Chamber Report Shows Job Growth
At least 134 jobs added since February by existing industry 
The Tuesday meeting of the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce brought a bit of good news in the face of a couple of tough years on the jobs front. Chamber President, David Tidmore, told the assembled group of local leaders in government and industry that the semi annual report of the county’s largest industrial and government employers indicated modest job growth.
The report shows that Mohawk-Lyerly has added 62 jobs since the last report in February. Of course, this growth is tempered somewhat by other losses associated with the trucking company loss and the 70 Chattooga County residents affected by the upcoming closing of Bluebird in Walker County.
Tidmore also reported that Best Manufacturing-Menlo reported the addition of 22 jobs since February partially due to work derived from the misfortune of those in the Gulf region. “That’s right,” said Tidmore, “they’re picking up tar balls with Best Gloves! We seem to be benefitting from the misfortune in the Gulf.”
Mt. Vernon representatives also reported that they have hired 50 since July 1 in denim operations.
Chamber Sponsor of the day Farm Bureau presented an overview of Farm Bureau since it’s inception in the 1940′s presented by local agency manager, Dan Logan. Formed by a few “dirt farmers” in the early days the organization has blossomed into an industry giant in Georgia providing many services other than insurance.
The next monthly luncheon of the chamber will be on September 14 with sponsor Redmond Regional Medical announcing a new initiative in critical emergency care for Chattooga County.
