The Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development shared their 2017 annual report of economic progress to their Board, the Bartow-Cartersville Joint Development Authority (BCJDA), and other community stakeholders.

 

Specific to 2017, 110 quality jobs were retained in Bartow County, 304 quality jobs were announced and investments of $147,950,000 are expected over the next several years. The community is grateful for growth plans from Anheuser-Busch, Toyo Tire North America, Vista Metals Georgia, and the Georgia Department of Transportation District 6 Headquarters. The community is also pleased to welcome MJC and Lidl US to Cartersville. MJC, a manufacturer of custom HVAC equipment, has purchased and is renovating their new Cartersville facility at 415 Grassdale Road. Lidl US is planning their regional grocery Distribution Center in Highland 75 Corporate/Industrial Park, with the construction timeline to be coordinated with the expansion of their new network of retail stores in Georgia.

 

Executive Director Melinda Lemmon, reported on marked improvements in performance measures over time. Since the Department’s creation under the BCJDA in 2004, some focus areas and accomplishments have included increasing job retention and reversing significant job loss trends from the early 2000’s. Annual reports between 2004-2017 have reflected a collective 12,131 new job announcements in diverse areas, but primarily in advanced manufacturing. 1,704 of those jobs are expected to come online between 2018 and 2021. Lemmon noted this should be good news for job seekers in the Bartow Labor Draw Area if they keep up with the advanced technical skills, credentials and other attributes expected from quality employers.

 

Another significant milestone was exceeding $5 Billion in new investment. Since 2004, $5,021,082,956 in new capital investment has resulted, or will be coming online in the next few years. Approximately 90% of this growth is credited to existing industry successes, compared to the 80% statistic that is typically offered as a rule, noted Lemmon. “Our Board directs us to take exceptional care of our existing industries; they are the key to Bartow’s economic recoveries and successes. For example, a recent announcement of $750 million in Georgia has understandably generated excitement,” said Lemmon. “We should not take for granted that two of Bartow’s existing industries collectively have invested nearly four times the recent headline-catching news. Existing industries of all sizes are making a positive difference in our region’s economy.”

 

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Bartow County Grant Writing Department were thanked for existing industry support in 2017. A total of $626,585 from three grant sources, were received to support the creation of 332 jobs and investments of $85 million.

 

In February 2017, Southern Business & Development Magazine named Cartersville-Bartow County among “The Best of Economic Development in Metro Atlanta,” including: Best PLACES for Manufacturing in North Metro Atlanta, Best LOCATIONS in Metro Atlanta for Automotive Suppliers, and Best Industrial SITES in Metro Atlanta – HIGHLAND 75.

 

Over 115 US manufacturers call Bartow County home, and 35 international companies from 19 countries around the globe. In October 2017 the Atlanta Business Chronicle in partnership with World Trade Center Atlanta and the Georgia Department of Economic Development presented Georgia’s International Business awards recognizing “individuals and organizations working to build and strengthen Georgia’s vibrant global economy.” Finalists in various categories included Bartow’s own Anheuser-Busch, Toyo Tire, voestalpine, as well as the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development that was ultimately able to bring home the 2017 International Community Award to Cartersville-Bartow County.

 

BCJDA Chairman James Jarrett thanked the many partners in economic development for their contributions to the community’s economic health. He noted that their collaboration is a large part of our community’s success and positive reputation. A special note of thanks was given to Bartow County and the City of Cartersville Governments for their ongoing leadership and financial support of the BCJDA over the years.

 

About the Authority:

 

The Bartow-Cartersville Joint Development Authority (d.b.a. Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development) is a lead community partner in economic development for Cartersville and all of Bartow County, Georgia. The Authority is made up of appointed business leaders from diverse backgrounds who carry out their Mission “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.” Together they oversee staff and effort to support existing industries, recruit new ones that are a strategic fit for the community, develop industrial property such as Highland 75 Corporate/Industrial Park, as well as support partnering organizations in various aspects of community and workforce development.

 

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