Bartow-Cartersville Joint Development Authority Shares 2015 Annual Report

February 16, 2016

BARTOW-CARTERSVILLE JOINT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
SHARES 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

Cartersville, GA, February 16, 2016– This afternoon at the Clarence Brown Conference Center, the Bartow-Cartersville Joint Development Authority shared its annual report immediately following a Board Meeting.  The 2016 slate of officers was introduced and stakeholders publically thanked by Chairman James Jarrett.  Special thanks were offered to Bartow County Sole Commissioner and Cartersville Mayor and Council for their leadership in creating the Authority and their continued support.

A review of certain economic indicators showed slow but steady improvements in the industrial digest and overall tax digests of both Cartersville and Bartow County. 

A key goal of the Authority is to retain existing industries and attract new ones.  In that regard several expansions were noted for 2015 including Vista Metals Georgia, Sheet Metal Component, several small but important industrial projects and LakePoint’s growth, particularly the Indoor Sports Complex.  New companies welcomed to Bartow County in 2015 include Airman USA, Value Feeds, LLC and Constellium Automotive Structures North America in Highland 75 Industrial Park.  Another notable project was Pattillo’s 265,200 sf Speculative Building constructed in Cartersville Business Park. Collective in 2015, 10 projects created/ committed to create 263 new jobs and invest $93,125,648.  2015 also saw construction progress of previously announced projects including Shaw Industries Group Plant T1, Toyo Tire North America, voestalpine Automotive Body Parts, Surya Rugs and Beauflor USA.

Of the various workforce and community development initiatives supported by the Authority, a highlight from 2015 was supporting the Bartow Workforce Needs Assessment.  With a community-wide survey combined with economic development research some 625 jobs by occupational category were reflected in the report for 2015.  Future jobs were also profiled with a five-year outlook.  Authority staff plans to continue updating at least yearly.

The Authority thanked all concerned for a special milestone in 2015; retiring the debt associated with Highland 75 Industrial Park with SPLOST funds which saved a significant interest over time.  Partners with the Bartow-Cartersville Second JDA, City of Cartersville and Bartow County governments were instrumental in this accomplishment.

The Bartow-Cartersville Joint Development Authority’s Mission 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.  Since 2004, 141 projects have led to the creation or commitment for 11,141 new jobs, and capital investment of $4,718,072,956.

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Melinda Lemmon, Executive Director, Melinda@LocationofChoice.com
770.607.1199  |  404.218.2180