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June 28, 2026

Congressman Fuller Visits Northwest Georgia Businesses, Including Smith Ironworks in Chattooga County

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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.

June 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Surpasses 5 Million Jobs As Unemployment Rate Falls To 3.4 Percent

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The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state has reached a major economic milestone, surpassing 5 million jobs for the first time in state history.

According to the latest labor report, Georgia recorded 5,002,400 jobs in May, an all-time high. The state’s labor force also reached a record 5,470,704, while total employment climbed to a new high of 5,283,862.

Georgia’s unemployment rate fell to 3.4 percent in May, down from a revised 3.5 percent in April and well below the national unemployment rate.

“Five million jobs, an all-time high labor force, and record employment in a single month: This is what a modern, adaptable economy looks like when it works for all Georgians,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes.

The state added 6,900 jobs during May and has now experienced job growth for three consecutive months. Employment increased by more than 56,000 jobs over the past year.

Among the industries posting the largest gains in May were accommodation and food services, administrative and support services, transportation and warehousing, local government and state government.

Over the past year, health care and social assistance led all sectors with nearly 25,000 new jobs added statewide.

The labor department also reported that initial unemployment claims declined in May, another sign of continued strength in Georgia’s workforce and economy.

May 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Northwest Georgia Unemployment Rate Falls To 2.7 Percent

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The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.7 percent in April, down six-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. The rate was 2.8 percent one year ago.

May 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Mohawk Industries Shareholders Approve New 2026 Incentive Plan

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Mohawk Industries shareholders have approved a new 2026 Incentive Plan following the company’s annual stockholder meeting held on May 21st.

According to the company’s filing, the plan authorizes up to 3.5 million shares of common stock for equity and cash-based awards. Those awards may be made available to employees, officers, directors, and consultants.

The incentive plan became effective the same day it was approved and is scheduled to run through May 21, 2036, unless ended earlier.

Mohawk Industries remains one of the major manufacturing names connected to Northwest Georgia’s floor covering industry.

May 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

SBA Drought Disaster Loans Available For Chattooga County Businesses

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Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available for eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Chattooga County affected by ongoing drought conditions.

May 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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.

April 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Labor Force, Employment Reach Record Highs In February

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The Georgia Department of Labor says the state reached new all-time highs in both labor force and employment in February, even as the unemployment rate ticked up slightly and job totals declined for a second straight month.

March 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Deadline Approaching For Georgia Annual Business Registration

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Georgia business owners are being reminded that the annual registration deadline with the Secretary of State’s office is fast approaching.

All businesses, including LLCs and corporations, must complete their annual registration for 2026 by April 1 to remain in active compliance. The standard filing fee is $50 for most businesses.

Officials warn that failing to file by the deadline will result in a $25 late penalty and could eventually lead to administrative dissolution or revocation of the business entity.

Business owners are encouraged to file online through the Georgia Secretary of State’s website to ensure timely processing and avoid penalties.

March 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rising Diesel Prices Putting Pressure on Local Businesses and Industry

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Rising diesel prices are creating new concerns for businesses and industry across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, especially for trucking, construction, farming, and manufacturing operations that depend on fuel to keep equipment moving and goods delivered. Higher fuel costs are making it more expensive for companies to transport materials, run heavy equipment, and manage day-to-day operations.

Several factors are helping drive diesel prices higher, including increases in crude oil prices, tighter global fuel supplies, refinery maintenance and outages, and growing seasonal demand tied to freight, agriculture, and construction activity. Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions can also add pressure to fuel markets, causing prices to rise even faster.

For local businesses, those higher diesel costs can quickly lead to more expensive deliveries, increased equipment expenses, and tighter budgets for companies already dealing with inflation and other rising costs. When diesel prices go up, the effects are often felt well beyond the fuel pump, eventually impacting shipping, construction, materials, food prices, and other goods across the region.

As of yesterday, diesel prices across Northwest Georgia were averaging between $4.68 – $4.92 per gallon.

February 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Hardee’s Comeback Brewing in Northwest Georgia After Late-2025 Closures; Hiring Underway in Rome, Calhoun, Adairsville

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More than 30 Hardee’s restaurants across Georgia abruptly closed in late 2025 following a major franchise dispute between Hardee’s parent company, CKE Restaurants, and one of its largest operators, ARC Burger.