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automotive industry, which is developing in large part
along the I-16 corridor, which offers easy access to a
string of automotive original equipment manufacturers as well as Georgia’s bustling ports system. The
investment marks the single largest economic development in Emanuel County in more than 30 years,
according to Emanuel County Development Authority
CEO Ken Warnock.
Jackson Who needs Punxsutawney Phil? Georgia’s own
Chatsworth This Murray County town, about an hour
and a half north of Atlanta and six hours from the
closest ocean, isn’t exactly where you’d expect to find
a port. But it is home to the Appalachian Regional
Port, a bustling rail hub that connects directly to the
Port of Savannah that has become one of the fastest-growing and most important logistics hubs in the
Southeast. The inland terminal moved 3,876 containers in November, a new record and nearly 1,000 more
units than the same month last year. Each of the
seven outbound and seven inbound trains per week
eliminate 710 roundtrip truck miles, majorly reducing
highway congestion and emissions through Metro
Atlanta. And the inland port is a major job creator. The
University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business says
port-supported employment across Northwest Georgia
increased by 14 percent or more than 5,600 jobs between fiscal year 2023 and FY2024.
Decatur This DeKalb County city has been named the
state’s first “Bird City,” an internationally acclaimed
certification given to municipalities that foster safe
corridors for birds. Georgia sees more avian migration
than almost any other state, with a staggering 900 million birds passing through each fall. But big cities like
Atlanta pose a major concern for our feathered friends,
particularly when it comes to light pollution that can
disorient them as they fly through. Decatur officials
have installed new “dark sky-friendly” lighting around
the city which casts light directly downwards, and
have engaged with residents to show ways to make
pocket parks and even yards safer and more friendly to
birds, both native species and those passing through.
resident groundhog weatherman is General Beauregard Lee, who lives in this Butts County town. In fact,
according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, General Lee is more accurate than
his cousin Phil, with an 80 percent accuracy rate for
his forecasts. Unfortunately, this year, from his home
at Dauset Trails Nature Center, Lee did indeed see his
shadow that indicates six more weeks of winter. Sorry
for the bad news— but don’t shoot the messenger!
Perry The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry has long been a major destination in Middle Georgia, hosting large events like livestock shows,
rodeos and of course the annual Georgia National Fair.
One thing the fairgrounds were missing, though, was
an on-site hotel. That is resolved with the advent of
the sterling new Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites,
which soft-opened in December and will have its grand
opening in April. With a farmhouse style that’s a nod
to the region’s agrarian heritage, the 129-room hotel
features a restaurant and bar, a pool and 65,000-squarefeet of convention space. It has both standard rooms
and rooms with kitchenettes for longer stays for guests
attending week-long events at the fairgrounds.
Savannah The iconic Forsyth Park fountain is back,
fresh off a six-month restoration that saw it sent all
the way to Alabama for cleaning, repairs and even the
recasting of some features. Originally purchased (out
of a catalogue!) and installed in 1858, the fountain is
a replica of the one displayed at the 1851 World’s Fair
in London. In the 168 years since it has become one
of Savannah’s most definitive landmarks in its most
famous park. “Every great city has a great fountain,”
says Jay Melder, the Savannah city government’s chief
administrator. “The Forsyth fountain is loved the
world over, but nowhere more than right here as the
centerpiece of our world-class community space.”
Emanuel County South Korean autopart manufacturer Dongwon Autopart Technology is making a major
investment near Swainsboro in east Georgia, where a
new $30 million plant is expected to create more than
200 jobs. Dongwon joins Georgia’s ever-expanding
If you’ve got news from your local community
to share with our readers, please email us.
phickey@jamesmagazinega.com
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