that as needed for different events throughout the year,” Dowd says. The seasonal employment model addresses labor market challenges by offering unique experiences beyond typical retail positions. “When we hire part-time people to come help at events, that gives those folks the opportunity to get out here and see what we’re doing. It is something exciting and different that you’re not going to have just by going to your normal Walmart part-time job.” Capital investment focuses on expanding youth livestock capacity. Construction is underway on a new barn and arena complex with a $21.5 million budget and November 2026 completion date.“Right now we are in the process of building a new barn and arena here on site. That’s mainly to facilitate that youth exhibition,” Dowd explains.The expansion will increase stall capacity from 2,625 to 3,000, accommodating growth in youth programs. A separate project brings hospitality infrastructure to the grounds. “The hotel, which is not ours, but a joint venture with Marriott,” Shimp clarifies. The property operates under a private-public land lease arrangement.“We did a land lease with a 126 room hotel that’ll sit on site and serve, helping us become a true convention center.” At the same time, technology infrastructure required substantial upgrades to support modern event operations. “We sit in very rural Georgia, so we have invested heavily,” Shimp says. “We used to run on a couple of copper wires twisted together technology wise. Zoom meetings that we’re having right now would’ve been very challenging five years ago.” Partnerships with local providers brought 102 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 13, ISSUE 01
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