Community Leaders joined U.S. Representative Tom Graves at the Georgia Department of Economic Development

Last week several local community leaders joined U. S. Representative Tom Graves at the Georgia Department of Economic Development to discuss with Commissioner Pat Wilson and his staff Paulding County’s biggest issues and need for support.
On Monday August 14, 2017, Paulding County was represented by Chairman David Carmichael, Paulding County DOT Director Scott Greene, IBA (Industrial Business Authority) Chairman Robert Crouse, IBA Executive Director Robert Reynolds, and Chamber of Commerce President Stacy Hamby.
Commissioner Wilsons’ staff included Bert Brentley, COO, Tom Croteau Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce, and Lee Thomas Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office. The Georgia Department of Transportation was represented by Carol Comer Inter –model Director, Cindy Van Dyke Director of Highway Projects.
Several key topics of importance were discussed including the 3 rd Army Road Interchange on Interstate 75 to mobilize Paulding County commuter traffic, the desire to enhance tourism on the Silver Comet Trail, how to better utilize the Atlanta Film Studio, the possibility of recreational use of county owned property, the development of General Aviation activities at the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport, actively recruiting industrial manufacturing companies to bring new jobs to the county and how to best maximize small business opportunities.
This meeting was very beneficial given the new leadership changes for Paulding County and by showing the desire for a united vision for the community. It proved to show positive, forward moving communication and collaboration. Recent changes affecting Economic Development in Paulding County includes a new County Commission Chairman, Chamber President and Chamber Chairman, Industrial Building Authority Executive Director and Chairman, and with one exception, an entirely new Industrial Building Authority Board of Directors.
In recent months, the Chamber has formed a new Tourism Committee with a strong group of active participants and the County has a completed an Economic Development Study.
Representative Graves was strongly supportive of the recent Paulding County Leadership changes and the new perspective for the road ahead. At the meetings conclusion, Chairman David Carmichael quoted “In order for economic development to succeed in our amazing community we must focus on three key areas: Leadership development, community development and work force development. These three collectively will make an impact and drive Paulding County’s economic development. Our focused efforts will make a generational impact and long term success for our community and this meeting was just the start of our hard work and commitment to make it happen.”
Commissioner Pat Wilson was encouraging and offered his staff to assist Paulding County in accomplishing economic goals and achieving citizens’ prosperity. The Georgia Department of Transportation was in strong agreement to help with transportation objectives, traffic safety and mobility.