Community Spotlight: Habersham

Have you ever experienced a new community and thought to yourself “I haven’t been here long, but I already feel right at home”? Be prepared to feel this way when you enter a city in Habersham County, where their top priority is to become one of the best places to live, work, and play.

A Home for Business in the Georgia Mountains

The leadership in Habersham is focused on attracting and fostering business by providing resources, hosting events, and creating programs. “The better business does in Habersham County, the better our whole community does,” shared Ellie Van Doornum, President of the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce. In turn, local businesses return that care to their customers.

Established local businesses are living proof of this belief. From the largest producers to main street, employers go out-of-their way to show a customer-focused mentality.

If you find yourself deciding which pastry to buy from Flour, Water, Salt Artisan Bakery and Cafe, you’ll likely experience the owner aiding your decision by informing you of each ingredient and the amount of love put into their creations. When ordering a local roast at a BSG Coffee, the barista might take a step further past base level small talk to meaningful conversation that makes you feel like you’ve been patronizing them for years.

“We want to get some really strong businesses in there that are there for the long haul”, said Ellie. By Habersham providing entrepreneurs with a strong foundation, they have what they need to focus on curating friendly atmospheres that attract and retain their customers – locals come back daily, and visitors can’t wait to return.

Talent for the Future

With a community focused on bringing in business, it’s important to consider the talent that calls the region home. With institutions like Habersham County Career Academy, North Georgia Technical College, and Piedmont University, creating a dependable workforce is a pillar for the area’s success. These institutions not only provide students with degrees and certifications but also the skills and trainings that align with industry needs.

On top of these programs, Habersham’s location plays a vital role in their workforce success. “Habersham touches five different counties within the state of Georgia including the state of South Carolina” explains Andrew Carnes, Northeast region economic development manager.

This blend between education and diverse citizenry makes for a bright future.

International Investment in Habersham

As Habersham looks ahead into expanding its markets, international business is included in that picture. Currently, Habersham and the broader Northeast region are attracting international companies.

To-date, six internationally headquartered companies have established a presence in Habersham, including significant employers such as:

• Solmax Americas, a textile goods manufacturer employs approximately 240 people and is owned by a Canadian company
• Morito Scovill Americas manufacturers upholstery items, employs approximately 130 and is owned by a Japanese parent company

With its ideal scenic location and dependable workforce, the region’s growth is a testament to the county’s welcoming business climate.

Regional Economic Development Manager, Andrew Carnes, puts it perfectly, “We do have the beautiful landscape but also the workforce”.

With continued investment in both entrepreneurship and workforce combined with the picturesque mountain view it’s hard to say no to a place like Habersham County.

Explore the Northeast Region

Our regional economic development managers live and work in the region's they support. Contact Andrew today to learn about the local industry, quality of life, and more.