ROCK SPRING, Ga. – Sole Commissioner Bebe Heiskell sees good things ahead, saying the Walker County is ready to “climb economic development ladders” and she hopes to add 1,000 jobs in three years.
“I know you can’t see it, but spectacular things are happening in Walker County,” Heiskell told the Walker County Chamber of Commerce at a Tuesday luncheon.
She discussed potential tenants for industrial land across the county and reiterated her commitment to bring 1,000 jobs into Walker County over the next few years.
“SOLID” WALKER PROSPECTS* Two logistics providers looking at industrial sites* A hydroponics farm looking at Rossville* A “business incubator” is looking in Rossville* A manufacturer is looking to bring 100 jobs to LaFayette* A solar farm is looking at industrial sites in the county* A biodiesel company is looking at county industrial sitesSource: Walker County Commissioner Bebe Heiskell
“It’s ambitious,” Heiskell said after the meeting. “But if we get what we’re looking at, we’ll have it.”
Among “solid prospects” in talks with the county and Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority, Heiskell listed two out-of-state logistics providers, a hydroponics farm, a “business incubator” that would buy property and lease it to smaller industries, a new manufacturer, a solar farm and a biodiesel company. She did not identify any of the companies, citing confidentiality agreements.
The commissioner acknowledged the jobs lost in Walker County, including the Blue Bird school bus plant that announced its closure earlier this summer. She said, however, that several companies have contacted her with interest in the plant’s building.
“I think the good news outweighs the bad,” Heiskell said.
Rossville Councilman Teddy Harris said he cautiously was optimistic about the prospects, but he thinks Walker and Rossville are on the verge of great things.
“It’s exciting, and I hope that some of these things actually happen,” he said. “But you never know when these people will actually commit to these things.”