Test Drive 2014 Welcome Home Magazine | Page 71

Economic Development Cornerstone for Success the Authority strives to maintain a solid relationship with its existing industries and to become aware of any growth opportunities or challenges that we can provide assistance with. Every business has unique challenges and opportunities so everything the Development Authority does for the local industries is based on their unique needs. Top County Taxpayers • • • • Georgia Department of Corrections trail ribbon cutting I deally situated on I-75 in the heart of Georgia and easily accessible to the entire southeast, Monroe County offers the hospitality of the Deep South with the vibrancy of a progressive, growing business community. Monroe County boasts one of the better economies in all of Georgia, rating the 14th best in the state out of 159 counties by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Those rankings reflect in part the migration of professionals into Monroe County from Macon to the south and Atlanta to the north, lured by the excellent schools, low taxes and crime, tranquil lifestyle and yet the easy proximity to metro areas provided by I-75. The newcomers have helped push the county’s population to 26,984, according to the 2013 census estimate. The Development Authority of Monroe County, a division of the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce is the lead economic development organization in the county, providing support and services for Monroe County, the City of Forsyth and Culloden. With a comprehensive approach to community and economic development, the Authority is committed to creating a climate to facilitate the growth and prosperity of our local businesses and industries. This approach includes traditional industrial development, tourism development, as well as commercial and retail development. With a mission to create jobs and increase the tax base, a multifaceted approach is essential. Through an “open for business” atmosphere, lower development fees, and a responsive staff, Monroe County allows businesses to maximize their investment, both in time and money. A variety of business assistance and incentive programs coupled with a responsive and helpful staff makes it possible for us to partner with our new and existing businesses to foster an entrepreneurial environment to help grow and diversify the local economy. Of the many services provided by the staff, following are several you should consider as a new business considering to locate in our community or an existing business. • Finding a site or building • Statistics and research • Community briefing and tours • Visitation itineraries • Corporate executive and employee briefings • Employee relocation assistance • Post-relocation services Monroe County’s location and easy interstate access to the Atlanta airport and the port in Savannah are just a few reasons Monroe County is attractive to existing and new businesses. Supporting existing industry is vital to healthy economic growth and is an important component of the Development Authority of Monroe County. While relocations and expansions tend to get the most publicity, it is our existing industry that creates the vast majority of new jobs. This is exactly why Welcome Home: The Forsyth-Monroe County Relocation Guide and Membership Directory • • • • • • Property owner 2013 tax bill Florida Power and Light ....... $4.4 million Oglethorpe Power ................. $3.7 million Georgia Power ...................... $3.5 million Municipal Electric Authority of Ga....................................... $1.1 million Jacksonville Electric Authority.................................... $1 million Gulf Power Co............................$802,000 Ga. Transmission Corp. ...........$392,000 Norfolk Southern Corp..............$390,000 Smarr EMC ................................$258,000 Gresco Utility.............................$251,000 Top Employers Industry • Georgia Power Co.–Plant Scherer....375 • PalletOne...............................................69 • Gresco Utility Supply...........................50 • Encore Plastics.....................................48 • Perdue Chicken.....................................39 • Southern Forest....................................33 • Erosion Tech..................................