Brown reports on strong economic activity here

Due to concerns with the local cases of COVID-19, the Grady County Joint Development Authority  is not meeting this month, but J.D.A. executive director Julian Brown reports that strong development activity is taking place in the community.

“It is exciting to note that Nivel has started hiring for a second shift. They currently have 10 employees working the second shift and could use 10 to 12 more at this time,” Brown said.

He noted that when Governor Brian Kemp visited the plant in 2019 company officials announced they would be hiring 65 people. According to Brown, Nivel human resources director Chelsie Cosby predicts the firm could surpass 150 workers by mid-2021.

Another firm that is looking to hire additional personnel is Trulock Chokes of Whigham.

The Whigham-based firm is seeking 12 additional employees and will be hosting a job fair on Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce.

Brown says the additional workers are needed by Trulock to meet the demands of Taurus, a gun manufacturer located in Decatur County. “It is my understanding that Trulock has picked up new business from Taurus. This is a great example of how a new company in the region still impacts Grady County,” Brown said.

The J.D.A. executive director said that while COVID-19 has negatively impacted many businesses and industries, Seminole Marine has actually realized an increase in demand for its boats. Seminole Marine’s new C.E.O., Rob Parmentier, reports that he has been successful in connecting the Cairo-based firm with new dealers from his past experience in the industry. “Seminole Marine is operating at an all-time high,” Brown said.

Brown is also continuing to work with all local employers and potential new employers in any way possible to stimulate continued economic growth and job creation in the community.

He is also in close contact with consulting engineers working on the authority’s new speculative building project. “We’ve had some delays that we are working through, but hopefully we will be under construction soon. I have already been talking with multiple businesses interested in the building and property,” Brown said.

The new 40,000 square foot spec building will be constructed in Milestone Industrial Park Phase II adjacent to Performance Food Group on Alton Hall Road.