HARALSON COUNTY, GA WWW.HARALSONCOUNTYGA.GOV BALANCING GROWTH WITH SMALL-TOWN HEART
BALANCING G WITH SMALLFOCUSED INDUSTRIAL GROWTH, VIBRANT COMMUNITY INITIA CREATE A THRIVING FUTURE STEEPED IN LOCAL CHARM HARALSON COUNTY, GA AT A GLANCE HARALSON COUNTY WHAT: A thriving community focused on industrial growth, vibrant downtowns, and comprehensive infrastructure projects WHERE: Northwest Georgia WEBSITE: www.haralsoncountyga.gov 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
GROWTH -TOWN HEART ATIVES, AND STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS Haralson County, Georgia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and strategic advantages, making it an attractive place to live and work. Located just 50 miles from Atlanta and intersected by the major thoroughfare of I-20, Haralson County provides residents with the tranquility of rural life while conveniently close to the bustling metropolitan area. 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
Ronnie Ridley, Chairman and CEO of Haralson County Board of Commissioners, emphasizes the county’s promising trajectory.“We’re moving forward,” he says, highlighting the county’s steady growth compared to its more populous neighbors. With a population of under 30,000, Haralson County offers a tight-knit community atmosphere. Ridley notes,“The counties around us have got 100,000 or better, but we’ve got something special here.” One of the standout features of Haralson County is its accessibility. “We’re 40 minutes from downtown Atlanta and just as close to the airport,” Ridley points out. This proximity means residents and businesses benefit from easy access to one of the world’s busiest airports, facilitating global connectivity. “It’s a oneway flight to anywhere in the world you want to be,” he adds. The blend of rural charm and modern conveniences makes Haralson County a compelling place to call home.“It’s a small county, but it’s just a good place to live,” Ridley states with conviction. However, Haralson County isn’t just about its advantageous location and technological advancements; it also boasts an array of outdoor amenities and attractions that enrich the lives of its residents and draw visitors from afar. “We’ve got canoeing on the Tallapoosa River, with several launch pads available for people to enjoy the water,” he says, painting a picture of a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts.The river’s appeal is undeniable, offering a peaceful retreat for residents and tourists alike. Eric McDonald, president and CEO of the Greater Haralson Chamber and Development Authority, adds to the county’s appeal by mentioning the flourishing wedding industry.“A lot of privately hosted wedding venues bring in traffic from outside the community,” he explains. Ridley also points out the burgeoning wine culture in the area.“There are several wineries in the county,” he states, signaling a growing agritourism sector. THRIVING BUSINESS LANDSCAPE Haralson County’s business scene blends entrepreneurial spirit with substantial industrial investment, creating a thriving economic 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 HARALSON COUNTY, GA
environment. Ridley and McDonald discuss the diverse businesses making their mark in the county. “You have a lot of entrepreneurs buying up older downtown spaces and transforming them into salons, shops, and restaurants,” McDonald shares, illustrating how the county is revitalizing its historic areas. This wave of small business investments brings new life to the county’s downtown districts. On the industrial side, the county is experiencing significant growth. “We have a major automotive manufacturer expanding in our community,” McDonald reveals.This expansion is part of a broader trend of industrial development, with companies like door and metal building manufacturers increasing their workforce from 20 to 250 employees and planning to add another 100 jobs. He notes,“Most of our companies are really looking to expand, whether they’re small or large.” The influx of new jobs is remarkable. “Probably in the next year to 24 months, we’re looking at around a thousand new jobs,” McDonald says. This projection includes various industries, from rubber compounding companies adding 30 jobs to a metal distribution company constructing a 400,000-squarefoot facility on a rail-served site in a county-owned industrial park. BUILDING THE FUTURE: INFRASTRUCTURE AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT Haralson County’s economic growth is fueled by strategic investments in critical infrastructure, ensuring the region is well-equipped to support new and existing businesses. Ridley addresses the county’s previous water supply issues and the solutions. “We’ve had a problem with water in the past, but the Water Authority has a new well coming online that will produce up to a thousand gallons a minute,” he explains. Additionally, Haralson County has secured contracts with neighboring counties to access up to a million gallons of water daily, solidifying the county’s water supply for the foreseeable future. “We’ll be good on water within six to eight months,” he confirms. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
The Greater Haralson Chamber is the largest business organization in Haralson County, the Greater Haralson Chamber is at the forefront of business growth, workforce development, and community advocacy. Be Part of the Leading Edge of the Future of Haralson County The Front Door to Business Success Thinking Bigger Together! JOIN NOW! Economic Development Working as the lead and management entity for the Development Authority of Haralson County, we are working everyday to ready our community for industry and tell the Haralson County story to prospective & existing industries and site selectors. We are listening and interested in how we can impact your bottom line through advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. Haralson County is a great place to play! We showcase our members to tourist and visitors 24 hours and 7 days a week. We are in the connections business. Through our industry red carpet service, monthly networking events, seminars, on-line community, new resident guide, or other opportunities we are putting our business members in front of connections everyday. Business Advocate Tourism Connections 70 Murphy Campus Blvd, Waco, GA 30182 770.537.5594 elangley@haralson.org www.haralson.org
The Greater Haralson Chamber plays a pivotal role in the success and growth of the Haralson County community, serving as the largest business organization in the area. The Chamber is more than just a hub for businesses; it is the driving force behind economic development, business advocacy, tourism promotion, and fostering essential connections within the region. For local businesses and the broader community, the Chamber is a crucial partner in ensuring a thriving, forward-looking future. Economic Development is one of the core pillars of the Chamber’s mission. As the lead management entity for the Development Authority of Haralson County, the Chamber works tirelessly to prepare the community for industrial growth. By actively engaging with prospective industries, site selectors, and existing businesses, the Chamber ensures Haralson County remains competitive in attracting investment. The Chamber showcases the region’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and favorable business environment, helping the area grow and prosper. Without these efforts, Haralson County could miss out on vital opportunities that bring jobs, revenue, and infrastructure improvements to the region. As a business advocate, the Chamber listens intently to the needs of its members and works to impact their bottom line. By pushing for business-friendly policies at the local, state, and national levels, the Chamber ensures that Haralson County businesses are heard and supported. Whether it’s lobbying for tax reforms, addressing regulatory challenges, or promoting small business initiatives, the Chamber’s advocacy efforts create a more favorable climate for growth and profitability. Haralson County is not just a great place to work but also an incredible place to play, thanks in part to the Chamber’s focus on tourism. By promoting local attractions, restaurants, shops, and recreational activities, the Chamber ensures that businesses benefit from an influx of tourists and visitors year-round. This exposure creates new customers for local businesses and strengthens the local economy. Finally, the Chamber excels at building connections, which are vital for business growth. Through its industry red carpet service, monthly networking events, educational seminars, and online community, the Chamber facilitates relationships that can lead to new partnerships and opportunities. By connecting business owners with potential clients, collaborators, and mentors, the Chamber helps its members succeed. The Greater Haralson Chamber is an indispensable resource for businesses and the community, ensuring continued growth, development, and prosperity in Haralson County. It is a partner in the area’s future and a catalyst for success.
High-speed internet is another crucial infrastructure component. Ridley elaborates on the county’s efforts to expand broadband access. “We’ve been working with Carroll EMC and SyncGlobal to provide highspeed internet to 95% of the county,” he says. This initiative addresses a significant barrier to attracting new residents and businesses, particularly those who rely on remote work or hybrid models. “It’s as important as power in the future,” Ridley adds, emphasizing the significance of this project. Transportation infrastructure has also seen significant enhancements. “We paved 155 miles of county roads in the last five years out of the 480 total miles. Our goal is to repave every road within a 20-year cycle,” Ridley reports. Similarly, McDonald highlights the importance of rail infrastructure for industrial development. “We have an industrial site with rail siding, and having rail infrastructure will be important,” he says. “ BALANCING GROWTH WITH COMMUNITY CHARACTER As Haralson County continues to develop its commercial and industrial sectors, residential development remains a crucial aspect of its growth strategy. Ridley discusses the county’s cautious approach to residential construction. “We haven’t had a lot of building or construction going on because we’ve had a moratorium until we got our ordinances the way we wanted them,” he explains. The county is determined to avoid the pitfalls of rapid, uncontrolled growth in other areas. “We think we’ve got the ordinance just right so we can have new subdivisions, but it’s going to be under our control to keep the county’s character the same.” Affordability remains a critical issue, reflecting challenges across the U.S. and Canada. Ridley acknowledges, “Many of our new construction is people moving from the metro area out here. We want to control that growth, but we realize there’s a need for affordable housing, including starter homes.” McDonald adds that investors are already making moves to address the housing demand. “Some investors are starting to rehab a lot of our older 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 HARALSON COUNTY, GA
housing stock, making them perfect first-time homes,” he shares. This effort revitalizes existing properties and provides affordable options for newcomers and locals. ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY: FESTIVALS AND UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS Haralson County’s vibrant community engagement is evident through its numerous festivals and unique local attractions. County Clerk Alison Palmer highlights the proactive nature of the county’s cities in organizing festivals. “Our cities are very outgoing. We’ve got a lot of groups that host festivals,” she says. One of the standout events is Buchanan’s Fried Pie Festival, inspired by Tennessee’s Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg.“They went to Tennessee and studied the Cornbread Festival, bringing that idea back here. It’s turned into a large festival in the county seat,” she adds, drawing 11,500 attendees and featuring 172 vendors. Tallapoosa’s New Year’s Eve celebration offers a quirky twist on traditional festivities. “Tallapoosa has the Possum Drop for New Year’s Eve,” Palmer mentions. Instead of the customary peach drop seen in Atlanta,Tallapoosa drops a possum—one that has died of natural causes and been taxidermied. “We have a big taxidermist in the area who has a little museum down there,” Palmer explains. Ridley talks about a new and exciting development in the rural parts of the county—glamping. “We’ve got an investor with about 600 acres in the rural part of the county who’s going to start glamping,” he says. “The ultimate plan is over 200 high-end camping sites with community amenities. Some sites will have luxurious yurts or safari-style tents, and others will be perfect for motorhomes.There will be a central place with a farmer’s market and a chef-led restaurant using local farm foods.” WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE Haralson County recognizes the critical importance of workforce development, especially in the face of a nationwide labor shortage. Through collaborative 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) is a cornerstone of educational and workforce development in the West Georgia region, offering a wide array of programs that cater to the diverse needs of the community. With a focus on hands-on learning and practical skills, WGTC provides pathways to success in fields ranging from healthcare and business to industrial technology and computer information systems. The college’s commitment to affordability and accessibility ensures that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue higher education and gain the skills necessary to thrive in today’s job market. WGTC’s Murphy Campus has housed medical and business programs, general core courses and cosmetology programs since it opened in 2002. The College recently broke ground on a new industrial building which will bring trade and tech programs to the campus. The 25,582 sq. ft. building will accommodate the Commercial Truck Driving, Electrical Lineworker, and Welding programs and feature a 40-booth welding lab with state-of-the-art equipment, classrooms, and community space. A new CDL range will also be added. The facility is expected to be completed in the spring of 2025 with classes set to begin in the fall of 2025. For more information about West Georgia Technical College, visit westgatech.edu. Opening Fall 2025! Learn more at www.westgatech.edu/spark-the-flame WGTC Murphy Campus West Georgia Technical College is a Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution. HARALSON COUNTY, GA
efforts with educational institutions and industry partners, the county strives to equip its residents with the skills needed for local job opportunities. Ridley explains the county’s proactive measures.“Our school system has built a Career Academy in the last few years. It’s designed so a student can graduate on Friday night and start work on Monday morning, fully prepared,” he explains. “They’ve increased cosmetology, culinary arts, automotive, carpentry, welding, robotics, daycare, and teaching programs.” The county school system now follows a college and career model, introducing soft skills as early as second and third grade. These efforts extend to the city school system.“The county schools’ graduation rate is over 98%, the best in northwest Georgia,” McDonald notes.The technical 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
college is also expanding its facilities to support workforce development further. “West Georgia Technical College has just broken ground on a new industrial lab,” he reports. This facility will add 40 new welding booths, a CDL truck driving program, and training for utility linemen, and it is expected to open within 12 to 18 months. The county’s efforts aim to reduce the number of residents commuting for work. “Seventy-eight percent of our people leave the county every day for work. We’ve brought that down from 80%, but our goal is to keep more people off of I-20,” McDonald shares. One success story is Whirlwind Building Products in Tallapoosa, which expanded from 30 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 HARALSON COUNTY, GA
to 250 employees, hiring many residents who had previously commuted long distances. LOOKING AHEAD: PRIORITIES FOR 2025 As Haralson County anticipates the next 18 months, local leaders are focused on key initiatives to ensure continued growth and prosperity. Ridley begins by emphasizing the critical importance of the industrial park. “Our top priority is to have industry in the industrial park to take our people off I-20. We want the 78% who leave every day to work ten minutes from home,” he states.The aim is to attract high-paying jobs that match the county’s low unemployment rate of less than 3%. “We’re not looking for low-paying jobs. We’re looking for good jobs for our people,” Ridley adds. McDonald expands on this vision, emphasizing the transformation of the industrial park into a hub of economic activity.“The conversion of that land into a viable working industrial park and job center is essential,” he says. Additionally, maintaining vibrant downtown areas is crucial.“Everyone heads straight for a downtown when they visit communities. We need to ensure our downtowns are vibrant places,” he notes. BARCO, LLC Your Custom Rubber Mixing Experts Quality. Flexibility. Rapid Service. Since 2017, BARCO has been delivering top-notch custom rubber mixing solutions from our 172,000 sq. ft. facility in Tallapoosa, GA. With ISO-9001-2015 certification and a dedicated team with 300+ years of experience, we ensure superior quality and unmatched customer satisfaction. Wide range of polymers Competitive pricing Quick turnaround At BARCO we are raising the BAR! Contact us: Phone: 770-574-2272 Address: 280 Pequanoc Drive, Tallapoosa, GA 30176 Website: www.barco-us.com 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
Palmer agrees with the focus on industry and manufacturing but highlights the need for more entertainment and retail options.“We need more on the entertainment side. We have very few restaurants except in a few cities,” she says. She envisions a controlled expansion that enhances local amenities without overwhelming the community.“It would be nice not to have to go 30 minutes away to hit some of the big stores,” she adds. Haralson County’s strategic priorities for the near future are clear: industrial growth, vibrant downtowns, educational opportunities, enhanced local amenities, and comprehensive internet access. These initiatives reflect a unified vision for fostering a thriving and well-connected community. 100 Wagon Yard Plaza Carrollton, GA 30117 770-834-4467 www. singervance.com 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 HARALSON COUNTY, GA
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Greater Haralson Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority www.haralson.org The Greater Haralson Chamber drives business growth, economic development, and advocacy in the Haralson County community. As the county’s largest business organization, it promotes local industry, tourism, and business connections through networking, advocacy, and partnerships. The Chamber ensures businesses thrive by fostering relationships, attracting investment, and supporting the local economy. n West Georgia Technical College www.westgatech.edu West Georgia Technical College, serving seven counties in Georgia, is dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities and fostering partnerships with businesses. As part of the Technical College System of Georgia, the college supports economic development by offering a wide range of programs that equip students with skills for today’s workforce. n Barco www.barco-us.com BARCO, LLC, founded by Ian Malpass and Mike Cash in 2015, specializes in custom rubber mixing at its 172,000 sq. ft. facility in Tallapoosa, GA. With ISO-9001-2015 certification and a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, BARCO, LLC provides flexible, rapid service and competitive pricing. Their experienced team mixes various polymers to meet diverse customer needs. n Tisinger Vance, P.C. – Attorneys at Law www.tisingervance.com At Tisinger Vance, we believe that our 100+ years representing clients mark a commitment to the same values of the firm’s founders: dedication, persistence, creativity, hard work, unquestioned ethics, and community service. We seek to apply these values to each of our practice areas and for every client we serve. 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
WWW.HARALSONCOUNTYGA.GOV WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN Haralson County GA
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