Economic Opportunities and Features
Early County is an agricultural community with 90% of its land devoted to farming
or timber. With 33% of its jobs in manufacturing, however, the county qualifies
as a manufacturing community. This diversity offers many opportunities for employment.
"Its an excellent place to work and raise a family", the locals say. It
is a place where there is no gridlock and quality of life abounds.
Agricultural Raw Products For Development
Blakely - Early County is located near the source of many raw materials such as
abundant land and water resources. The county is the largest producer of peanuts
in the nation. Although more acres of cotton are planted than peanuts, peanuts are
the number one cash crop. Opportunities exist for further handling of these raw
materials locally prior to their leaving the county.
Infrastructure
A solid infrastructure exists for expanding economic opportunities:
- 200 acre industrial park
- Low ad valorem tax rate
- City owned utilities
- Excess water and sewer capacities
- Technical Assistance/Training/Education
- Labor force with strong work ethic
Transportation
- Air - local airport with 5,000 foot runway
- River - Barge access on Chattahoochee River
- Rail - Mainline of Norfolk Southern; and Shortline connector, Chattahoochee Industrial
Railroad
Tax Incentives
- Tier 1 County with Joint Development Authority which translates to $4,000 per employee
per year for five years, on the job tax credit
- A special constitutional five year full ad valorem abatement
- No city tax