TIFTON, GA (WALB) -
Despite a still struggling economy, leaders in Tifton leaders say their city is booming.
Several big construction projects are underway bringing in various businesses and new jobs.
Over the next few months, Tifton could see nearly a thousand new jobs. Leaders are not announcing all of the projects just yet, but you can already see the groundwork happening.
It is easy to find construction sites that will soon be home to new businesses in Tifton. It is a good time of year for it. Current stores in Tifton are expecting their sales to jump up when ABAC students come back to town.
"I walk in places and people say, Mr. President, we sure are looking forward to the students getting back," said ABAC President Dr. David Bridges. "I know why they are saying it, but I always ask. They spend a lot of money with us and we need that economic impact."
Announcements about new jobs are being made often. Publix and Premier Transportation are two of the headliners. The progress has heavy construction equipment, stacks of bricks, and leveled off soil all over the city and county.
People in Tifton view construction equipment as symbols of economic progress to move beyond the past recession. Then the question becomes, what makes Tifton so attractive to prospective businesses?
Interstate 75 and plenty of main roads surely made Tifton a good transportation hub. There are also a few more resources that you may not immediately think about.
"We are in an area of the state that has plentiful water," Dr. Bridges said. "That is becoming a bigger and bigger issue in the state. Industries are looking to go places that have water and natural resources to support them."
With so many signs of new businesses come more rumors about what stores will soon be serving customers. Some people in Tifton are not convinced that all of them will come to fruition.
"There have been rumors about restaurants coming to Tifton since I moved here in 2001," said resident Tyler Bridwell. "Olive Garden has been the biggest one. I'll believe it when I see it."
Officials in Tifton say you won't have too wait long.
Tifton Mayor Jamie Cater says the Publix has been a catalyst to convince other companies that Tifton is right for them.
Officials are not ready to release all of the businesses looking at Tifton, but leaders hope to announce more restaurants and agriculture and retail businesses soon.
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Dr. David Bridges
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