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July 18, 2026

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 15, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Schools Seeking Maintenance Technician

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The Chattooga County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Maintenance Technician to help maintain school facilities throughout the district.

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.

June 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Schools Seeking Bus Drivers, Paraprofessionals and Custodian

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The Chattooga County Board of Education is currently accepting applications for several positions ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 school year.

June 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Survey Work Begins for Proposed $62 Million Bioenergy Plant in Trion

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Survey crews have begun geotechnical work for a proposed $62 million bioenergy plant planned for Trion’s industrial park, marking the first visible activity associated with the project.

May 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County EMA/E-911 Hiring Full-Time Communications Officers

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Chattooga County EMA/E-911 is currently hiring for a full-time Communications Officer position at the county’s E-911 Center.

April 4, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Unemployment Holds Steady Across Northwest Georgia In March

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Unemployment rates across Chattooga, Floyd, and Walker counties remained relatively stable in recent data, reflecting continued steady job conditions in Northwest Georgia heading into the spring.

January 31, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rural King Grand Opening at Mount Berry Mall Expected in Mid-March

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The Rome News-Tribune reports the new Rural King store at Mount Berry Mall is expected to hold its grand opening in mid-March, according to sources. The 85,000-square-foot store is moving into the former Sears space, and officials say the location is fully staffed with workers currently stocking tens of thousands of items throughout the building. Plans also include about 35,000 square feet of outdoor space for displaying tractors and other heavy equipment.

January 31, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic Raise Minimum Starting Wage to $18.85 an Hour

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Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic are making an additional investment in their local workforce, announcing an increase in the minimum starting wage for eligible teammates in Northwest Georgia to $18.85 per hour, beginning with Jan. 30 paychecks. Leaders say the change is meant to strengthen long-term workforce stability and support the employees who provide care across the region.