PRESS RELEASE - 2014 Cartersville-Bartow Economic Development Report Released

February 23, 2015

Community Collaboration brings over 10,800 jobs in 10 years and over $4.5 Billion in investment.

The Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development released its 2014 Economic Development Report to its Board of Directors, the Bartow-Cartersville Joint Development Authority at their annual meeting February 23, 2015 at the Clarence Brown Conference Center.  “Community collaboration is making a positive difference in this community,” shared Chairman James Jarrett.  He thanked those partners and credited the collaboration for more than 10 years for measurable improvements in the local economy. 

“Cartersville-Bartow County had 15 companies commit to create 1,937 new jobs and invest $297,000,000 over the next five years,” reported Executive Director Melinda Lemmon.  Tracking the 10 year trends (2004-2014), 131 companies have been assisted in the creation of 10,878 new jobs and investment of over $4,524,947,000 throughout Bartow County.  Projects were described largely as manufacturing, along with sports tourism and medical.

Existing and new companies were celebrated at the annual meeting, with special acknowledgement to Daiki Corporation, Trinity Industries, Vista Metals Georgia, Aquafil USA, voestalpine Automotive Body Parts, Surya Rugs, Inc., B.I.G. USA, Inc., and more for their commitments to the community in 2014.

Other accomplishments were noted at the annual meeting including the positive developments associated with Highland 75 Industrial Corporate Park, the success of the community’s Existing Industries Support Program and the hiring of a new Existing Industries Director, the Department’s receipt of the CSX Partnership Award, support given to education and workforce partners and more.

Statistical trends and analysis were also discussed including tax digest by component parts, the impact of digests on FTE funding of each school system, growth in population trends, changes in Bartow’s industry mix and the importance of manufacturing to the local economy.

The Mission of the Development Authority is to develop and promote trade, commerce, industry and employment opportunities for the public good and general welfare of Cartersville, Bartow County and the state of Georgia.