Chattooga County native Spencer Hogg has become the new president and CEO of the Rome-Floyd Development Authority. He aims to improve the standard of living in the community by attracting good jobs and helping local businesses grow. Hogg takes over from Missy Kendrick, who oversaw significant investment increase in the area. He will work with a skilled team, including Project Manager Heather Seckman and Project Director JR Davis.
Hogg told the Rome News Tribune that Rome experienced a 3.9% employment growth in June, ranking second in the southeast after Myrtle Beach. To attract new businesses, he believes it is important to be strategic about the types of companies they target and the jobs they offer. His priority is ensuring existing employers have the resources to succeed, as their growth can help bring in new businesses to the area.
The authority is actively marketing several projects, including a 200-acre site on Cartersville Highway and a 130-acre complex in Rome. They are also focused on redeveloping brownfield sites and have sought grants to clean up contamination. Hogg has a background in political science and government affairs, having previously worked as a project manager before rising to his current position. He emphasizes that economic development requires patience, as some projects take many years to realize.
