Governor Barnes applauds SWGA - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Governor Barnes applauds SWGA

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October 2, 2002

Thomasville - Governor Roy Barnes says governors in surrounding states are envious of Georgia. He tells a story about one Southern Governor, "He said, we've looked at every rural economic development in the country and Georgia has the best." Governor Barnes applauds Southwest Georgians for bringing in businesses and industries.

Today, Governor Barnes gave community leaders and investors in Thomas County a pat on the back. He says the area got the first and probably the most One Georgia grants in the state. One Georgia grants help build new businesses and industries, adding more jobs. A team of leaders in Thomas County have done just that.

Business is booming in Thomas County and Thomasville. Governor Barnes says, "If Hollywood tried to create an ideal city. I would say look at Thomasville."

Governor Barnes says Thomasville Team 2000 is doing a good job recruiting new businesses and industries. He explains, "The key to prosperity is public private partnerships. In this area, you've got a great start, so keep it up."

Thomasville Team 2000 helped bring in businesses like Caterpillar. Ironically, Caterpillar is continuing to build for the future, clearing out land for more jobs.Team 2000 Chairman, Fred Jefferson, says, "We do not stand still. You move forward or move backward and we believe we are moving forward." The team has helped recruit other companies like Griswold Pump and American Signature Furniture. Jefferson says, "If it's good for Georgia, good for Thomasville. We make it work."

Governor Barnes says education ultimately closes the deal to better economic development. He explains, "To get the productivity that makes us internationally competitive, you have to have well trained workers."

Team 2000 shareholders make a three year commitment to help lift the economy.  Shareholders have invested in 16 businesses, creating two-thousand jobs with annual payrolls of 40-million dollars.

posted at 5:55PM by kathryn.simmons@walb.com