Annual Economic Development Report
The Gainesville-Hall County Economic Development Council (EDC) and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce report that new and expanded business developments for 2007-2008 included 41 new and expanded industries creating nearly 1,500 new jobs and investing $333 million in new capital investment projects. The EDC surpassed its goal for investment for $200 million for the same period. Capital investment for new and expanded firms has steadily grown over a five year period. The EDC’s fiscal year 2008, ending on June 30, included project investments from 16 firms totaling $187 million, the best single year investment recorded in the history of the Economic Development Council.
Investments were from Wrigley, ElringKlinger (Sevex), Stork, TRW, Fieldale Farms, and Atex, to name a few. Prospects for the EDC’s new fiscal year 2009 remain upbeat and began with announcement that ZF Industries will construct a new automatic transmission plant in Gainesville to employ 150 and include $41 million in capital improvements/additions. Construction will begin in the first quarter of 2009 in Gainesville Industrial Park West.
Among the 41 firms that contributed new capital investments and job creation in 2007-2008 were 25 existing industry expansions and 16 firms new to the Gainesville-Hall County MSA.
To date, the outlook for recruitment and existing industry activity remain positive for Gainesville-Hall County. The EDC is currently managing between 40 and 50 active retail, commercial and industrial development projects.
2007-2008 Accomplishments
Development of the new Gainesville Business Park
Expanded the life sciences initiative prescribed in VISION 2030
Hired a professional manager to carry out the Retail Development Initiative
Coordinated the Human Resource Council and Industry Roundtable programs
Encouraged and promoted Urban Redevelopment – TAD
Implemented a Project Control Tracking System
Expanded Drugs Don’t Work program to reduce employer insurance premiums
Coordinated Regional Commercial Broker gatherings
Hosted an Economic Development Tour for Statewide Economic Developers
Coordinated programs of the Small Business Council
Continued Statewide Developer and Commercial Broker Mailings
Enhanced partnerships with developers to encourage new industrial, office and
retail parks/developments
Continued support for the VISION 2030 objectives
For more on the Gainesville-Hall County Economic Development Council, contact Tim Evans, 770-532-6206. Email: tim@ghcc.com