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RECENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY

The new year saw a dramatic increase in funding for economic development and a continuation of the Chamber of Commerce as the designated economic development agent for the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority. National economic improvement has led in increased industrial project activity.

Reason for optimism was seen when the current unemployment rates fell under 8% for the first time in three years.

Dramatic increases in sales tax revenues from 2008 lows.
FPL Foods of Augusta, Georgia, bought the old AFA Foods meat processing facility and announced expansion plans for the facility.
Second Harvest of South Georgia broke ground on a new 95,000 square foot facility on Roseway. The service area will be most of SW GA.
Red Hills Business Park, the new 300 acre industrial park on 319 North, is receiving priority funding from the Local Option Sales Tax.
Retail saw major investments as Red Lobster and Olive Garden opened with 180 new employees.
Other New Eateries: Dunkin' Donuts, Super Hibachi Grill Buffet and Little Caesar's Pizza.
Old line family restaurant Fallin’s Barbeque reopened under a new generation.
Alltech, an animal feed supplement company, expanded in the Rose City Industrial Park. The $10 million investment created 22 new jobs.

"Entrepreneur Friendly" Community

Thomasville-Thomas County has an environment that is welcoming to small business and entrepreneurs. Ninety-one percent of Thomas County's over 2000 companies are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees. The economic activity created by these businesses and entrepreneurs brings prosperity and opportunity to our community. The chamber is very committed to help foster this growth.

Thomas County's initiative is to seek out and support not only new start up companies but also established existing entrepreneurial businesses and help them grow and create jobs for our community. The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) designated Thomasville and Thomas County

Entrepreneur Friendly !!!

Thomas County is also a CERTIFIED WORK READY COMMUNITY which allows small businesses (50 employees or less) to hire up to 5 CERTIFIED WORK READY job seekers and receive $250 for each. So HIRE WORK READY employees now!

HOW TO START A BUSINESS