
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is inviting business owners across the state to participate in a free webinar next month focusing on business funding and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is inviting business owners across the state to participate in a free webinar next month focusing on business funding and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

The Rome Floyd County Development Authority has selected Matthew Thomas as the sole finalist for its president and chief executive officer position.

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.

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.

Georgia began the new fiscal year with an increase in state tax collections, with net tax revenues totaling $2.57 billion in July.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.