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September 23, 2026

New Georgia Program Gives Small Businesses Another Option For Employee Health Insurance

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Small businesses in Chattooga County that have struggled with the cost or complexity of providing employee health insurance now have another option through a new state program.

August 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Major Leadership Change Coming At Mohawk Industries As Longtime CEO Prepares To Retire

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A major leadership change is coming to Mohawk Industries, one of Northwest Georgia’s largest manufacturers and a longtime employer in Chattooga County, as the company prepares for a new chief executive officer this fall.

August 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Matthew Thomas Named Sole Finalist To Lead Rome-Floyd Development Authority

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The Rome Floyd County Development Authority has selected Matthew Thomas as the sole finalist for its president and chief executive officer position.

August 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Love Library In Rome Temporarily Closed After Merchandise Seized

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Love Library on Shorter Avenue Temporarily Closed After Merchandise Seizure

Photo Credit: Coosa Valley News

An adult retail store on Shorter Avenue in Rome is temporarily closed after authorities seized merchandise from the business Thursday as part of an ongoing civil dispute.

August 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Northwest Georgia Inland Port Sets Record With 41% Jump in July Cargo

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Northwest Georgia’s Appalachian Regional Port is reporting record-breaking business, with container traffic jumping 41 percent in July as the inland terminal continues to expand its role in connecting the region’s manufacturers and businesses with global markets.

August 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Floyd County Working to Establish Rules for Restaurant Liquor-by-the-Drink Sales

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Nearly nine months after Floyd County voters approved allowing restaurants in unincorporated areas to sell distilled spirits by the drink, county officials are now drafting the regulations that would make those sales possible.

July 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Search Continues For New Rome-Floyd Development Authority CEO

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The Rome-Floyd County Development Authority is continuing its search for a new president and chief executive officer following the departure of Chattooga County native Spencer Hogg.

July 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Sets New Records for Labor Force and Employment

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Georgia’s workforce continues to grow, with the state reaching new all-time highs in both labor force participation and employment during June, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.

The state’s labor force increased by 7,179 people during the month to a record 5,477,859 workers, while employment rose by 10,359 to an all-time high of 5,294,229 employed Georgians. Georgia’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.4 percent, well below the national rate of 4.2 percent.

Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said June marked the sixth consecutive month that Georgia has set new records for both labor force participation and employment.

Despite the strong employment numbers, total nonfarm jobs declined by 10,100 in June to 5,040,900. The largest monthly job gains were reported in the health care and social assistance sector, while losses occurred in transportation and warehousing, local and state government, finance and insurance, arts and entertainment, and nondurable goods manufacturing.

Compared to one year ago, Georgia’s labor force has grown by nearly 69,500 workers, employment has increased by more than 65,000 jobs, and the state has added approximately 61,500 nonfarm payroll jobs, highlighting continued long-term growth in Georgia’s economy.

July 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Governor Kemp Leads Economic Development Mission to Scotland and Ireland

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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp are leading an international economic development mission this week to Scotland and Ireland, where they are meeting with business leaders and government officials to strengthen relationships and encourage additional investment in Georgia.

The delegation includes representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development and will meet with executives from Hyundai Motor Group, whose investments in Georgia represent the largest economic development project in state history. The Governor is also scheduled to meet with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and visit several companies with operations in Georgia.

Among the companies participating are Kerry Group, which operates food-processing facilities in Rome and Calhoun, along with CRH, Kingspan Group, Mallaghan, and Smurfit Westrock. The delegation will also tour the Georgia Southern University Wexford Campus to promote educational and economic partnerships between Georgia and Ireland.

Governor Kemp said the trip is focused on creating new jobs and expanding opportunities for hardworking Georgians through continued international investment.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Edges Up In May

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Chattooga County’s unemployment rate edged slightly higher in May, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.

The county posted a jobless rate of 3.8 percent for May, up from 3.7 percent in April. Despite the small monthly increase, the local rate remains relatively low as Georgia continues to report strong employment numbers statewide.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said May traditionally brings a new wave of workers into the job market as graduates begin looking for employment. She said Georgia’s growing workforce remains one of the reasons companies continue to invest across the state.

Statewide, Georgia has now surpassed 5 million jobs, a milestone labor officials say reflects continued opportunity for both new workers and experienced professionals.

For Chattooga County, the latest numbers show a modest increase in unemployment heading into the summer months, while the overall labor market remains steady.