Lee County adds more enterprise - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Lee County adds more enterprise

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By Stephanie Springer - bio | email
Project Superintendent Tony Thorpe Project Superintendent Tony Thorpe

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LEE COUNTY, GA (WALB) -

The contractors who built the new Cordele Chick-fil-a are now clearing land across from the Publix Shopping Center in Lee County as they get ready to build a Chick-fil-a there. It's the latest economic boost for Lee County, and for many folks, it couldn't come at a better time.

Last year, nearly three hundred jobs were added to the area because of all of the new businesses. But the Chamber President says 2013 will be even better. To some folks, this is just another pile of dirt. But to others, it represents a glimmer of hope during tough economic times.

"Ultimately I think it's a sign we can make it through anything," said  

Bulldozers got to work this week, clearing land and building up dirt for the one of the most anticipated businesses to move into town.

"Everywhere I go the main question I get asked is 'When am I going to be able to buy a Chick-fil-a sandwich in lee county?" said Lee Co. Chamber of Commerce President Winston Oxford .

The answer is...very soon. "Basically just moving dirt in and grading it out," said Project Superintendent  Tony Thorpe.

 W. H Bass, contractors of Duluth moved into Lee County Monday, and will spend several weeks working on the project.

"I'll be in town 17 weeks, store should be finished in about 12," said Thorpe.

 It's on Forester Parkway, near other new businesses in the Publix Lee Crossing Shopping Center.

With so many well known businesses in the area officials say it will bring in even more development. 

"People are anticipation better times, they're putting their money where their mouth is Not only will Chick-Fil-a bring in more jobs, but the building phase helps folks in the construction business too," said Oxford. 

"We try and bring in as many local subs as we can as long as they can handle the project. We do create a lot of jobs with this, probably 70 to 80 women and men will work on this project," said Thorpe.

From Fred's, To Dollar General, and all the other new businesses, 2012 was a good year in Lee County. "I honestly think 2013 will be better.  To me it's just the nation pushing through the economy, creating something instead of destroying something," Oxford said.

This symbolizes the beginning of an even brighter future for Lee County. Mr. Oxford wouldn't give any hints on any prospective businesses looking to move into Lee County, but he says it's the most he's had in the works in six years. That Chik-fil-a should open in May.

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