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May 12, 2026

Nominations Open For “Coolest Thing Made In Georgia” Competition

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The Georgia Chamber of Commerce, along with Synovus, now merged with Pinnacle Financial Partners, has opened nominations for the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Georgia” competition.

The statewide contest is designed to celebrate Georgia-based companies and the products they manufacture. Nominations opened today, May 11, and will remain open through June 8 at gachamber.com/coolestthing.

The competition will be capped at 32 approved entrants and will follow a knockout-style public voting format. Once nominations are approved, voting in the first round will begin at 10 a.m. on June 19 and close at 9 a.m. on June 25.

The winner will be determined by public voting and announced during the Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon in Athens on August 5.

Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark said the competition highlights the talent, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit shaping the state’s future, while also recognizing the people and companies behind products made in Georgia.

Charlie Clark, state head of Georgia banking for Pinnacle Financial Partners, said the contest recognizes innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs helping drive economic growth across Georgia.

May 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville City Council Approves Equipment Bid, Lease Agreements, Volunteer Firefighter Funding

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The Summerville City Council approved several agenda items during Monday night’s meeting, including equipment purchases, lease agreements, firefighter funding, and policy changes.

May 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Audia Group Files Federal Lawsuit Against Walker County

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A company identified as Audia Group, Inc. has filed a federal lawsuit against Walker County and the Walker County Development Authority alleging breach of contract.

May 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Governor Kemp Signs Major Forestry Legislation Supporting Rural Georgia

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Governor Brian P. Kemp signed a major package of forestry and natural resources legislation Thursday at the Georgia Forestry Association headquarters in Forsyth, highlighting what industry leaders are calling a major boost for Georgia’s forestry economy and rural communities.

May 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Power Breaks Ground on New Plant to Support Data Centers

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Georgia Power has broken ground on a new power plant project aimed at supporting the growing demand from data centers across the state.

The expansion is part of a much larger plan to increase energy production as Georgia continues to attract major technology companies and large-scale data operations. Officials say the new facility will help ensure reliable power as demand continues to rise.

State regulators have already approved a major increase in power generation capacity—nearly 10,000 megawatts—to meet that demand, much of it driven by the rapid growth of data centers.

Georgia Power says the investment is critical to maintaining economic growth and keeping up with the needs of businesses moving into the state. However, some critics have raised concerns about long-term costs and the environmental impact, especially with plans that include new natural gas-powered facilities.

The project is one of several underway as utilities work to balance reliability, affordability, and future energy needs in a rapidly growing region.

April 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Mohawk Industries To Host Hiring Event In Trion

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Mohawk Industries will host a hiring event later this week for positions at its Summerville facility.

April 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

GNTC Names Patty Hart Vice President of Economic Development

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College has named Patty Hart as its new vice president of Economic Development, placing a longtime leader in a key role supporting workforce training and business growth across northwest Georgia.

April 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville City Council To Consider Recreation Projects, Pavilion Bid, And Dog Park Discussion

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The Summerville City Council is set to meet Monday, April 13 at 5:00 PM, with several key items on the agenda impacting the community.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Northwest Georgia Industrial Site Fully Leased With Second International Tenant

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A major industrial development in Northwest Georgia has now reached full capacity after securing a second international tenant.

April 1, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Sixteen Graduate From GNTC Electrical Lineworker Program In Rockmart

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Graduates from GNTC’s Electrical Lineworker program for spring 2026 are (from left, front row) Yoni Bautista, Widman Diaz, Jose Pacheco, Javier Plaza, Miguel Rebolloso, Eric Salazar, Dontarious Thompson, Cayden Watson; (back row) Trey Scales, Evan Hayes, David Postell, Miguel Martinez, Luis Perez, Christian Rodriguez, Omar Munguia and Gage McWhorter.

Sixteen students graduated on Wednesday, March 25, from Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker program during a ceremony held at GNTC’s Polk County Campus in Rockmart.