Thankful...

As the season of Thanksgiving is upon us, we naturally reflect on the things for which we are grateful. We live in a community full of reasons to be thankful. This has been a year full of progress for Toccoa-Stephens County. Good things are happening…and I am thankful. 

With a continued effort working together with the Stephens County Development Authority, leadership from the City of Toccoa, Stephens County and the Chamber of Commerce were thrilled to see new opportunities for our community begin to come together. An increase in commerce goes hand in hand when new jobs are added. Even when some of those jobs are filled with individuals from outside our county lines, we cannot overlook the money that is spent during the workday by those who work here. It sure has a positive impact on our local economy.

With SARK Wire and Nifco-KTW both choosing to locate in Stephens County, ramping up construction and build-out, planning to be up and running full steam in 2016. Our local employment agencies and the Georgia Department of Labor are working hard to fill the many jobs that have already been created from these companies. New industry breeds more new industry. Who knows what other companies will be drawn to Toccoa-Stephens County because they work closely with a business that is already in our community. Good things are happening…and I am thankful.

We all recently celebrated as the sign went up for the coming Holiday Inn Express at the corner of Big A Road and Rose Lane. With that will also come a new restaurant to serve the guests and community. That news comes right on the heels of the totally renovated Country Hearth Inn downtown. As we continue to add to and improve our local accommodations, how nice it will be to have the ability to meet the needs of those visiting Toccoa, instead of having to send them elsewhere to stay the night. Good things are happening…and I am thankful.

Existing industry growth also plays a huge part in the growth and stability of a community. Quite a few of our local companies are continuing to invest in Toccoa-Stephens County and they choose to expand their operations here. ASI Corporation is one clear example. They are adding thousands of additional square feet to their Clary Connector location and will soon be adding more jobs to help meet the needs of their existing demand. Carter’s Recycling has also expanded operations with Southeast Metals & Recycling out Highway 123. Also, Cotton Conversions, Inc. has added additional shifts in an effort to meet the increased demand for their products. Just to name a few. Good things are happening…and I am thankful.

To date, we have added fifty three new members to The Chamber since December of last year. I am grateful to work with an amazing staff, it’s a joy to come to work each day. Our staff, along with our outstanding Chamber Board of Directors, Ambassador Team, countless volunteers and Chamber members is what makes the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce a success. We are One Band…One Sound all working together for the same goal. Join the Chamber and help make a difference in our town. Good things are happening…and I am thankful.