#GeorgiaEconomy | AM 1180 Radio

August 28, 2026

Northwest Georgia Unemployment Falls To 3.1 Percent In July

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Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate unchanged at 5.6 percent, Rome Down

Unemployment declined across Northwest Georgia in July, with the regional jobless rate falling to 3.1 percent, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.

That rate was down three-tenths of a percentage point from June and well below the 3.8 percent rate recorded one year ago.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said July brought lower unemployment in every metro area and region of the state. She credited cooperation among state leaders, local communities and businesses, saying the department remains focused on putting Georgians to work and expanding economic opportunity.

In Northwest Georgia, the labor force declined by 1,274 people over the month but was still up 7,400 compared with a year ago, reaching 459,530.

The number of employed residents increased by 164 over the month and by 10,492 over the year, bringing total employment in the region to 445,273.

Initial unemployment claims rose by 148 from June, totaling 1,956, but were still down sharply from a year earlier — by 2,196 claims.

The July numbers point to continued year-over-year improvement in Northwest Georgia’s labor market, with more people working and fewer residents unemployed than at the same time last year.

August 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

University System Of Georgia Reports Record $25.1 Billion Economic Impact

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Georgia’s public colleges and universities generated a record $25.1 billion economic impact during fiscal year 2025, according to a new University System of Georgia study.

August 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Sets New Records For Labor Force And Employment In July

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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.

August 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Northwest Georgia Inland Port Sets Record With 41% Jump in July Cargo

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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.

August 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia’s July Net Tax Revenues Rise 3.1 Percent

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

July 24, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Northwest Georgia Unemployment Rate Holds At 3.4% In June

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Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate remained at 3.4% in June, although it increased four-tenths of a percentage point from May due to normal seasonal workforce changes, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.

July 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Sets New Records for Labor Force and Employment

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Georgia’s workforce continues to grow, with the state reaching new all-time highs in both labor force participation and employment during June, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.

The state’s labor force increased by 7,179 people during the month to a record 5,477,859 workers, while employment rose by 10,359 to an all-time high of 5,294,229 employed Georgians. Georgia’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.4 percent, well below the national rate of 4.2 percent.

Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said June marked the sixth consecutive month that Georgia has set new records for both labor force participation and employment.

Despite the strong employment numbers, total nonfarm jobs declined by 10,100 in June to 5,040,900. The largest monthly job gains were reported in the health care and social assistance sector, while losses occurred in transportation and warehousing, local and state government, finance and insurance, arts and entertainment, and nondurable goods manufacturing.

Compared to one year ago, Georgia’s labor force has grown by nearly 69,500 workers, employment has increased by more than 65,000 jobs, and the state has added approximately 61,500 nonfarm payroll jobs, highlighting continued long-term growth in Georgia’s economy.

July 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia June Tax Collections Down, But Fiscal Year Ends Slightly Ahead

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Georgia’s net tax collections fell in June, but the state still ended Fiscal Year 2026 slightly ahead of the previous year.

According to the Governor’s Office, June net tax revenue totaled nearly $2.95 billion, down $215.1 million, or 6.8 percent, compared to June of last year. However, year-to-date collections through June 30 totaled $33.75 billion, an increase of $129.5 million, or 0.4 percent, over Fiscal Year 2025.

State officials say the monthly comparison was heavily affected by Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax suspension, which began March 20 and remained in effect until June 3. Without the motor fuel tax impact, June revenues were down only 0.6 percent, while full-year collections were up nearly 1.6 percent.

Individual income tax collections were down 6.7 percent in June, while sales tax collections increased 6.8 percent and corporate income tax collections rose 7 percent. Motor fuel tax collections dropped 98.5 percent, reflecting the temporary suspension ordered by Governor Brian Kemp.

Motor vehicle tag and title fees and title ad valorem tax collections were also down compared to June 2025.

July 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Governor Kemp Leads Economic Development Mission to Scotland and Ireland

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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp are leading an international economic development mission this week to Scotland and Ireland, where they are meeting with business leaders and government officials to strengthen relationships and encourage additional investment in Georgia.

The delegation includes representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development and will meet with executives from Hyundai Motor Group, whose investments in Georgia represent the largest economic development project in state history. The Governor is also scheduled to meet with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and visit several companies with operations in Georgia.

Among the companies participating are Kerry Group, which operates food-processing facilities in Rome and Calhoun, along with CRH, Kingspan Group, Mallaghan, and Smurfit Westrock. The delegation will also tour the Georgia Southern University Wexford Campus to promote educational and economic partnerships between Georgia and Ireland.

Governor Kemp said the trip is focused on creating new jobs and expanding opportunities for hardworking Georgians through continued international investment.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Unemployment Rate Edges Up In May

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Chattooga County’s unemployment rate edged slightly higher in May, according to newly released figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.

The county posted a jobless rate of 3.8 percent for May, up from 3.7 percent in April. Despite the small monthly increase, the local rate remains relatively low as Georgia continues to report strong employment numbers statewide.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said May traditionally brings a new wave of workers into the job market as graduates begin looking for employment. She said Georgia’s growing workforce remains one of the reasons companies continue to invest across the state.

Statewide, Georgia has now surpassed 5 million jobs, a milestone labor officials say reflects continued opportunity for both new workers and experienced professionals.

For Chattooga County, the latest numbers show a modest increase in unemployment heading into the summer months, while the overall labor market remains steady.