County courting industry

By Jessica Waters
The Toccoa Record

Meadowbrook Industrial Park may soon be home to a Michigan manufacturing company, according to Stephens County Development Authority executive director Tim Martin and SCDA board chairman Cam Parker.

“It’s two deals wrapped up in one,” explained Parker, saying that the Michigan-based company has signed a letter of intent to occupy the Telford Building – a 52,500-square-foot metal building on Meadowbrook Industrial Road in Eastanollee.

Martin and Parker declined to identify the company, but explained the two-step process agreed upon during negotiations.

“The development authority will purchase the Telford Building for $700,000, and the owner will loan (the Development Authority) back $500,000 and pocket $200,000,” Parker said, adding that the $500,000 loan would be paid back at a 3 percent interest rate with a balloon payment due after three years.

“In a separate deal with the Michigan company, they will lease the building for $6,000 per month for three years, with a purchase option for $603,000 at the end of the three years.”

The plant manager of the company, which makes wooden components for doors and other products, is currently in town searching for housing, Martin said, adding that research into the company shows it to be in good financial standing.

“They have been very upfront – they are saying they will be adding 12 jobs,” Martin said, adding that the number of employees could increase over time.

Parker added that all individuals involved in the transaction are aware of all aspects of the arrangement, and that, during these economic times when other communities are providing large benefits to companies in order to compete for new businesses, some risks must be taken in order to attract new industry.

If the deal is finalized the new company could be up and running by November, Martin said.

Jennifer Blasingame Resigns


Stephens County Development Authority Treasurer and long-time board member, Jennifer Blasingame, has announced her retirement from the board according to SCDA Board Chairman, Cam Parker.

Blasingame, who is expecting the birth of a child in October, served six years on the board following her appointment by the Stephens County commissioners.
"She has had a strategic vision for where we wanted to go, and she has been an outstanding steward of those (taxpayer) dollars," said Parker. "We are where we are today in a large part because of her dedication," he added.

County commissioners will appoint a new member to the board during an upcoming commission meeting.

Combat Training Solutions receives military contract

The receipt of a government contract by Combat Training Solutions – a Colorado-based company which operates a research and development and production facility in Eastanollee – could mean additional jobs for Stephens County, said CTS president and CEO Tony Colon.

After a lengthy four-year contract competition, Combat Training Solutions, on Friday, was awarded a CARTS contract. CARTS stands for Common Army Ranges and Target Systems.

A number of companies will work to fill the $4 billion, five-year contract, with $390 million of that set aside for small businesses such as Combat Training Solutions, Colon explained.

“That is $390 million we can go after without competing against large businesses,” he said, explaining that CTS is a Hub Zone certified company.
HUB Zone certification is a Small Business Administration initiative to promote job growth, capital investment, and economic development to historically underutilized business zones by providing contracting assistance to small businesses located in these economically distressed communities.

“This (contract) will allow us to research and development and use government funds for that,” Colon said, explaining that the contract would allow for prototype building and rapid prototyping that would allow the company to hire additional machinists, welders, design engineers and support staff as well as assemblers to help produce the products once developed.

Read Full article: Toccoa Record: Top Stories

The Toccoa Record: 09-09-10

Work Ready Connect


Thursday, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced the launch of Work Ready Connect, the state's new online employment marketplace. The website brings together Work Ready certified people and employers to ensure the right person is placed in the right job to drive success.
Visit website: Work Ready Connect

NGTC Celebrates 5 years


The Toccoa Record
It’s hard for many to believe that only five years ago North Georgia Technical College opened the doors to a brand new, state-of-the-art branch campus in Stephens County.

Known as the Currahee Campus, the 46,000-square-foot facility is located on a 50-acre site in the Hayestone-Brady Industrial Park on Highway 17 between Toccoa and Lavonia.

With Sammy Howe as director and a skeleton crew of only 8 faculty and staff members, classes began on the new campus on July 7, 2005.

Initially, 101 students enrolled in classes at the new facility during that first summer quarter.

Now, five years later, enrollment numbers have soared to almost 500 students attending classes on the Currahee Campus.

“It is a great opportunity to bring post-secondary education and adult education to the people of Stephens and Franklin Counties,” Howe said at the opening.

“This location will provide an opportunity for people to look at new career options closer to home. Companies who are interested in moving to the area will have a place to look at for an educational facility to meet their training needs,” Howe said.

Recently the NGTC Foundation received a donation from the First Citizens Foundation to complete preliminary plans for a proposed addition to the campus. The new expansion will include a health wing which will provide even greater opportunities for the citizens of Stephens, Franklin and other surrounding counties.

In addition to educational facilities, the new Currahee facility also provided the community with access to a conference area open to the public for meetings, social gatherings and even weddings.

“We welcome you to come and visit us soon,” said campus director Greg Roach. “You can visit our library, enjoy the Thursday buffet, or schedule a wedding reception. And when you’re ready to move forward in your career by getting a better education, we’re here to help.”

For more information: NGTC
or Call: 706-779-8100.

Read the article:NGTC celebrate 5 years

Pioneer Day set at Traveler's Rest


Traveler's Rest State Historic Sit and the Friends of Traveler's Rest will host its Pioneer Days special event on Saturday, Sept. 18.
Many of the talents and skills of the early 18oo's pioneers are brought back to life. Special demonstrations will be on hand for spinning, weaving, blacksmithing, black powder shooting, hearth cooking, and doll making.
Visitors will also enjoy live peroid music and dancing. Admission is $4 for adults, $3.50 for senior citizens, $2.50 for youths, and small children are free.
Tours of the 1815 stagecoach inn and plantation home will be available as usual. Traveler's Rest is located five miles eat of Toccoa on Hwy 123.

For more information visit: GA State Parks
or Call Tugaloo State Park: 706-356-4362

TFC Receives High Ranking


Toccoa Falls College recently earned the 46th (first tier) spot among regional colleges in the 2011 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News Media Group. This exclusive ranking came after surveying more than 1,400 schools nationwide. The college's name will be listed in the September issue of U.S. News & World Report, on newsstands as of August 31.
Over the past two decades, U.S. News college ranking, which group schools based categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has grown to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities. After learning the news, Toccoa Falls College president Dr. Wayne Gardner said, "It is very exciting to have Toccoa Falls College ranked in the first tier. This ranking shows the excellent progress we have made over the past few years in our academic growth and public recognition."
Toccoa Falls College is considered one of the top Christian colleges in the nation.
For more information about Toccoa Falls College, visit www.tfc.com or call 1-888-785-5624.