglas 224 E. Bryan Street Douglas, Georgia 31533 (912) 389-3401 • www.CityofDouglas.com 14 GEORGIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT http://www.fuelsouth.com/ http://www.CityofDouglas.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - March 2009

Georgia County Government - March 2009 Contents President’s Message County Matters Focus on Southeast Georgia The Georgia Public Service Commission Jerry R. Griffin MPA Scholarship Recipients Named Extension News Research Corner Staff News County Parade Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - March 2009

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