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Momentum in the Northeast: Highlights from the 2025 Good News Gathering

Exciting growth and expansion were at the tips of everyone's tongue when discussing the future of Northeast Georgia

Everyone loves good news, and Georgia's economic develpment professionals are no different. That's why each year, economic development leaders from across Northeast Georgia come together to celebrate wins, share updates, and strengthen partnerships. The Annual Good News Gathering, hosted by Regional Economic Development Manager Andrew Carnes, is a true showcase of the region’s innovation and growth.

"There's no better time to bring everybody together who's involved with economic development, bringing in phenomenal companies, helping our existing companies grow and expand in Northeast Georgia” Andrew shared as he opened the event.

At this year's Gathering, 16 communities got a few minutes to share their latest achievements in business recruitment, infrastructure development, and workforce initiatives. Read below for the top two highlights from each community:

Andrew Carnes speaking at podium during Good News Gathering

White County

  • $65M in new development including hotels, assisted living, and housing.
  • Partnership with Finland’s Lunawood for lumber production.

Walton County

  • Rivian project groundbreaking will bring $5B investment and 7,500 jobs to region.
  • MGM Products announcement of $38.5M investment, 170 jobs.

Stevens County

  • Workforce housing and education-industry pipeline is strong in part to the partnership with North Georgia Tech.
  • $48M has been invested by existing industries.

Rabun County

  • $52M renovation of the iconic Dillard House resort.
  • Exploring new business park sites while preserving natural beauty.
Two men shaking hands and smiling in a crowd of people at the Good News Gathering

Jackson County

  • Exploring new projects from existing industries like manufacturing.
  • Empower College & Career Center earned prestigious recognition as a National Blue-Ribbon School.

Hart County

  • Purina expansion created or retained 950+ employees.
  • Gateway Industrial Park improvements include pad-ready sites.

Hall County

  • 70 new/expanded industries in 5 years.
  • Major expansions included Kubota, King’s Hawaiian, and CJ Foodville.

Habersham County

  • New 200-acre industrial site in development.
  • Existing industry base continues in region (e.g., Ethicon sutures, Springer Mountain Farms).

Greene County

  • Amazon last-mile delivery center under construction.
  • Highlighted the Green County Industrial Park near I-20 and CSX rail access.
Two men smiling and pointing at each other at the Good News Gathering

Franklin County

  • Strong partnerships with developers and state project managers supported the sale of previously available sites.

Elbert County

  • Moller Tech expansion estimates $25M investment.
  • Housing and downtown revitalization projects underway.

Dawson County

  • 3,000 building permits last year with 1,300 coming this year.
  • Developing 77-acre business innovation park.

Clarke County

  • Biomanufacturing pathway for high school students at Athens Community Career Academy supports Georgia top industries.
  • Announced $3M in ARPA funds for childcare and small business support.

Barrow County

  • $500M commercial development on Hwy 316 announced.
  • Chico’s site repurposed for 1,000 jobs and national HQ relocation.
Large group of economic development leader gathered for a group picture in an auditorium

This year's Gathering is proof that the Northeast continues to grow in an exciting direction. In addition to regional dispatches, the Georgia Ports Authority updated the gathered group on the Blue Ridge Connector inland port's planned opening in Spring 2026 - an exciting development sure to transform the region's logistics. With so much momentum across Northeast Georgia, we’re confident that next year’s Good News Gathering will bring even more exciting stories of progress and possibility.

Discover Northeast Georgia by Connecting with Andrew

Whether you're rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs or taking in the beautiful scenery, there's never a dull moment in Northeast Georgia. Home to world-class apple picking as well as global manufacturing companies, click here to find what this region has to offer your business.