Northwest Georgia JDA - News & Events

Man reporting business news affecting Northwest Georgia areas and counties

Check out what’s happening in Catoosa,
Chattooga, Dade and Walker counties in
Northwest Georgia by visiting our site often.
We will keep you informed on the most pertinent business news that affects our counties, our
region and our state.

Chattooga senior places fifth in national welding competition4/15/2024

Kentucky Welding Institute hosted its fifth annual weld competition for high school seniors across the country. Chattooga High School Senior Griffen Heaps came in fifth place and earned a $1,000 scholarship at the event.

Source: Chattooga AM 1190
GNTC earns 2024-25 Military Friendly® Gold designation 4/1/2024

Georgia Northwestern Technical College announced today that it has earned the 2024-25 Military Friendly® School Gold designation. GNTC improved on its Silver designation earned in 2023-24 by ascending to the Gold status for 2024-25. The gold designation means GNTC is rated within 10% of the 10th-ranked organization for the category of small community college.

Source: GNTC.edu
Walker County receives grant to improve internet connectivity 3/31/2024

Connect Humanity, a nonprofit impact fund, has awarded $30,000 to Walker County, Georgia to participate in the Appalachian Digital Accelerator, an initiative that supports communities as they create custom connectivity plans: roadmaps for improving internet connectivity that leads to new economic opportunities and healthier communities.

Source: Philanthropy News Digest
Planning for significant expansion over the next decade in Georgia3/16/2024

Growth in Northwest Georgia is what the commission is telling anyone who will listen. There has been $9.82 billion in new investment and expansion with 7,838 new jobs to be created from investments that have already been announced in Northwest Georgia.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
GNTC’s Paramedicine and EMS programs earn reaccreditation3/5/2024

Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Emergency Medical Services and Paramedicine programs have earned reaccreditation by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Source: GNTC.edu
McLemore hotel opens for business ‘above the clouds’ on Lookout Mountain2/29/2024

The doors of the 245-room Cloudland at McLemore Resort hotel were officially opened to its first guests, a milestone in the development of Lookout Mountain's luxury golf resort in Rising Fawn, Ga.

Source: Times Free Press
Apex PVC looks to start production in Menlo2/18/2024

Apex PVC, LLC owner, David Rogers, has told the City of Menlo that he will be purchasing the old SHOWA glove mill to produce polymer products used in a variety of manufacturing applications including toys, furniture and tools. Showa-Best Gloves laid off 80 people at the plant in July 2022. Rogers said his plans are to operate the former glove mill and hopefully employ people in the Menlo area who are familiar with the former glove mill.

Source: WZQZ AM 1180
Southeast Lineman Training Center in Trenton, Georgia to expand2/9/2024

The Southeast Lineman Training Center (SLTC) in Trenton, Ga., plans to expand its campus to accommodate more students. SLTC is a school for electrical and communications lineworker training. Established in 1999, SLTC is one of the largest lineworker training schools in the United States, training more than 1,000 linemen annually.

Source: Times Free Press
New home construction in Walker County grew at record pace in 20231/23/2024

Walker County experienced record housing growth in 2023, issuing 352 permits for the construction of new single-family homes in 2023, a nearly 148% increase over 2022.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
AdventHealth Medical Group opens cardiology office in Trion 1/19/2024

AdventHealth Medical Group is announced the opening of a new cardiology clinic in Trion, on January 22. The clinic shares a location with AdventHealth Family Medicine at Trion.

Source: Coosa Valley News
Gov. Kemp Joins GaDOE, TCSG to Announce Further Incentivization for High-Demand Career Pathways1/3/2024

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced changes to Georgia's statewide accountability system for schools – the College & Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) – to incentivize the adoption of high-demand Career Pathways in high schools. The CCRPI currently recognizes schools for the number of students completing a Career Pathway during high school. The 2025 CCRPI calculation will provide additional credit for students completing a Career Pathway aligned to a high-demand industry, as defined by the Georgia Department of Education (DOE) in conjunction with business and industry partners and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).

Source: Georgia Governor's Office
Georgia and Tennessee among fastest growing states again12/23/2023

Georgia and Tennessee remained among the fastest growing states again last year, growing their populations more than twice as fast as the rest of the nation, according to new population estimates. The U.S. Bureau of Census said Georgia's population grew by 116,077 over the past year while Tennessee added 77,513 more residents from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023.

Source: Times Free Press
CHI Memorial named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems™ by Fortune and PINC AI™12/19/2023

CHI Memorial has been identified for the second year in a row as one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems™ according to an independent quality analysis based on a scorecard provided by PINC AI™, the technology and services brand of Premier, Inc. CHI Memorial has one of its hospital locations in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.

Source: CHI Memorial Health
Walker Launch & GNTC Career Academy approved with $3 million grant12/12/2023

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has given the green light to a grant exceeding $3 million. This grant is set to pave the way for the establishment of a cutting-edge College & Career Academy, named Walker Launch, a collaborative effort between Walker County Schools and Georgia Northwestern Technical College. The academy aims to benefit students in Walker and Dade counties.

Source: Discover Dade
GNTC receives coveted national certification12/1/2023

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has been named Georgia’s first National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) Leadership School. All GNTC program areas with applicable NC3 certifications are encouraged to participate. Approximately 13 faculty members have a combined total of 160 certifications, and GNTC has issued more than 800 NC3 credentials to students. NC3 stackable certifications are designed to integrate into an existing technical program, stand-alone and/or be utilized for workforce development training.

Source: GNTC.edu
TCSG launches online platform connecting job seekers with Georgia employers11/21/2023

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has launched an online Labor Exchange Platform, directly connecting job seekers and employers across Georgia. This innovative, first of its kind state resource is an integral part of WorkSource Georgia.

Source: Georgia Governor's Office
Stand-alone emergency department in Trion opened Monday10/23/2023

Atrium Health Floyd’s new stand-alone emergency department in Chattooga County – the first of its kind to be built from the ground up in the state of Georgia – opened Monday morning at 7 a.m. Board-certified physicians specializing in emergency medicine or family medicine will staff the emergency department 24/7.

Source: Coosa Valley News
GNTC unveils new Mobile Training Labs10/17/2023

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) on Monday, Oct. 16, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Mobile Training Labs. The mobile labs are fully self-contained and can be set up anywhere as needed. Through the mobile labs, GNTC will offer various courses related to automation and industrial maintenance, such as Programmable Logic Controllers, Robotics and Welding.

Source: GNTC.edu
GNTC receives $40K grant to support Adult Education10/5/2023

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) received a $40,000 grant from Truist Financial Corporation to support Adult Education. “With support from the Truist grant, our Adult Education program is able to offer Training on the Go sessions, providing our students with the opportunity to obtain industry recognized credentials,” said Lisa Shaw, vice president of Adult Education at GNTC.

Source: GNTC.edu
Georgia No. 1 State for Business for 10th consecutive year10/3/2023

Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), announced that the state achieved an unprecedented milestone: a full decade of business excellence, earning the rank of No. 1 state for business from Area Development magazine for 10 consecutive years. No other state in the nation has achieved this benchmark.

Source: Governor's Office
Tourism to Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park contributes $81,396,000 to local economy 8/22/2023

A new National Park Service report shows that 964,272 visitors to Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in 2022 spent $63,644,000 in communities near the park. That spending supported 905 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $81,396,000.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
$10.3M high speed internet project launching in Chattooga County 8/16/2023

Some 3,400 homes, businesses and schools in Chattooga County will be able to get high-speed fiber internet for the first time due to a $10.3 million public-private partnership with broadband provider Kinetic. The project is to provide fiber internet to eligible homes and business in the county, including areas in Summerville, Trion, Lyerly and Menlo..

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Concrete company receives apprenticeship training at GNTC7/25/2023

Employees of a northwest Georgia concrete supplier will receive apprenticeship training for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) thanks to a new grant program.

Source: GNTC
GNTC Nursing programs achieve 100 percent pass rate7/19/2023

All 18 Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) graduates, in the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program and the Practical Nursing (PN) program, who took a national nursing licensure exam this year have passed on their first attempt and achieved a 100 percent pass rate.

Source: GNTC
GNTC receives NACEP Accreditation6/1/2023

The Accreditation Commission of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) granted accreditation for both the concurrent enrollment program (CEP) and College-Provided Faculty model at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, making them the third institution in Georgia and one of three in the nation to hold NACEP accreditation for both dual and concurrent enrollment endorsements.

Source: GNTC
GNTC relaunches Practical Nursing program on Walker County Campus5/15/2023

The Practical Nursing (PN) program is being relaunched at GNTC’s Walker County Campus for the fall 2023 semester.

Source: GNTC
NWGA JDA and Top of Georgia host Regional Economic Summit5/1/2023

The Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority and Top of Georgia Economic Development Initiative partnered to host a regional economic summit. The summit’s focus was to share best practices in economic development, refine recruitment strategies, and share knowledge of resources for local communities. Over 125 community leaders, elected officials and community stakeholders from Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade and Walker Counties attended.

Source: Discover Dade
Walker County school district asks what skills are needed by Northwest Georgia business, industry community4/27/2023

Officials from the Walker County school district are reaching out to the Northwest Georgia business community to learn which professional skills are needed by the next generation of workers.

Source: Times Free Press
New farmers market coming to downtown LaFayette as seasonal markets begin across Northwest Georgia4/22/2023

Downtown LaFayette will host a weekly farmers market this season as the trend of farmers markets and supporting local producers grows in Northwest Georgia.

Source: Times Free Press
Walker County, Georgia's single family home development strong4/20/2023

After a record-breaking month in February, Walker County's planning office issued 39 permits for new single-family home construction in March, as a major housing development in Rossville continues to rise. According to Walker County officials, 91 new single-family home construction permits have been issued so far this year.

Source: Times Free Press
Auto parts supplier investing $10 million, adding factory workers in Trenton, Georgia4/6/2023

Trenton Pressing, which makes parts for automaker BMW and golf cart producer Club Car, is investing $10 million to build a 105,000-square-foot facility on 12 acres next to its existing factory, said Mike Pfunder, the company's president and chief executive.

Source: Times Free Press
Northwest Georgia sees a drop in unemployment4/2/2023

Georgia Labor Commissioner reported last week that nonfarm employment increased 0.1 percent, in February 2023. Unemployment in Dade County is 2.9%, which is a drop of .1% since the last report. Walker County reports unemployment at 3.2%, dropping .3%. Catoosa County has reported a rate of 2.8%.

Source: Discover Dade
First Northwest Georgia Apprenticeship Summit held at GNTC3/27/2023

About 50 local education, business and industry leaders explored how investing in people and building relationships can transform the workforce during the first Northwest Georgia Apprenticeship Summit held at Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Whitfield Murray Campus.

Source: GNTC.edu
GNTC earns 2023-24 Military Friendly® School designation 3/16/2023

Georgia Northwestern Technical College announced it has earned the 2023-2024 Military Friendly® School designation.

Source: GNTC.edu
GNTC students excel at SkillsUSA Georgia competition3/13/2023

GNTC students excelled at the 2023 SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Conference, March 9-11, in Atlanta. GNTC competed in 14 categories and took home five gold medals and one silver medal. Medal winners competed in the areas of medical assisting, CNC programming, carpentry, industrial motor controls, electrical construction wiring, and a team competition.

Source: GNTC.edu
Catoosa County, Georgia, industrial park off I-75 to attract $100 million of investment, 700 jobs2/22/2023

A development group that has already lured Volkswagen supplier Sesé Industrial Services and the container company Pods to the Enterprise South Industrial Park in Chattanooga has begun work on two other, bigger industrial sites in Catoosa County, Georgia, with the goal of attracting more than $100 million of new industrial development and more than 700 new jobs.

Source: Times Free Press
GNTC is looking forward into 20232/21/2023

Approximately 100 employees at area manufacturers have participated in the Apprenticeship program at GNTC since the program began in 2017, said John Gentry, Curriculum and Faculty Credentials coordinator at GNTC.

Source: GNTC.edu
Walker County brownfield program offers no-cost opportunities for property owners, community development2/12/2023

Walker County announced a $500,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency in May, and with those funds officials hope up to 30 properties can get a brownfield assessment for no cost to the owner.

Source: Times Free Press
TCSG announces grant for high school equivalency diploma1/26/2023

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) recently announced that eligible Georgians can now earn their high school equivalency diploma for free. Last year, the Georgia General Assembly passed, and Gov. Brian P. Kemp signed into law, a bill establishing the HOPE High School Equivalency (HSE) Examination Grant Program. Eligible Georgians will receive an award of up to $200 to cover exam fees for the GED® exam.

Source: GNTC.edu
CHI Memorial’s stalled Ringgold hospital regains approval after Parkridge appeal dropped12/26/2022

CHI Memorial has regained the approval needed to begin construction on its new North Georgia hospital in Catoosa County, near Ringgold, after an appeal from a competing institution was withdrawn.

Source: Times Free Press
SkillsUSA Qualifier at GNTC sends 55 to state competition12/15/2022

Thirty-three high schools from across northwest Georgia competed in the SkillsUSA Region 1 Qualifying Competition hosted by Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) on Dec. 9. High school contestants competed in 21 different professional skill categories.

Source: GNTC
Lookout Mountain resort touts progress, opportunities at town hall10/12/2022

Duane Horton, president of Chattanooga-based Scenic Land Co., the project's developer, said McLemore is likely to result in $1 billion of development, including a 245-room hotel, two golf courses, conference center, million-dollar homes, restaurants and other amenities. The first of three job fairs will be held next fall, and the resort is building a database of people for when employment opportunities arise.

Source: Times Free Press
Georgia and Tennessee top list of best states to do business9/19/2022

Georgia and Tennessee are the best states in the country for business, according to a new ranking by site consultants and editors of Area Development magazine. The trade publication ranked Georgia as the No. 1 state for the ninth consecutive year, while neighboring Tennessee moved up in 2022 to the No. 2 position.

Source: Times Free Press
Ground broken for freestanding emergency department in Chattooga County9/14/2022

State, local and Atrium Health officials, including Gov. Brian Kemp, celebrated the groundbreaking Sept. 14 for Atrium Health Floyd’s freestanding emergency department (FSED) in Trion. The facility will provide 24/7 emergency care to residents of Summerville, Trion, Lyerly, Menlo and surrounding communities.

Source: Coosa Valley News
Study shows two Northwest Georgia counties in top 10 most valuable Georgia counties to live in regarding property taxes9/12/2022

According to a recent study by SmartAsset, Dade and Catoosa counties are among the top counties in Georgia according to value. The study measured the effective property tax paid in each county, as well as a few other metrics – school rating, home value growth, and overall index – to arrive at which counties give you the best “bang for your buck.” Dade County placed 5th in the state and Catoosa County placed 10th.

Source: SmartAsset.com
Gov. Kemp dedicates $240M for new grant program to expand high-speed internet, help close digital divide8/12/2022

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced the investment of $240 million to support the continued expansion of high-speed internet services to Georgians.

Source: Governor's Office
American Floorcovering Alliance donates $135,000 to GNTC8/10/2022

The American Floorcovering Alliance Inc. (AFA) has donated $135,000 to Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) to support the college’s flooring industry programs.

Source: GNTC
Peerless Mill to become apartments, restaurants, offices and entertainment spaces7/22/2022

Peerless Mill, with 1.5 million square feet on 32 acres, will be turned into apartments, restaurants, offices and entertainment spaces. The former wool mill's buildings in Rossville, Ga., date back to the early 1900s.

Source: Times Free Press
GE Appliances adds fleet of electric trucks, furthering commitment to sustainable operations in Kentucky, Georgia, and Tennessee7/6/2022

GE Appliances (GEA) is deploying a fleet of electric freight vehicles on routes between the company’s inbound warehouses and its manufacturing facilities in Kentucky, Georgia, and Tennessee, including Roper Corporation, GEA’s cooking products manufacturing subsidiary in LaFayette.

Source: BusinessWire.com
Concrete fiber company cements partnership with GNTC5/17/2022

The Dual Enrollment program at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) and Catoosa County’s From HERE to CAREER! College and Career Academy has cemented a partnership with an area manufacturer of concrete reinforcement fiber.

Source: GNTC
Gov. Kemp Signs Legislation to Strengthen Georgia's Workforce4/29/2022

Governor Brian P. Kemp signed four bills designed to strengthen and enhance Georgia's robust workforce.
Source: Governor's Office
CHI Memorial receives approval for new hospital in North GA4/28/2022

The Georgia Department of Community Health announced its approval of CHI Memorial’s certificate of need (CON) application to build a new hospital in Ringgold, GA. Groundbreaking will take place in fall 2022. The new hospital is scheduled to open in fall 2024.
Source: Discover Dade
GNTC & Georgia Power create Lineworker Training Program 4/19/2022

Leaders from Georgia Power joined with officials from the Technical College System of Georgia, Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) and state and local representatives to announce the newest program in Georgia to support training and education for future lineworkers. Students will benefit from a robust training program including donated equipment such as bucket trucks, power poles and climbing equipment, as well as hands-on expertise from Georgia Power as the college develops curriculum and training for the program. Students will also have the opportunity to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL) through the program.
Source: Georgia Northwestern Technical College
GNTC offers three programs in Cybersecurity field4/7/2022

A program of study at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is training students to guard sensitive information in a world where hackers are getting smarter every day.
Source: Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Grant covers tuition for select in-demand career fields4/4/2022

Students who wish to pursue one of Georgia’s high demand careers may be eligible for a grant to pay 100% of tuition costs for select in-demand technical certificate and diploma programs at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC). HOPE Career Grant programs of study fall in the aviation, business, health, public service and industrial categories. Criminal Justice and Basic Law Enforcement will soon be added to the list of high demand careers eligible for the grant.
Source: Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Hispanic/Latino business incubator program registration3/28/2022

Registration is underway for the region’s first business incubator program for Hispanics and Latinos, according to event organizers. Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is partnering with the Dalton Innovation Accelerator (DIA) and a South American entrepreneur who supports other Hispanic entrepreneurs to launch the pilot program, which is open to anyone who wants to start or grow a business. Classes will begin Tuesday, April 19, and applications will be accepted until April 19 or until the 15 available seats are filled. The 10-week program will meet twice weekly at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton.
Source: Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Counties and smaller cities around Chattanooga are magnets for manufacturing3/19/2022

Small cities circling Chattanooga have scored big when it comes to manufacturing in recent years. Just last December, Walker County, Georgia's biggest employer unveiled plans to get even larger. GE Appliances Roper Corp., which makes ovens and stoves, is investing another $118 million with plans to hire 646 more workers in the next couple of years. That will put the factory outside LaFayette at nearly 2,700 workers at its sprawling 1.2 million-square-foot facility.
Source: Times Free Press
Northwest Georgia unemployment rate remains near historic lows3/17/2022

The jobless rate edged higher across Northwest Georgia at the start of 2022 following the Christmas holiday hiring surge, but unemployment remained below the national average across most of the Peach State in January.
Source: Times Free Press
Gov. Kemp announces almost $408 million in awards to provide broadband access2/1/2022

Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by members of the Broadband Infrastructure Committee and state leaders, announced almost $408 million in preliminary awards that will provide communities, households, and businesses in 70 Georgia counties access to faster and more reliable broadband. These 49 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant projects represent an investment of more than $738 million in Georgia when matching funds are contributed.

Northwest Georgia communities targeted for these funds include Chattooga County, $3,040,732, expected to serve 3,392 residents; Trenton Telephone Company (Dade County), $6,500,000, expected to serve 943 residents; and Walker County, $6,253,152, expected to serve 3,339 residents.

Source: State of Georgia
FCEF and partners host ribbon cutting for installer course1/13/2022

The Floor Covering Education Foundation hosted a ribbon cutting at Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton, Georgia, on January 13 to mark the start of the 10-week installer course. The FCEF Basic Flooring Installation program is designed to introduce students to the four major types of flooring materials and basic installation skills needed to succeed as a flooring craftsman. The pilot program is beginning as a non-credit program with eight students receiving scholarships through the FCEF.

Source: Floor Trends Magazine
Roper Corporation invests $118 million in Walker County expansion, creates 600 jobs12/21/2021

Roper Corporation, a subsidiary of GE Appliances and Walker County’s largest employer, will invest $118 million in expanding their manufacturing operations, creating an additional 600 jobs in LaFayette, Georgia. “Roper Corporation has been a fixture of the Walker County community for five decades, so it is a pleasure to see GE Appliances invest in the Peach State in this way and continue to emphasize doing business with a leading Georgia-based supplier,” said Governor Brian Kemp.

Source: Georgia.org
SkillsUSA qualifier at GNTC sends 57 to state12/14/2021

Thirty high schools from across northwest Georgia competed in the SkillsUSA Region 1 Qualifying Competition hosted by Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) on Friday, Dec. 10. Fifty-sever students who placed in the SkillsUSA Region 1 Qualifying Competition will advance to the State Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta on Feb. 24-26.

Source: GNTC
UNG continues growth as cybersecurity leader 12/13/2021

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) clout as a cybersecurity education leader continues to grow with the formation of the Institute for Cyber Operations, its leadership role in CyberStart America in Georgia, external grants, more students pursuing degrees in cyber, and recognition of faculty.

Source: University of North Georgia
From Here to Career! Academy Groundbreaking10/22/2021

On October 22, Catoosa County’s new dual-enrollment career technical high school campus held its groundbreaking ceremony. This centrally located campus will allow students from all three Catoosa County high schools to come together to learn professional soft skills and earn industry recognized technical certificates in a variety of high-demand career pathways from information technology to logistics, distribution, and supply chain management.

Source: Catoosa County EDA
Federal $4.2 Million Grant Increases STEM Experiences at Dalton State10/5/2021

STEM students at Dalton State will soon have more opportunities to participate in hands-on learning such as internships and undergraduate research thanks to a $4.2 million federal grant. The grant will fund a position for a STEM mentor and experiential learning coordinator, who will organize internship opportunities, as well as provide professional development and career coaching. A peer-to-peer mentorship program will also be created to provide students with additional support.

Source: Dalton State University
Georgia Earns ‘Top State for Doing Business’ for 8th Consecutive Year 10/1/2021

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Georgia has earned the “Top State for Doing Business” title for the eighth year in a row from Area Development. “We’re proud to accept the title of Top State for Doing Business from Area Development for the eighth year in a row,” said Governor Kemp.

Source: Georgia.org
Dalton State College remains among the top schools in the South according to U.S. News and World Report9/29/2021

Dalton State College is ranked among the top 27 public schools in the South, according to the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges annual report.

Source: Dalton Daily Citizen
GNTC unveils Shaw Industries Automation Engineering Lab9/13/2021

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) recently unveiled the Automation Engineering Technology lab on the Whitfield Murray Campus (WMC) in Dalton. The Shaw Industries Automation Engineering Lab will give GNTC students hands-on experience with the same equipment used daily by automation engineers and other professionals in the fields of advanced manufacturing and industrial production.

Source: GNTC
Construction to begin on conference center at McLemore Cove on Lookout Mountain 8/28/2021

More than a decade after it was first proposed, site work began last week on a luxury mountaintop hotel retreat that its backers believe will draw tourists and business groups from around the country to Northwest Georgia.

Source: Times Free Press
GNTC meets a rising demand for healthcare workers8/27/2021

According to enrollment data from Fall 2020, healthcare students comprise 25% of GNTC’s student population. GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham said the college’s mission is to supply industry partners with highly trained professionals and to grow programs to meet the workforce needs in the community.

Source: GNTC
Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate at all-time low in July8/26/2021

In Northwest Georgia, the unemployment rate was down one and one-tenth percentage points to 2.7 percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 6.6 percent.

Source: Chattanogan.com
GNTC, Dalton State partnership creates new opportunities 8/4/2021

GNTC and Dalton State College have established articulation agreements that allow students graduating from select GNTC programs a transition opportunity into specific Dalton State four-year degree programs. Graduates from Georgia Northwestern’s Automation Engineering Technology, Industrial Systems Technology and Instrumentation and Controls Technician associate degree programs now have the opportunity to continue their education in Dalton State’s Engineering Technology bachelor’s degree program and graduates of GNTC’s Networking Specialist associate degree program can advance into Dalton State College’s Information Technology bachelor’s degree program.

Source: GNTC
Healthy Foundation gets backing for Walker County campus7/11/2021

One of Georgia's biggest managed care organizations is backing the development of a 374-acre health care campus in Walker County scheduled to open next year with health care, counseling, housing and work opportunities for veterans, children and families.

Source: Times Free Press
CHI Memorial to Build New Hospital in North Georgia6/22/2021

CHI Memorial has announced plans to build a new hospital in Catoosa County. The hospital will feature state-of-the-art inpatient beds including an intensive care unit (ICU), a full service emergency department, and operating rooms and procedural suites. It will connect to the current CHI Memorial Parkway building creating a single campus geared on establishing a central location for inpatient and outpatient services. Work is underway to secure the appropriate local and state regulatory approvals needed to begin construction. Groundbreaking for the new CHI Memorial Hospital – Georgia is scheduled to take place in the spring of 2022, with a targeted completion date of mid-2024.

Source: Discover Dade
Gov. Kemp Announces Technical Skills Training Commitment to Prepare 5,500 Georgians for Cloud Computing Careers6/9/2021

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced a collaborative initiative between the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE), the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to provide cloud computing training and education to 5,500 learners statewide by 2024. Through this initiative, high schools and technical colleges in Georgia will offer cloud computing courses and credentials that align with skills needed to pursue in-demand technical careers.

Source: Govenor's Office
CHI Memorial opens new outpatient surgery center in Catoosa County, Georgia6/1/2021

CHI Memorial is set to start outpatient surgery this week at the health system's medical office complex along Battlefield Parkway between Ringgold and Fort Oglethorpe in Catoosa County, Georgia.

Source: Yahoo.com
Catoosa County students earn certificates from GNTC5/17/2021

Thirteen Catoosa County Public Schools students completed certificates from GNTC through the Robotics and Mechatronics pathway at the From HERE to CAREER! College and Career Academy.

Source: GNTC.edu
LaFayette, Georgia's Mars Theatre District to undergo renovations, upgrades under new owners 3/24/2021

The Mars Theatre District in LaFayette, Georgia, will soon see renovations and aesthetic improvements as new owner Robert Wardlaw hopes to make the old movie theater and surrounding row of storefronts a local and possibly regional destination.

Source: Times Free Press
Ringgold, Georgia, resident opens 'throwback pharmacy' with coffee and ice cream counter 3/8/2021

After 14 years working as a pharmacist for a chain retailer, Ringgold resident Dustin Beard is opening his own independent pharmacy.

Source: Times Free Press
Utilities adding electric charging stations to propel electric vehicle growth in the South3/2/2021

Six Southern utilities are planning to develop a network of DC fast chargers to quickly recharge electric vehicles (EV) traveling along major highways from the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf and Central Plains regions. The plan was announced by the Electric Highway Coalition, made up of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Southern Co., Duke Energy, American Electric Power (AEP), Dominion Energy and Entergy Corp. The companies said they are each taking their own steps to provide EV charging within their service territories.

Source: Times Free Press
February Unemployment Statistics Fall in Northwest Georgia3/1/2021

Unemployment rates in the North Georgia area continue to drop despite Covid-19 restrictions: Catoosa County 2.6%, Chattooga County 5.3%, Dade County 2.7%, and Walker County 3.2%. Many businesses in the area are still actively seeking employees.

Source: Discover Dade
Georgia a top-10 exporting state for the first time2/15/2021

Georgia was ranked among the nation’s 10 top exporting states last year for the first time, Gov. Brian Kemp announced. Georgia businesses exported $38.8 billion in goods in 2020, reaching 215 countries and territories and suffering the lowest rate of export contraction among the top-10 states, despite the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Source: Capitol Beat
U.S. Department of Labor awards TCSG $4.85 million2/11/2021

The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) announced the award of $4.85 million to a consortium of Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) colleges to help meet labor market demands for a skilled workforce. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a member of the consortium.

Source: GNTC
New transit route improves jobs access for Roper Corp. employees in Walker County2/10/2021

Walker Transit recently expanded its services to improve access for workers in need of transportation to one of Walker County’s largest employers. The creation of a new route for Roper Corp. provides the plant's workforce with direct pick-up and drop-off locations throughout Walker County.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Nursing employees can apply directly with Hamilton for a new short-term nursing program1/4/2021

Nursing employees, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse techs and certified nursing assistants, can earn premium rates with Hamilton Health Care System’s short-term nursing program. Candidates must be flexible and make a minimum commitment to work 36 hours per week for eight weeks, including nights, weekends and holidays, as required.

Source: Dalton Daily Citizen
New mall in Chickamauga starts with Wendy’s, hopes for pharmacy, rehab and walk-in clinic12/31/2020

A new Wendy’s opened December 30 in Chickamauga. The property owners hope that currently empty buildings on the property will be occupied by a pharmacy with a drive-thru, a physical rehabilitee center, and a walk-in medical clinic.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Rural Center to study workforce transportation program in Northwest Georgia12/27/2020

The Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation is launching a feasibility study on a vanpool program for workers in the northwest Georgia counties of Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Lookout Mountain's McLemore resort gains international expertise as it continues to grow12/26/2020

Euan McGlashan's hospitality company manages hotels and resort properties in such far-flung places as Bangkok, Cape Town and Glasgow and now it's doing so on Lookout Mountain in Georgia.

Source: Times Free Press
Chattanooga businessman to buy Boyd's Speedway in Ringgold, Georgia12/16/2020

Chattanooga businessman Emerson Russell, a former Chattanooga policeman turned entrepreneur who has started more than 40 businesses during his career, is buying the Boyd Speedway in Ringgold, Georgia.

Source: WDEF
Catoosa County, Georgia, preps land for sale to draw big industries to town12/8/2020

Catoosa County has begun initial steps to create greater opportunity for new industrial operations to move to the area. This parcel of public land off of Highway 41 in Catoosa County is being prepared for sale to bring in new industries and jobs once a mass grading project is completed in 2021.

Source: Times Free Press
Catoosa County, Georgia, forming partnership to address workforce housing needs11/11/2020

Catoosa County is working to form a coalition of public, private and nonprofit partners to look at issues of affordable workforce housing in the county's housing market.

Source: Times Free Press
Georgia boasts best business climate - again11/9/2020

For the eighth consecutive year, the editors of Site Selection magazine rated Georgia No. 1 for its business climate.

Source: Times Free Press
Roper’s LaFayette oven plant “booming”; seeks 100 more workers10/20/2020

As people spend more time at home during the coronavirus pandemic, officials at GE Appliances' Roper plant are seeing a boom in its production of stoves and ovens.

Source: Times Free Press
Georgia uses federal relief funds to avert employer tax hike for jobless benefits10/14/2020

Georgia is using part of its federal coronavirus relief to help employers save an average of $350 per worker in unemployment insurance taxes they would have otherwise had to pay due to higher unemployment and jobless claims this year.

Source: Times Free Press
Unemployment Rates for Dade Drop Below Pre-COVID Rates10/2/2020

The Northwest Georgia Region is getting closer to fully recovering from the shut down of businesses and shelter in place orders brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic in March as far as unemployment numbers and Dade continues to have one of the lowest rates in the region.

Source: Discover Dade
Dade County ranked #3 in Georgia in value for property taxes 10/1/2020

A study by New York financial technology company, SmartAsset, ranks where people are getting the most value for their property tax dollars. Dade County ranked among the places in Georgia where property tax dollars are being spent most effectively. The study analyzed metrics including quality of local schools, home values and effective property tax rates to find where people were getting the most value.

Source: SmartAsset.com
McAlister's Deli opens in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia10/1/2020

McAlister's Deli, a national chain founded in 1989, has opened a new location in Fort Oglethorpe at 2675 Battlefield Parkway.

Source: Times Free Press
Appalachian Regional Port nearly doubles shipping volume9/29/2020

The Appalachian Regional Port (ARP) in Northwest Georgia nearly doubled its shipping volumes in the past couple of months as the Port of Savannah continues to grow into one of the biggest ports on the East Coast of the United States.

Source: Times Free Press
Dalton State Ranked Among Top Schools in South by U.S. News and World Report9/16/2020

Dalton State received three rankings from the annual U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges report, including 28^th place among Top Public Schools in the South.

Source: Dalton State
Texas firm expands to Ringgold, Georgia, to make wooden trusses, engineered beams9/15/2020

Panel Truss Texas, Inc., announced it plans to hire 30 workers to staff a new production plant in Ringgold. Dickie Vail, co-owner of Panel Truss Texas, said the company will spend $1.8 million to buy and convert the former Sun Mills Carpet and Flooring warehouse and showroom into a factory to help make trusses and other structural building parts.

Source: Times Free Press
Tractor Supply Coming to Dade County9/3/2020

County Executive Ted Rumley and Trenton Mayor Alex Case have confirmed that “the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States” has decided to open a location in Dade County.

Source: Discover Dade
Georgia named “Top State for Doing Business” for 7th consecutive year9/2/2020

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Georgia has been named the “Top State for Doing Business” for the seventh year in a row by Area Development magazine. The executive publication’s annual poll of nearly fifty leading site consulting firms from across the U.S. weighs 13 different factors to make this determination.

Source: Georgia.org
Explore Georgia awards tourism grants across state8/21/2020

Explore Georgia, Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) tourism division, announced recently that it has awarded more than $75,000 in tourism product development grants to 13 new and expanding projects across the state, including two in Northwest Georgia – the 6th Cavalry Museum African American WAC Mural in Fort Oglethorpe and the Chickamauga Canoe Launch Park in Catoosa County.

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Shaw Industries spending $20 million, creating 55 jobs in Ringgold plant8/21/2020

Shaw Industries Group plans to spend $20 million to expand production of luxury vinyl tile flooring in its Ringgold, Georgia, plant, according to the company. The expansion will add about 55 new jobs at the factory.

Source: Times Free Press
Georgia film industry lands magazine recognition despite coronavirus pandemic7/30/2020

Georgia’s film industry remains among the world’s leaders despite the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on film and TV productions.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Unemployment rates continue to drop for the Northwest Georgia region7/29/2020

For the second month in a row, unemployment rates in the Northwest Georgia region have dropped. Overall, the state has reported an unemployment rate for June of 7.6%, which is lower than the national average of 11.9%. In Northwest Georgia unemployment rates reported for Catoosa are 5.1%, Chattooga at 10.5%, Dade at 4.6% and Walker at 5.6%.

Source: Discover Dade
Georgia ports set yearly tonnage record7/28/2020

The Georgia Ports Authority set a tonnage record during the last fiscal year despite the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
While numbers are down statewide, Catoosa County, Georgia., has 'best month ever' financially 7/13/2020

Sales tax revenue is down about 6% statewide, but not in Catoosa County, according to Chief Financial Officer Carol Roberts. In her most recent report to the Board of Commissioners, she reported that local option sales tax collections are actually up nearly 6% when compared to last year.

Source: Times Free Press
GNTC provides training for local business partners6/24/2020

Employees of four northwest Georgia industries are training in the basics of programmable logic controllers on GNTC's Catoosa County Campus in Ringgold.

Source: GNTC.edu
Georgia wins 12th Silver Shovel Award6/12/2020

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that Area Development magazine has awarded the state its 12^th Silver Shovel Award for the creation of more than 5,000 new jobs through 10 large economic development projects throughout the state.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
ARC Releases The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from 2014–2018 Showing Regional Pre-COVID Economic Trends Were Improving6/10/2020

The Appalachian Regional Commission released The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from the 2014–2018 American Community Survey, also known as "The Chartbook, which contains more than 300,000 demographic and socio-economic data points presented at the regional, subregional, state, and county levels with comparisons to the rest of the nation. The data predates the COVID-19 crisis.

Source: ARC.gov
Ruby Falls, Rock City reopen on restricted basis5/20/2020

Lookout Mountain's major attractions are reopening this week ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, but the tourist sites will have new restrictions to help limit the possible spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Source: Times Free Press
Carpet producer, Try-Con Tufters, to invest $5 million in Chattooga County expansion5/19/2020

The high-end commercial carpet manufacturer in Chattooga County announced plans for a $5 million investment that will double its payroll. The Lyerly, Ga. plant expansion will create 104 additional jobs.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
CHI Memorial safely resumes operations4/29/2020

CHI Memorial, which has physician offices and medical clinics in Walker and Catoosa counties, will safely resume scheduled procedures and clinic operations in early May.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Catoosa County business owners ready to meet challenges of re-opening4/29/2020

Various business owners from around Catoosa County discussed the challenges of reopening in the wake of COVID-19 during a Facebook Live session Tuesday morning, April 28.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Georgia PSC sets rules on how EMCs will offer rural broadband4/22/2020

The Georgia Public Service Commission is directing the state’s electric membership corporations to submit a “cost allocation manual” that must be approved by the commission before they can start providing internet service.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
GNTC’s Adult Education program receives distinguished testing center award4/21/2020

The award reflects the number of GNTC testers who passed all four parts of the GED® test in Fiscal Year 2019.

Source: GNTC
Roper steps up donations to local groups amid COVID-19 crisis4/11/2020

GE Appliances' Roper Corp. in LaFayette, Georgia, has stepped up donations in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Appliances were donated to the Lyerly Fire Department, American Legion Post 214, the Chattanooga Police Department, Chattanooga Community Kitchen, and GEA4HEROES, and 2,000 surgical masks were donated to LaFayette Ready Clinic, CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia, and the City of LaFayette Management, Fire and Ambulance.

Source: T imes Free Press
Shaw Industries creates its own hand sanitizer, donates medical face shields to local hospitals, nursing homes4/7/2020

ShawChem, a chemistry lab that is part of Shaw Industries, has been making its own CDC-approve hand sanitizers for use at its Northwest Georgia facilities. Additionally, Shaw Makerspace, an innovative space open to all Shaw associates, has been making face shields with 3D printers and getting them into the hands of the local medical community.

Source: T imes Free Press
GNTC accepting new students for the Culinary Arts program in an online format for summer semester4/2/2020

Courses for the summer semester have been adapted to fit an online learning environment.

Source: GNTC
Mohawk Industries, Fabric Sources International team up to make medical equipment during COVID-19 outbreak4/2/2020

Mohawk Industries and Fabric Sources International have started production of medical isolation gowns and protective face shields to help urgent medical supply needs at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton and Emory Healthcare in Atlanta.

Source: T imes Free Press
GNTC Spring Commencement ceremony rescheduled to Aug. 114/2/2020

Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Spring Commencement Ceremony is rescheduled for August 11 at the Forum River Center in Rome at 7 p.m. Both spring and summer semester graduates will be invited to attend the ceremony.

Source: GNTC
GNTC donates ventilators and other medical supplies to Georgia Emergency Management Agency3/30/2020

On Saturday, March 28, Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) gathered its supply of ventilators used in its Respiratory Care program to donate to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA). GNTC also donated 600 N95 masks and 20,800 gloves, said GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham.

Source: C oosa Valley News
Walker County Small Business Recovery Resource Guide launched3/30/2020

A new small business recovery guide has launched online to help local businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Walkerbusiness.org is for all Walker County businesses; much of the information pertains to those with fewer than 500 employees.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Northwest Georgia COVID-19 Task Force Formed3/16/2020

Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) from Catoosa, Dade, Walker, and Whitfield counties are joining forces to help Northwest Georgia communities manage and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: D iscover Dade
Walker County plans significant infrastructure investment2/24/2020

Walker County residents will notice a significant investment in the county’s road system this summer. Contractor bids are now being accepted to make improvements to 36 miles of roads in the unincorporated areas of the county.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Fort Oglethorpe in final stages of renovations to improve walkability2/18/2020

As part of the Catoosa County Joint Comprehensive Plan 2011-2031, Fort Oglethorpe has committed to adopting pedestrian standards with public sidewalk and trail networks to enhance the connectivity within the area. In 2011, the city received a federal grant of $500,000 for a sidewalk project.

Source: Times Free Press
2020 job tax credit designations announced2/16/2020

The state job tax credit designations for the four counties served by the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority did not change in 2020.

Source: N orthwest Georgia News
Roper Corp. among companies spotlighted at Georgia Made Day2/13/2020

Gov. Brian P. Kemp recognized Roper Corp., an affiliate of GE Appliances, a Haier company, in a Feb. 13 ceremony for Georgia Made Day. Roper Corp. is in LaFayette, Georgia.

Source: N orthwest Georgia News
Dalton State nursing program expanding to meet health care needs2/11/2020

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program will offer two cohorts per year beginning fall semester, increasing the number of students on the path to become a registered nurse (RN) annually by 15.

Source: Dalton State College
GNTC, TCSG and Catoosa County Public Schools celebrate student success and $3 million grant presentation1/14/2020

There was standing room only at Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Catoosa County Campus as Catoosa County Public Schools recognized its “From HERE to CAREER! Academy” students and received a check for $3 million from the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).

Source: Coosa Valley News
Community National Bank donates $10,000 to Top of Georgia initiative1/6/2020

Joining forces to improve the Northwest Georgia region, leaders at Community National Bank, on Dec. 23, presented Top of Georgia a donation of $10,000 at the bank’s Chickamauga Avenue branch

Source: N orthwest Georgia News
Catoosa, Walker counties reach record low unemployment with addition of 6,558 area jobs in past year12/27/19

Unemployment in Catoosa and Walker counties fell to an all-time low last month as the demand for workers in Northwest Georgia continued to outpace the growth of the workforce. The jobless rate in Catoosa County fell to 2.3% and unemployment fell to 2.5% in neighboring Walker County during November.

Source: Times Free Press
Local businesses see relief after tariffs lifted on China-made products12/23/19

Luxury vinyl tile has been the fastest growing segment of the flooring industry, growing steadily in less than a decade to comprise nearly 20% of all new floors in the United States. But the growing trade tensions between China and the United States threatened to weaken the growth of LVT before the import tariffs on the popular Chinese-made flooring was lifted last month, at least temporarily through next August.

Source: Times Free Press
TVA awards over 100 grants to several tri-state area schools for education project development12/19/19

Eleven schools in the tri-state area of Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama are among those receiving grants from the Tennessee Valley Authority to help develop science, technology, engineering and math education projects. Heritage Middle School in Ringgold received $5,000 for STEM improvements.

Source: Times Free Press
Georgia unemployment hits record low in November12/19/19

Georgia’s unemployment rate fell to 3.3% last month, the lowest since the federal government began keeping records in 1976

Source: N orthwest Georgia News
Business Briefs: Georgia cuts rates for unemployment insurance as jobless duration sinks to five-week average12/17/19

With the unemployment rate the lowest in more than a half century, Georgia employers will pay $45 million less in unemployment insurance premiums next year.

Source: Times Free Press
Fairyland Elementary School named top Chattanooga-area school, scores high on state college and career readiness12/3/19

The Lookout Mountain, Georgia school's curriculum recently garnered it a College and Career Ready Performance Index score of 97.7 from the Georgia Department of Education, making it 12th of all the schools in the state and ninth of all the elementary schools. FES was also named a 2020 Best Public Elementary School in the Chattanooga Area by Niche.com.

Source: Times Free Press
Catoosa County, Georgia, looks to form detailed economic development plan with new leadership12/3/19

Catoosa County is shifting toward a more aggressive approach to economic development.

Source: Times Free Press
Northwest Georgia Region Sets New Record Low in Unemployment11/4/19

In a Georgia Department of Labor press release on Thursday, October 31, Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said that the Northwest Georgia region dropped its unemployment rate in September to a new record low of 3%.

Source: D iscover Dade
Volkswagen to break ground on $800 million plant expansion Nov. 1311/1/19

Volkswagen will break ground on Nov. 13 on its $800 million Chattanooga plant expansion to produce electric vehicles, according to the automaker. The company expects to add 1,000 more workers to the 3,800 already employed at the Chattanooga plant.

Source: Times Free Press
Hamilton Medical Center to add open heart surgery10/27/19

Hamilton Medical Center was recently granted the Certificate of Need (CON) to develop an open heart surgery program by Georgia's Department of Community Health.

Source: D alton Daily Citizen
Walker Rocks Start-up Challenge awards rooftop deck and info kiosks10/22/19

A rooftop deck in downtown Chickamauga and an educational tourism infobox for Rossville are in the works to enhance tourism in Walker County. Following a "Shark Tank"-inspired pitch competition of five competitive proposals, both of these projects were awarded $2,500 at the second annual Walker Rocks Start-up Challenge on Oct. 17.

Source: Times Free Press
Dalton State, Wright School of Business recognized by U.S. News & World Report10/20/19

At Dalton State College, faculty members' primary focus is on the students, college officials said. It's a commitment that has earned the college a spot on the U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges List.

Source: D alton Daily Citizen
Volkswagen contractor looking to hire 350 people at Chattanooga plant10/10/19

Volkswagen staffing contractor Aerotek is looking to fill nearly 350 job openings at the German automaker's Chattanooga plant.

Source: Times Free Press
National Solar Tour shows off Rossville solar farm 10/4/19

The National Solar Tour this weekend showcased solar farms and solar energy installations at 858 sites in 46 states across the country, including an open house at a Rossville solar farm developed by the Chattanooga-based Alicity Group.

Source: Times Free Press
Ringgold approves cultural expenditures in effort to draw tourism10/2/19

The Ringgold City Council passed an amendment allocating $270,000 toward various arts and beautification projects at its meeting on Sept. 23.

Source: Times Free Press
Meeting in Northwest Georgia lays out possibility of beef processing plants 9/30/19

State and local agencies gathered in Northwest Georgia to talk to cattle producers about the possibility of bringing a beef processing facility to the area that could spur economic growth.

Source: Times Free Press
Lookout Mountain, Georgia, golf course will seek state sales tax incentives through Tourism Development Act 9/29/19

A newly renovated golf course and proposed hotel and convention center atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia could see significant sales tax incentives once the multimillion-dollar project is completed.

Source: Times Free Press
Walker County Continues to Improve High School Graduation Rate9/19/19

According to figures released this week, LaFayette High had a 4-year graduation rate of 84.9 percent and Ridgeland High had a graduation rate of 91.5 percent. Superintendent Damon Raines said The Walker County system is performing above the state-wide graduation rate of 82-percent.

Source: W QCH
Food City expands LaFayette store in North Georgia9/18/19

The Food City in LaFayette, Georgia, is marking the completion of an 8,000-square-foot expansion.

Source: Times Free Press
Dalton State Adds Engineering Technology Degree9/10/19

Dalton State's new engineering technology degree will provide students with both the industrial and mechanical engineering skills needed to fill several industry jobs in Northwest Georgia.

Source: D alton State College
Volkswagen to unveil newest Chattanooga-built SUV next month 9/5/19

The Atlas Cross Sport, Volkswagen's newest sport utility vehicle, will be globally unveiled in Chattanooga next month.

Source: Times Free Press
Rossville ramps up revitalization efforts; new Downtown Development Authority starting9/4/19

Rossville is launching a Downtown Development Authority to explore new ways to grow the city and engage community members.

Read more here:

Source: Times Free Press
$4 million development to boost economic growth in North Georgia9/4/19

Armour Commercial Real Estate, the Catoosa County Economic Development Authority and city of Ringgold broke ground on the second phase of a development in north Georgia Thursday morning, Aug. 29.

Source: N orthwest Georgia News
Ringgold expanding medical corridor; Tennessee Oncology, other developments planned for center 8/29/19

Along Battlefield Parkway west of Interstate 75 , a medical corridor of offices and clinics is quickly developing.

Source: Times Free Press
GNTC alum Ryan Fincher wins the Medallion for Excellence at the WorldSkills Welding Competition in Kazan, Russia 8/27/19

WorldSkills Kazan 2019 took place Aug. 22-27 and brought together 1,354 competitors from 63 countries and regions.

Source: G NTC
Spencer Hogg Joins N.W. GA Joint Development Authority8/19/19

Spencer Hogg joined the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority as the Economic Development Project Manager.

Source: The Summerville News
Education, Government Leaders Help Launch Catoosa College and Career Program8/19/19

Catoosa County’s first “From HERE to CAREER! Academy” pathways in the fields of Industrial Systems Technology, Mechatronics, and Robotics begin now. Sixteen Catoosa County students, representing all three high schools in Catoosa County, will begin the 2019-2020 school year in dual enrollment to develop technical and professional skills for jobs in our region.

Source: G NTC
Workforce development program impacted more than 1,500 across Northwest Georgia 8/18/19

The agency serves residents of 15 counties including Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker and Whitfield. The Rapid Response Dislocation program served almost 900 residents who were impacted by layoffs or closures during the period from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. One of the primary functions of the Workforce Development program is to provide opportunities for retraining of workers who have lost jobs through no fault of their own.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Boynton students win at Northwest Regional Tech Competition1/29/19

Three students from Boynton Elementary School in Catoosa County recently won the Northwest Regional Tech Competition held at Georgia Highlands College in Rome, Ga. Catoosa County had more than 60 competitors there to be judged.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union expands with Food City, opens new branch in Fort Oglethorpe1/29/19

The new credit union office is part of a the new $10 million Food City supermarket on Highway 41 in Fort Oglethorpe.

Source: T imes Free Press
Huge conservation project paves way to caving, hiking and more in North Georgia1/21/19

Nearly 2,400 acres on Lookout Mountain and into Johnson's Crook in Dade County, Georgia, have been preserved and will be managed by the Southeastern Cave Conservancy Inc. as the new Charles B. Henson Preserve at Johnson's Crook.

Source: T imes Free Press
Career fair registration now open1/18/19

Registration is now open for businesses wanting to participate in this year’s career fair at Dalton State. The registration deadline is Friday, March 15.

Source: Dalton State College
Hamilton Medical Center recognized for quality medical excellence, patient safety1/15/19

CareChex®, an information service of Quantros, Inc., has ranked Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) in the top 10 percent in the nation in seven categories for 2018.

Source: Hamilton Medical Center
Chattanooga will be home to Volkswagen's first electric vehicle manufacturing facility in North America1/14/19

Scott Keogh, Volkswagen Group of America's chief executive, said plans are to make an electric vehicle, a crossover, in Chattanooga in 2022-23, investing $800 million and hiring 1,000 workers.

Source: T imes Free Press
Whitfield to hold seven community forums in Walker County in February1/3/19

Walker County Commissioner Shannon Whitfield will host a series of seven community forums in February to discuss what’s working well today, along with goals and opportunities for the future.

Source: Walker County Government
Ringgold commemorates downtown revitalization with plaque1/2/19

The city of Ringgold celebrated the completion of its decade-long streetscape improvement project last month with a commemorative plaque.

Source: Times Free Press
Celebrating a Year of Wellness with Harbin Clinic12/30/18

Harbin Clinic is celebrating another year of complete care for Northwest Georgia after hosting a myriad of community events impacting thousands of people of all ages.

Source: Coosa Valley News
Unemployment rate drops in Catoosa County to 17-year low of only 2.8 percent12/27/18

Unemployment in Catoosa County, Georgia, dropped last month to its lowest level since the summer of 2001.

Source: Times Free Press
Catoosa Development Authority approves property tax break for Dunkin' Donuts bakery12/27/18

After a double check on whether the company held up its end of the agreement, the Development Authority of Catoosa County voted Thursday to give BMG Bakery a $40,000 tax break. The authority and the bakery, which supplies Dunkin' Donuts, agreed in August 2017 to a property tax abatement plan, as long as the bakery hit performance goals.

Source: Times Free Press
Zoning changes could bring more urban-style homes to LaFayette, Georgia12/19/18

LaFayette's decision-makers are considering changes to the city's zoning ordinance that would allow for more pedestrian-friendly, urban-style development in designated areas.

Source: Times Free Press
Dalton State’s School of STM Partners with MFG Chemical12/13/18

Dalton State College’s School of Science, Technology, and Mathematics has received a major gift from MFG Chemical as part of a multi-year partnership with the company. The gift will provide support for chemistry students and support the acquisition and maintenance of laboratory equipment in Dalton State’s chemistry program.

Source: Dalton State College
Walker County, City of Lafayette Bring Home Awards from Northwest Georgia’s Historic High Country Travel Association12/10/18

“Walker Rocks” was recognized for best marketing campaign among tourism promotion efforts. The City of Lafayette’s Honeybee Festival was chosen by the association for “Best Event”. Mayor Andy Arnold was named “Tourism Advocate of the Year.”

Source: WQCH
Hoping for growth, Dade County approves $500,000 land purchase for reservoir12/6/18

The Dade County Commission approved an intergovernmental agreement with the county's Water and Sewer Authority, signing off on the purchase of 61 acres on Sells Lane. Officials plan to build a reservoir there.

Source: Times Free Press
Radiation therapy services return to North Georgia12/4/18

CHI Memorial Hospital-Georgia announced Tuesday that radiation therapy services will resume at the hospital's Battlefield Parkway location in Ringgold.

Source: Times Free Press
Second inland port to be added in North Georgia12/3/18

Four months after the Georgia Ports Authority opened a $24 million inland just north of Chatsworth, Georgia, the port authority said Monday it is adding a second inland port in North Georgia in Gainesville along with a new $15 million automotive distribution facility.

Source: Times Free Press
Preliminary agreement in place for North Georgia transportation sales tax11/29/18

The managers of the Catoosa County, Ringgold and Fort Oglethorpe local governments believe they have hammered out a deal to split sales tax revenue for transportation projects.

Source: Times Free Press
Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe students design site plan for dog park11/28/18

The city of Fort Oglethorpe has finally locked down the design for its soon-coming dog park thanks to the ingenuity of students from Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High. Since October, students from the school's Architecture I and Advanced Architecture classes have been working to design a site plan for the 2-acre park that will sit in front of Fort Oglethorpe City Hall.

Source: Times Free Press
Toyo Tire plant expands in North Georgia, adds 150 jobs11/20/18

One of Japan's biggest tire manufacturers will invest another $138 million and add 150 more jobs at its North American production facility in Bartow County. Toyo Tire North America announced it is planning a two-phase expansion that would ultimately increase its employment in Georgia to 2,100 workers.

Source: Times Free Press
Chattanooga State launches effort to increase apprenticeship programs11/16/18

Trying to fill worker shortages in the area, Chattanooga State is launching an effort to spur more apprenticeship programs and unveiled one on Friday in industrial maintenance mechatronics. Community college officials said they're also looking at apprenticeship initiatives in such non-industrial fields as trucking and logistics and health care.

Source: Times Free Press
VW Chattanooga is 'first choice' to make electric vehicles, official says11/15/18

A top Volkswagen brand official said today that Chattanooga's VW production plant is "first choice" to assemble electric vehicles in the North American market, according to Bloomberg.

Source: Times Free Press
Lyerly Awarded $150,000 wastewater treatment grant11/8/18

Lyerly, Georgia, was awarded a $130,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) board of directors. This project will improve efficiency and reduce operational and maintenance costs while improving wastewater treatment.

Source: W alker County Government
Georgia offers best business climate of all states, Tennessee makes top 511/5/18

For the sixth consecutive year, Georgia has been ranked by site selectors and business leaders as the state with the best business climate in America, according to Site Selection magazine.

Source: Times Free Press
Solar panels for Dade County High School11/2/18

Three solar arrays were installed on the roof of Dade County High School in August of this year at a total cost of $107,000, with $50,000 paid for through a grant. The solar panels should save the school system $7,000 a year in energy costs and $173,000 over 25 years.

Source: Discover Dade
Northwest Georgia unemployment down in September11/1/18

Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate fell in September while other critical measures all trended in the right direction, Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Food City opening new Rossville store11/1/18

Food City will open its newest Chattanooga area store on Wednesday in Rossville, Ga.

Source: Times Free Press
Wright School of Business opens office in downtown accelerator10/31/18

Dalton State College's C. Lamar and Ann Wright School of Business recently added another way students can gain real-world work experience before graduation. They now have a downtown office in the Dalton Innovation Accelerator.

Source: Dalton Daily Citizen
Stephanie Scearce named Vice President of Economic Development at GNTC10/25/18

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has named Stephanie Scearce of Woodstock the new vice president of Economic Development. She will be actively involved in the recruitment of new business and the expansion of existing businesses within the college’s nine county service area and will serve as a local point of contact for Georgia Quick Start.

Source: Times Free Press
Catoosa County Employee Health Clinic pays for itself in first year10/24/18

Over the past year, the clinic, which offers free health care for the county's 500 employees and their families, has seen a total of 1,598 office visits, with 980 prescriptions dispensed during that time, records show.

Source: Times Free Press
Mountain View rolls out new Ringgold dealership10/23/18

Mountain View Auto Group on Tuesday officially opened a new Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Ringgold, Georgia.

Source: Times Free Press
CBL sells Fort Oglethorpe center for $16.5 million10/18/18

CBL Properties today announced that it has sold Parkway Plaza, a community center located in Fort Oglethorpe, for $16.5 million.

Source: Times Free Press
Number of high school graduates on the rise in Walker, Catoosa counties10/17/18

Walker County Schools’ graduation rate rose in 2018 from 85.4% to 88%. When Georgia first began calculating the rate in 2012, Walker County Schools' graduation rate sat at 69.4%.

Source: Times Free Press
FreightWaves shifts into expansion with plans to add 260 new jobs10/12/18

Chattanooga-based FreightWaves, a transportation and logistics data and content startup, today rolled out a major expansion with plans to create 260 new jobs.

Source: Times Free Press
Hamilton holds topping off celebration for world-class children’s institute10/10/18

Hamilton Health Care System held a topping-off celebration for the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute in Dalton on Tuesday, Oct. 16. Construction is expected to be completed by March 2019.

Source: Hamilton Health Care
Publix opens grocery, pharmacy in Ringgold Wednesday10/5/18

Publix Super Markets opened its first store in Ringgold, Georgia at 7 a.m. on Oct. 10.

Source: Times Free Press
VW Chattanooga to hire upwards of 1,000 more workers, add third shift starting next year10/5/18

Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant plans to add a third shift, and potentially hire upwards of 1,000 more workers, as it readies to make the five-seat version of its Atlas SUV next year.

Source: Times Free Press
United starts Chattanooga-Washington nonstop flights10/4/18

United Airlines started nonstop flights Thursday, Oct. 4, from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport.

Source: Times Free Press
Fairyland Elementary School prepares for aquaponics lab10/3/18

Fairyland Elementary School, a unit of Walker County Schools, is ironing out the final details as it prepares to begin installing a one-of-a-kind aquaponics system for its students.Principal Jeremy Roerdink believes the lab will create STEM opportunities for students as they learn to manage the symbiotic environment, in which the plants will filter the water for the fish and the fish will provide food for the plants through excrement.

Source: Times Free Press
Dalton adds jobs along with two new plants9/27/18

Dalton, Georgia, has landed an expansion by an existing flooring maker along with a planned plant by a company new to the area in a pair of multimillion- dollar projects. Each project will go on a new, 70-acre, privately funded industrial park.

Source: Times Free Press
Battlefield Outdoors wins Walker Rocks challenge9/22/18

David Bridges, owner of Battlefield Outdoors, won a $5,000 grant at the first Walker Rocks Start-up Challenge pitch competition held Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Walker County Civic Center. The Walker Rocks Start-up Challenge is a pitch competition designed to help a recreational, travel or hospitality business get started or expand in Walker County, building on the momentum created by the launch of Walker Rocks this summer.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Walker graduation rates up, above state average9/22/18

Walker County high schools’ graduation rates are well above the state graduation rate, according to a report released Thursday, Sept. 20, by the Georgia Department of Education. The 2018 graduation rate for Ridgeland High is 90.8 percent and at Lafayette High, the rate is 84.53 percent. The Walker County School System’s combined rate of 87.99 percent is over 6 percentage points above this year’s statewide graduation rate in Georgia.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Unemployment in Georgia falls below U.S. average for first time in 11 years9/20/18

Unemployment in Georgia fell to its lowest level in more than 17 years last month – 3.8 percent – dipping below the national average jobless rate for the first time since before the Great Recession hit in 2007.

Source: Times Free Press
NW GA Counties Receive Transportation Grant9/20/18

The latest round of Georgia Department of Transportation contract awards include nearly $30 million worth of projects in Northwest Georgia counties.

Source: Coosa Valley News
Dalton Solar8/18

Solar company Hanwha Q CELLS Korea is creating 500 jobs in Whitfield County with a new $150-million solar module manufacturing facility.

Source: Georgia Trend Magazine
Georgia Power and TVA named to Site Selection magazine’s list of top utilities for economic development9/10/18

Site Selection magazine has named the Tennessee Valley Authority as well as Georgia Power, a unit of Southern Company, among the top 10 utilities in economic development for 2018.

Source: Site Selection Magazine
Finalists selected for Walker Rocks startup challenge9/10/18

During September $5,000 will be on the line when three local entrepreneurs compete in the first ever Walker Rocks Start-up Challenge. The Walker Rocks Start-up Challenge is a pitch competition designed to help a recreational, travel or hospitality business get started or expand in Walker County, building on the momentum created by the launch of Walker Rocks this summer.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Catoosa County reconsidering fire services agreement following new ISO rating8/29/18

Following a significant improvement in its fire insurance rating, Catoosa County is looking to update or terminate its interlocal agreement with Fort Oglethorpe for fire protection services.

Source: Times Free Press
Chopper based at Redmond will transport patients to closest appropriate hospital9/2/18

The new Air Methods Air Life helicopter medical transport based at Redmond Regional Medical Center is partnered with Redmond for its space requirements and staffing, but not officially aligned with any hospital in the region.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
VW plant, Chattanooga may benefit by NAFTA deal, economist says8/29/18

Chattanooga's Volkswagen plant and the region could gain from a tentative trade deal with Mexico by attracting more supplier part production, a University of Tennessee economist says.

Source: Times Free Press
Chattanooga area employers add nearly 10,000 jobs in the past year8/23/18

Chattanooga area employers added 9,836 new jobs over the past year, cutting the non-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in the 6-county Chattanooga metropolitan area last month to 4 percent.

Source: Times Free Press
Shaw among best sales companies8/21/18

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. has been recognized as one of the best companies to sell for by Selling Power magazine.

Source: Times Free Press
Dade Water and Sewer receives $4.8 million loan from USDA8/21/18

State Director for Rural Development Joyce White announced that USDA is investing $9.1 million to help rebuild and improve Georgia’s rural water infrastructure. The Dade County Water & Sewer Authority and the City of Cave Spring, Floyd County, Georgia are receiving funding.

Source: Discover Dade
Buyer sought for historic Dalton depot at 110 Depot St.8/21/18

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and the city of Dalton are looking for a preservation-minded buyer to purchase and rehabilitate the Dalton depot at 110 Depot St.

Source: Dalton Daily Citizen
Hamilton Health Care System receives Leadership Excellence awards8/16/18

Vizient MidSouth recently recognized Hamilton Health Care System (HHCS) with the Leadership Excellence award. HHCS has received this award for three years in a row and is the only hospital to do so, as well as the only hospital to score in the top quartile in each evaluated focus areas.

Source: Hamilton Health Care System
Donation helps Ridgeland High School students get career-ready8/15/18

Last week, the nonprofit CHI Memorial health care center donated three electrocardiogram machines and their accompanying supplies to Ridgeland High School through Walker County Schools.

Source: Times Free Press
Dalton State adds Sustainability degree8/14/18

A bachelor’s degree in environmental and sustainability studies was approved Tuesday by the Board of Regents. It is Dalton State’s 25th four-year degree.

Source: Dalton State College
Inaugural year of Walker Launch takes off8/14/18

Walker County Schools and GNTC are providing students from Lafayette and Ridgeland High Schools the opportunity to earn dual enrollment college credit with Walker Launch.

Source: Times Free Press
Dade County leads Northwest Georgia in 3rd grade reading scores8/8/18

Dade County School System was making headlines as the 2018 Georgia Milestones scores were released and Dade led the way in Northwest Georgia for third grade reading scores.

Source: Discover Dade
SPLOST/LOST collections up; revenue up for 20188/8/18

Good financial news for Dade County with SPLOST and LOST collections on the rise and an overage in Revenue for the 2017 fiscal year.

Source: Discover Dade
Publix still eyeing early September for grand opening of new Fort Oglethorpe location8/8/18

After months of planning and construction, Publix is eyeing early September for the grand opening of its new Fort Oglethorpe location on Battlefield Parkway.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
New medical wing to decrease wait times at North Georgia Healthcare Center8/8/18

North Georgia Healthcare Center has added a new medical wing to its facility in its efforts to reduce wait times for local patients. With residents pouring in from Catoosa, Walker, Whitfield, Dade and Chattooga counties, the Ringgold-based nonprofit health care center sees approximately 13,000 visitors each year.

Source: Times Free Press
Foreign investment creates over 14,000 jobs in rural Georgia8/7/18

Governor Nathan Deal says industries around the world continue to pick Georgia thanks to the state’s business-friendly environment. Deal says 80 percent of the projects that came into the state last year were located outside of metro Atlanta and created over 14,000 jobs in rural areas.

Source: Coosa Valley News
Number of area workers hits all-time high8/5/18

The number of employed residents in Northwest Georgia grew to more than 409,000, an all-time high, in June.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Summerville is one of six cities selected for Smithsonian program8/3/18

Summerville has been selected as one of the six communities to host a Smithsonian Institution program called Crossroads: Change in Rural American, a Museum on Main Street. The exhibition will tour Georgia some time in 2019-2020.

Source: The Summerville News
Delta Air Lines Foundation issues grants totaling $350K to nine Aviation Maintenance training programs, including Georgia Northwestern Technical College7/31/18

Five colleges in the Technical College System of Georgia will receive a grant of $50,000, respectively, including Georgia Northwestern Technical College. Another four colleges outside Georgia will receive $25,000 grants.

Source: D elta Air Lines
Georgia jet fuel tax halted 7/30/18

Republican Gov. Nathan Deal issued an executive order ending collection of the state's 4 percent sales tax on jet fuel beginning Aug. 1.

Source: Times Free Press
Hyundai dealership opens in Ringgold7/26/18

Mountain View Auto Group has opened a new Hyundai dealership in Ringgold, Ga., with the aim of becoming the brand's No. 1 store in the Chattanooga area.

Source: Times Free Press
Dade County BOE rolls back millage rate7/24/18

The Dade County School System is rolling back the millage rate to 15.070. With the rollback rate, the school system would be collecting a little more property taxes than last year, but the individual millage rate used to assess taxes for homeowners would be going down for school taxes.

Source: Discover Dade
Chinese hardwood flooring firm to open $30 million plant in Calhoun, Georgia7/23/18

A Chinese hardwood flooring manufacturer plans to open its first American production facility in Calhoun, Georgia and hire 100 workers.

Source: Times Free Press
GNTC Alum Ryan Fincher invited to welding competition in Beijing, China7/23/18

As a GNTC student, Fincher won the gold medal in the Welding Competition at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in 2017.

Source: Times Free Press
Northwest Georgia inland port to open Aug. 17/10/18

The Appalachian Regional Port, designed as a freight pickup and drop-off gateway for trucks and trains, plans to open Aug. 1.

Source: Times Free Press
Local Foundation wins state art grant7/9/18

The Paradise Garden Foundation learned Monday it was one of the 132 recipients of the Partner, Project and Arts Education grants from the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) for fiscal year 2019.

Source: The Summerville News
Georgia DOT Board Member Jerry Shearin applauds ongoing projects in Chattooga, Dade and Walker Counties7/5/18

State Transportation Board Member Jerry Shearin, who represents Congressional District 14, applauds the department’s efforts on improving roadways in Chattooga, Dade and Walker counties.

Source: The Summerville News
Georgia Northwestern’s Eagle soars to bronze at nationals7/3/18

Chattooga County, Georgia native Taylor Eagle grabbed Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s best finish in the National SkillsUSA Competition held in Louisville, Kentucky.

Source: The Summerville News
New technology at North Georgia hospital fights drug blood resistant infections7/5/18

Hamilton Medical Center is one of the first in the region to implement a new technology to fight resistant blood infections.

Source: WRCB-TV
Physicians graduate from Floyd’s Family Medicine residency program7/1/18

Eight physicians recently graduated from Floyd’s Family Medicine Residency Program.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Forbes names Coosa Valley Credit Union best credit union in Georgia6/29/18

Coosa Valley Credit Union (CVCU) took the top spot in Georgia on Forbes’ inaugural “Best-in-State” credit union list. CVCU is one of only three credit unions in Georgia to be recognized by Forbes.

Source: Coosa Valley News
Local employers add 8,747 jobs in the past 12 months6/27/18

Chattanooga area employers added 8,747 jobs in the metro region over the past year.

Source: Times Free Press
New clinics expand medical offerings in Ringgold6/27/18

Two new walk-in clinics have been added to the ensemble of medical facilities in Ringgold.

Source: Times Free Press
Full-service cancer care returns to Northwest Georgia: CHI Memorial upgrading, reopening Parkway facility6/27/18

On Monday, June 25, 2018, The Georgia Department of Community Health announced its approval of CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia’s certificate of need application to provide full-service cancer services with new equipment at CHI Memorial Parkway in Ringgold, GA.

Source: CHI Memorial Health
Catoosa County to make addressing easier for 911 Department6/20/18

Catoosa County officials have adjusted the Unified Development Code (UDC) with an ordinance that will make the naming and addressing of streets more efficient.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Walker Rocks invites all to “come play.” Project promotes recreation as a commercial engine6/19/18

The Walker County Chamber of Commerce and county government are launching a joint initiative to promote Walker County’s many and varied recreational offerings to a broad market.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Ruby Falls unveils first phase of $20 million expansion6/22/18

Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain unveiled the first phase of a 10-year, $20 million expansion Friday that tourism officials said will enhance the guest experience. Ruby Falls announced they are also hiring 200 more employees this summer to meet guest demands.

Source: Times Free Press
Chattanooga Airport stays on record-breaking path6/18/18

Chattanooga Airport officials are looking at better tapping the North Georgia and North Alabama markets as Lovell Field stays on course to pass last year's record-breaking passenger traffic.

Source: Times Free Press
Water Board gets $450,000 loan for reservoir6/18/18

At its regular June meeting on Friday, the board of directors for the Dade Water Authority learned it had just been approved for a $450,000 loan to buy land for a proposed reservoir on Lookout Creek. The money is from GEFA, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, the state agency that helps water companies such as Dade’s pay for big infrastructure projects such as this one.

Source: Dade Planet
Fort Oglethorpe working to create new GIS database6/6/18

The city of Fort Oglethorpe recently reached an agreement with an engineering firm to help create a new Geographic Information System (GIS) database to help with efficiency within the city’s utilities infrastructure.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Northwest Georgia unemployment rate falls5/31/18

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that the Northwest Georgia region saw a drop in the unemployment rate and a decrease in initial unemployment claims in April. The jobless rate fell to 3.6 percent, a drop of .5 percent over the past month.

Source: C oosa Valley News
Korean solar company bringing 500-plus jobs to Dalton; plant to be built in Carbondale Business Park5/30/18

Hanwha Q Cells Korea officials hope a new solar module manufacturing plant in the Carbondale Business Park, which will create more than 500 jobs and bring a total investment of $150 million, will begin operations during the first quarter of 2019, a local economic development official said.

Source: Dalton Daily Citizen
Rock City buys 83-year-old Sky Harbor Court on Lookout Mountain5/29/18

Rock City has purchased the Sky Harbor Court on Lookout Mountain, rebranding the property as the Lookout Mountain RiverView Inn.

Source: Times Free Press
GNTC Youth Academy has summer jobs for youth5/24/18

The Youth Success Academy program of Georgia Northwestern Technical College is accepting applications May 29-June 15 for its summer program, with orientation sessions June 20 and 21. The Youth Success Academy coordinates with diverse employers in the area to find young people jobs in areas that interest them. The idea is to get young people some work experience so they're more attractive to employers.

Source: Dade Planet
Water Board applies for GEFA loan to guarantee Dade's great lake project5/22/18

Dade County and its water company are going forward with plans to procure land for the eventual purpose of building a reservoir on Lookout Creek.

Source: Dade Planet
New privately developed commerce park planned for Bartow County5/20/18

Mark Harris of H and H Realty said he expects to break ground on the new Interstate Commerce Park off Cass-White Road in Bartow County sometime during the month of June.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Chattooga County wins new $19 million plant5/18/18

Chattooga County, Georgia, has won a new $19 million microfiber production plant. "It was the best place for the expansion. They had better tax incentives and were easy to work with," said Will Dendy, a partner in Dixie Color Inc., which is setting up the newly formed Dixie Specialty Fibers Inc. factory that will employ 100 people.

Source: Times Free Press
Dalton State adds health and wellness degree5/16/18

With the approval of a bachelor’s of science in health and wellness by the Board of Regents on Tuesday, Dalton State College now offers 24 degrees.

Source: Daily Citizen-News
Robot Test Drive4/30/18

Hamilton Medical Center recently hosted a “test drive” event for the da Vinci Surgical Robot. Hamilton Medical Center is Northwest Georgia’s leader in robotic surgery with more than 1,500 robotic surgeries performed. Hamilton Medical Center is Northwest Georgia’s leader in robotic surgery with more than 1,500 robotic surgeries performed.

Source: Hamilton Medical Center
GNTC and the Herz Foundation Partner to Train German Apprentices4/30/18

Three German apprentices are currently part of the advanced manufacturing workforce in the northwest Georgia region as part of a partnership between Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) and the Joachim Herz Stiftung Foundation.

Source: Times Free Press
Government officials try to spur investment in Rossville area4/19/18

The U.S. Department of Treasury designated Rossville as an "opportunity zone" on April 9. Investors will get a discount on their federal tax bills when they help develop the area.

Source: Times Free Press
Food City is building 3 new supermarkets in North Georgia4/19/18

Food City chief executive Steve Smith said Wednesday that three stores the grocery chain is building in Northwest Georgia – Ringgold, Dalton, and Walker County – are part of up to $60 million that Food City is now plowing into the Chattanooga market.

Source: Times Free Press
Looking to hire 15 CNAs4/14/18

The Georgia Department of Labor will help Lookout Mountain Community Services hire up to 15 employees. The event will be held April 30 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the LaFayette Career Center, 200 West Villanow Street, LaFayette. LMCS is looking to hire employees with CNAs or who have had experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Source: The Summerville News
Dade School System gets accolades for state accreditation and annual audit4/13/18

Dade County School Superintendent Dr. Jan Harris presented the school system’s certificate of accreditation from AdvancED at the April 9 Board of Education meeting.

Source: Discover Dade
Hilton hotel to anchor McLemore Cove resort in Walker County4/10/18

A $100 million resort planned atop Lookout Mountain in Walker County, Ga., will be anchored by a Hilton's Curio Collection hotel.

Source: Times Free Press
Ports projects mean thousands of jobs across state and in Northwest Georgia4/9/18

Georgia is turning dirt all the way from Murray County in the mountains to Chatham County on the coast in an effort to mine additional business and jobs for the state.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Health Information key for Dalton State, GNTC Agreement4/2/18

Dalton State College (DSC) and Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) recently entered into a formal articulation agreement involving Health Information Management. Graduates of the Health Information Management Technology program at GNTC now can transfer seamlessly to Dalton State College.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Bobcats go gold at SkillsUSA Georgia3/27/18

Georgia Northwestern Technical College students won 17 medals at the 2018 SkillsUSA state competition; 10 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze.

Source: Dade Planet
Governor’s vision for Georgia Northwestern Tech showing progress3/19/18

GNTC's Whitfield Murray Campus continues to grow. Upon completion, the 80,000-square foot facility will be able to accommodate up to 4,000 students.

Source: Time Free Press
Hamilton Medical Center recognized for quality medical excellence, patient safety3/15/18

Hamilton Medical Center recently received recognition for quality medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex.

Source: H amilton Health
TVA to save $20 million a year from new $1 billion bond issue3/5/18

The Tennessee Valley Authority expects to save more than $20 million a year in interest expenses over the next couple of years from a $1 billion bond issue priced Monday.

Source: Times Free Press
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport lands more New York service3/5/18

Delta Air Lines will start daily nonstop flights between Chattanooga and New York City in July.

Source: Times Free Press
Trion Authority OKs $10 million bond deal 3/1/18

At the first meeting of the newly created Trion Industrial Development Authority, the board endorsed a resolution authorizing a $10-million bond issue to pay for the relocation of a Walker County company, Dixie Specialty Fiber, Inc., into the Trion Industrial Park.

Source: The Summerville News
Wire Tech planning to triple space in West Rome2/21/18

Business is booming for Summerville-based Wire Tech which is received a grading permit for a 40,000 square foot expansion of its facility at 11 Westside Industrial Boulevard in Rome.

Source: Northwest Georgia News
Georgia Trend recognizes Chickamauga as “Live, Work, Play” City 2/16/18

One of Walker County’s four cities was recently recognized by Georgia Trend magazine with a Live, Work, Play award. The Live, Work, Play award highlights a city’s efforts to improve or add local amenities, maintain a strong workforce to keep the local economy flowing and exhibit a friendly, yet conscious community.

Source: Walker County Government
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport lands $4 million grant to redevelop former National Guard site2/20/18

Air maintenance firm West Star Aviation is eyeing additional expansion at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport to increase its footprint and employment.

Source: Times Free Press
Preliminary 2020 US Census Work Starts This Month2/15/18

Northwest Georgia cities and counties are beginning the process of comparing their residential address lists to those the Census Bureau plans to use to count and survey the U.S. population in 2020. The address check process will continue into 2019, as the Census provides feedback on corrections that the local governments have submitted.

Source: Dade Planet
Mohawk Industries earnings top $1 billion for the first time2/9/18

The world's biggest floorcovering manufacturer said Friday its net income rose 5 percent in the fourth quarter from a year ago and the company expects sales and profits to continue to grow in the first quarter of 2018.

Source: Times Free Press
Summerville: Safest City in Georgia 2/2/18

Summerville is the safest city in Georgia once again, according to a national home security vendor. Officials credit residents and the police department for keeping crime low.

Source: The Summerville News
Trion nears deal with solar firm2/1/18

The Trion Town Council agreed to a deal in principle to lease 10-12 acres adjacent to its industrial park to United Renewable Energy, LLC, of Alpharetta which plans to build a “solar farm” with up to 6,800 panels on the property and sell the energy to Georgia Power.

Source: The Summerville News
Shaw Industries buys Scotland-based carpet tile maker2/1/18

Dalton, GA-based Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is expanding its global presence in carpet tile with the purchase of Scotland-based Sanquhar Tile Services (STS).

Source: Times Free Press
SPLOST to improve sewer services in Catoosa County1/31/18

Both Ringgold and Fort Oglethorpe city councils unanimously voted last week to accept an agreement between the two cities and Catoosa County that will divvy up the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and help improve sewer services throughout the county.

Source: Times Free Press
Fort Oglethorpe chosen for 'Thriving Communities' initiative1/24/18

Fort Oglethorpe city leaders and volunteers have begun brainstorming how they can best preserve and promote the city's natural charm with the help of $20,000 and forward-thinking design professionals.

Source: Times Free Press
Summerville receives award from state municipal association1/23/18

On Jan. 21, the city of Summerville received a 2018 Live, Work, Play City Award presented by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), in conjunction with Georgia Trend magazine, during GMA’s annual Mayors’ Day conference in Atlanta.

Source: WZQZ-AM 1100
10.8-million dollars in new residential construction coming to West LaFayette1/9/18

Over a year of planning has resulted in “the West LaFayette transformation plan,” which became the guiding document for the housing investment now planned.

Source: WQCH
Erlanger Health System has settled with Walker County1/9/18

Commissioner Shannon Whitfield said Walker County will pay the Chattanooga hospital $8.7 million over three years. The hospital, in turn, has relented on the demand that Walker County also pay interest and attorney fees. That will save Walker County taxpayers around $580,000.

Source: WQCH
TVA cuts coal use 1/6/18

The Tennessee Valley Authority shut down its oldest fossil fuel plant still in operation this week as part of the utility's ongoing shift away from coal-fired generation.

Source: Times Free Press
Walker County seeking buyers for Rossville industrial site1/19/18

The Walker County Development Authority (WCDA) is putting the former Coats American property up for sale.

Source: WDEF
West Star deal to aid Chattanooga airport expansion1/20/18

Aircraft maintenance venture West Star Aviation expects to add between 50 and 75 more workers this year at its Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport facilities to handle growth, said company spokeswoman Debi Cunningham. West Star already employs 68 people at the airport, she said.

Source: Times Free Press
Georgia sets records in employment during 20171/18/18

State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said today that 2017 was a banner year for job creation, employment and work force gains in Georgia. Over the year, Georgia created more than 83,000 new jobs, employed thousands more residents, grew a much larger work force, and drove unemployment down 1.1 percent.

Source: Coosa Valley News
Dade County building new reservoir1/9/18

Dade County leaders are taking steps to build a water reserve for future use which includes a reservoir. The Dade County Commission agreed to put down $50,000 in earnest money for a 70-acre parcel that could be used as the reservoir location.

Source: WDEF

News & Events - Press Releases

Check out what’s happening in Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade and Walker counties in Northwest Georgia by visiting our site often. We will keep you informed on the most pertinent business news that affects our counties, our region and our state.

Chattooga senior places fifth in national welding competition4/15/2024

GNTC earns 2024-25 Military Friendly® Gold designation 4/1/2024

Walker County receives grant to improve internet connectivity 3/31/2024

Planning for significant expansion over the next decade in Georgia3/16/2024

GNTC’s Paramedicine and EMS programs earn reaccreditation3/5/2024

McLemore hotel opens for business ‘above the clouds’ on Lookout Mountain2/29/2024

Apex PVC looks to start production in Menlo2/18/2024

Southeast Lineman Training Center in Trenton, Georgia to expand2/9/2024

New home construction in Walker County grew at record pace in 20231/23/2024

AdventHealth Medical Group opens cardiology office in Trion 1/19/2024

Gov. Kemp Joins GaDOE, TCSG to Announce Further Incentivization for High-Demand Career Pathways1/3/2024

Georgia and Tennessee among fastest growing states again12/23/2023

CHI Memorial named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems™ by Fortune and PINC AI™12/19/2023

Walker Launch & GNTC Career Academy approved with $3 million grant12/12/2023

GNTC receives coveted national certification12/1/2023

TCSG launches online platform connecting job seekers with Georgia employers11/21/2023

Stand-alone emergency department in Trion opened Monday10/23/2023

GNTC unveils new Mobile Training Labs10/17/2023

GNTC receives $40K grant to support Adult Education10/5/2023

Georgia No. 1 State for Business for 10th consecutive year10/3/2023

Tourism to Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park contributes $81,396,000 to local economy 8/22/2023

$10.3M high speed internet project launching in Chattooga County 8/16/2023

Concrete company receives apprenticeship training at GNTC7/25/2023

GNTC Nursing programs achieve 100 percent pass rate7/19/2023

GNTC receives NACEP Accreditation6/1/2023

GNTC relaunches Practical Nursing program on Walker County Campus5/15/2023

NWGA JDA and Top of Georgia host Regional Economic Summit5/1/2023

Walker County school district asks what skills are needed by Northwest Georgia business, industry community4/27/2023

New farmers market coming to downtown LaFayette as seasonal markets begin across Northwest Georgia4/22/2023

Walker County, Georgia's single family home development strong4/20/2023

Auto parts supplier investing $10 million, adding factory workers in Trenton, Georgia4/6/2023

Northwest Georgia sees a drop in unemployment4/2/2023

First Northwest Georgia Apprenticeship Summit held at GNTC3/27/2023

GNTC earns 2023-24 Military Friendly® School designation 3/16/2023

GNTC students excel at SkillsUSA Georgia competition3/13/2023

Catoosa County, Georgia, industrial park off I-75 to attract $100 million of investment, 700 jobs2/22/2023

GNTC is looking forward into 20232/21/2023

Walker County brownfield program offers no-cost opportunities for property owners, community development2/12/2023

TCSG announces grant for high school equivalency diploma1/26/2023

CHI Memorial’s stalled Ringgold hospital regains approval after Parkridge appeal dropped12/26/2022

SkillsUSA Qualifier at GNTC sends 55 to state competition12/15/2022

Lookout Mountain resort touts progress, opportunities at town hall10/12/2022

Georgia and Tennessee top list of best states to do business9/19/2022

Ground broken for freestanding emergency department in Chattooga County9/14/2022

Study shows two Northwest Georgia counties in top 10 most valuable Georgia counties to live in regarding property taxes9/12/2022

Gov. Kemp dedicates $240M for new grant program to expand high-speed internet, help close digital divide8/12/2022

American Floorcovering Alliance donates $135,000 to GNTC8/10/2022

Peerless Mill to become apartments, restaurants, offices and entertainment spaces7/22/2022

GE Appliances adds fleet of electric trucks, furthering commitment to sustainable operations in Kentucky, Georgia, and Tennessee7/6/2022

Concrete fiber company cements partnership with GNTC5/17/2022

Gov. Kemp Signs Legislation to Strengthen Georgia's Workforce4/29/2022

CHI Memorial receives approval for new hospital in North GA4/28/2022

GNTC & Georgia Power create Lineworker Training Program 4/19/2022

GNTC offers three programs in Cybersecurity field4/7/2022

Grant covers tuition for select in-demand career fields4/4/2022

Hispanic/Latino business incubator program registration3/28/2022

Counties and smaller cities around Chattanooga are magnets for manufacturing3/19/2022

Northwest Georgia unemployment rate remains near historic lows3/17/2022

Gov. Kemp announces almost $408 million in awards to provide broadband access2/1/2022

FCEF and partners host ribbon cutting for installer course1/13/2022

Roper Corporation invests $118 million in Walker County expansion, creates 600 jobs12/21/2021

SkillsUSA qualifier at GNTC sends 57 to state12/14/2021

UNG continues growth as cybersecurity leader 12/13/2021

From Here to Career! Academy Groundbreaking10/22/2021

Federal $4.2 Million Grant Increases STEM Experiences at Dalton State10/5/2021

Georgia Earns ‘Top State for Doing Business’ for 8th Consecutive Year 10/1/2021

Dalton State College remains among the top schools in the South according to U.S. News and World Report9/29/2021

GNTC unveils Shaw Industries Automation Engineering Lab9/13/2021

Construction to begin on conference center at McLemore Cove on Lookout Mountain 8/28/2021

GNTC meets a rising demand for healthcare workers8/27/2021

Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate at all-time low in July8/26/2021

GNTC, Dalton State partnership creates new opportunities 8/4/2021

Healthy Foundation gets backing for Walker County campus7/11/2021

CHI Memorial to Build New Hospital in North Georgia6/22/2021

Gov. Kemp Announces Technical Skills Training Commitment to Prepare 5,500 Georgians for Cloud Computing Careers6/9/2021

CHI Memorial opens new outpatient surgery center in Catoosa County, Georgia6/1/2021

Catoosa County students earn certificates from GNTC5/17/2021

LaFayette, Georgia's Mars Theatre District to undergo renovations, upgrades under new owners 3/24/2021

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