Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced the fourth round of Rural Site Development Initiative (RSDI) grants, awarding $7.8 million to ten projects across Georgia to help rural communities prepare industrial sites for future business recruitment and job creation. With this latest round, the state has now invested $28 million in rural site development since the program was launched in Fiscal Year 2025.
A newly released report from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) shows that most counties across Northwest Georgia continue to maintain stable economic classifications, although a handful of counties remain among the region’s most economically challenged. The designations are used by ARC to help determine grant eligibility and investment priorities for economic and community development projects throughout Appalachia.
Congressman Clay Fuller spent time back in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District last week, meeting with local business owners, workers, and community leaders across Northwest Georgia.
Fuller’s visits included stops with Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling, the Medical College of Georgia’s regional campus in Rome, Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Clark, Covenant Logistics, Solmax Geosynthetics in Ringgold, Catoosa County leaders, and Rockmart Fuel Containment in Polk County.
In Chattooga County, Fuller toured Smith Ironworks, where he met with team members and learned more about the company’s work and role in the local economy.
Fuller said small businesses, manufacturers, transportation companies, and local employers remain a critical part of Northwest Georgia’s economy. He said hearing directly from workers and business leaders helps him better advocate for the district in Washington.
His office said Fuller remains committed to supporting small business owners, workers, and entrepreneurs across Georgia’s 14th District.
Job seekers from across Northeast Alabama and Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to connect with regional employers during the DeKalb County Hiring Event on Thursday, June 25.
The event will be held from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Wills Valley Recreation Center, located at 4420 Godfrey Avenue NE in Fort Payne.
Several employers are expected to participate, including G2, Siemens Energy, Plasman, DeKalb Regional Medical Center, Thrive Outdoor, Ferguson, and others. Organizers say the event is designed to bring employers and prospective employees together in one location, allowing job seekers to learn about available positions and meet directly with hiring representatives.
The hiring event is being presented through a partnership involving the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce, the City of Fort Payne, the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority, Career Connect North Alabama, and AIDT.
Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register online, though walk-ins may also be welcomed.
Organizers say the event is ideal for those seeking a new career opportunity, exploring different industries, or looking to make connections with employers currently hiring throughout the region.
The City of Summerville has approved a balanced budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year that includes no increases to property taxes or utility base rates.
Candidate Holly Chaney recently spoke at a meeting of the Chattooga County Democratic Party, where she answered questions from members and outlined her objectives as a representative for Georgia House District 12.
As population growth, industrial expansion, and increased electricity usage continue across the Southeast, the Tennessee Valley Authority is making major investments in power generation and grid infrastructure to meet rising demand throughout its seven-state service region.
The U.S. Energy Department has offered a record $26.54 billion loan package to subsidiaries of Southern Company to strengthen and expand the electric grid in Georgia and Alabama.
Summerville Main Street has earned 2026 National Accreditation, a designation recognizing the organization’s efforts to strengthen and revitalize the downtown district.
The downtown revitalization program was recognized as a 2026 accredited Main Street community by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs during a recent recognition ceremony.
According to the article by Jason Espy in the Summerville News, the accreditation reflects the program’s commitment to the Main Street Approach, a framework focused on Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality.
Mayor Ricky Hughes and members of the Summerville City Council were recognized during the ceremony, along with Main Street Director Susan Locklear, volunteers, business owners, and community partners who have contributed to downtown improvement efforts.
Each member of the Summerville Main Street board received a letter acknowledging the program’s accreditation. The recognition places Summerville among a select group of communities meeting national standards for downtown development and community engagement.
City leaders said the accreditation reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the appearance and functionality of downtown Summerville while supporting local businesses and encouraging community involvement.
A new report from USAFacts, using data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, shows that hundreds of Chattooga County residents rely on federally subsidized housing programs.
