The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state reached new all-time highs in both labor force participation and total employment during April, while Georgia’s unemployment rate remained well below the national average.
Chattooga County native Spencer Hogg has been named chief of staff for U.S. Congressman Clay Fuller.
Hogg officially joined Congressman Fuller’s team on April 14th. He brings experience in economic development, government relations, and constituent service to the role.
Most recently, Hogg served as President and CEO of the Rome Floyd County Development Authority. He previously worked with the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority, serving as President and CEO, Vice President of Economic Development and Government Relations, and Economic Development Project Manager.
Hogg also has prior experience on Capitol Hill, having worked in the U.S. House of Representatives in the offices of Congressmen Tom Graves and Jody Hice.
In a statement to WZQZ News, Hogg said, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to join Rep. Clay Fuller as his Chief of Staff. Northwest Georgia raised me, and I look forward to fighting every day for the place I am proud to call home. I appreciate the chance to work for a Congressman that is committed to rural values and defending our communities.”
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.
The Summerville City Council approved several agenda items during Monday night’s meeting, including equipment purchases, lease agreements, firefighter funding, and policy changes.
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.
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.
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.
Mohawk Industries will host a hiring event later this week for positions at its Summerville facility.
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.
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.