#EconomicDevelopment | AM 1180 Radio

August 22, 2026

Walker County Data Center Standards Committee To Hold First Meeting

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Walker County officials are beginning a formal review of local regulations governing data centers, with the first meeting of the newly formed Walker County Data Center Development Standards Study Committee scheduled for next week.

August 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Sets New Records For Labor Force And Employment In July

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Georgia’s labor market reached new record territory in July, with the state reporting all-time highs for both the number of people in the labor force and the number of Georgians employed.

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 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga Chamber Launches 2026-2027 FLEX Program For Student Entrepreneurs

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The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is preparing to launch the 2026-2027 Georgia FLEX program, giving local high school students an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills through hands-on experience and community involvement.

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 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Approves Temporary Moratorium on New Data Centers

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The Walker County Board of Commissioners has approved a temporary moratorium on new data center development, giving county officials time to study the issue and determine whether additional local regulations are needed before such facilities are considered.

July 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Paradise Garden Foundation Among Recipients of State Arts Grants

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The Georgia Department of Economic Development has announced more than $1.3 million in competitive grant funding for arts organizations across the state, with 179 grants awarded in 37 counties during the first round of Georgia Council for the Arts fiscal year 2027 funding. The grants support nonprofit arts organizations, community projects, and arts education programs.

Chattooga County is among the recipients. The Paradise Garden Foundation in Summerville received a $10,000 General Operating Support Grant, which provides funding to help nonprofit arts organizations with day-to-day operating expenses and programming.

State officials say the grants help strengthen communities by supporting festivals, museums, theater productions, educational programs, and other arts initiatives that attract visitors, enhance downtowns, and contribute to local economies.

Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said the arts play a vital role in communities of all sizes, helping create vibrant downtowns, support small businesses, and provide students with opportunities to develop creativity and problem-solving skills.

The grants are funded through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Georgia Council for the Arts funding through the Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grant programs is expected to be announced later this fall.

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.

July 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Governor Kemp Met with OpenAI Leaders as Georgia Pursues AI Growth

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Governor Brian Kemp recently met privately with executives from OpenAI and Georgia Power as state leaders continue exploring Georgia’s role in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence industry. According to documents obtained through the Georgia Open Records Act, the meeting took place on June 11 at the State Capitol, although neither the Governor’s Office nor OpenAI disclosed what was discussed.