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April 1, 2008 - The recent Union Towns Employer Committee and the Blairsville-Union Chamber of Commerce 2008 Lunch & Learn Kick-Off was a great success with Mitch Griggs as guest speaker. Over fifty people attended the event to hear from the new Executive Director of the Union County Development Authority.

Griggs had a lot of positive and upbeat things to say about the future of Union County. He talked about how economic development can mean different things but ultimately it is a public-private partnership that grows the economy and provides a sustainable increase in living standards. He said, “ Union County has been a little overly dependant on the housing industry. Obviously we need to diversify our economic base. We have two industrial parks in the county and several companies that employ hundreds of people. That’s a good start. We will continue to focus on manufacturing and construction industries but will also concentrate on the retail and tourism sectors of the economy that are good opportunities for us.” Griggs continued, “Wal-mart coming to Blairsville will have a tremendous impact on the county. They will have a significant impact on the tax base, both in terms of property taxes and especially sales tax revenues.”

Griggs went on to explain that the housing market hasn’t stopped – just slowed down. “People still want to get out of Atlanta. We have a lot of resources to offer new businesses including our fiber network. People can build their homes here and work from home. All that they need is a computer and DSL. We all came here for the same reasons including beautiful scenery, good climate, the values culture, and the family atmosphere. My job includes finding a balance between economic growth and preserving our quality of life.”

Griggs also touched on the Georgia Work Ready Program. “This certification program provides employers with an important tool that results in higher employee retention rates, smaller turnover rates, and fewer hours spent on training.

After hearing from Mitch Griggs and enjoying a classic Italian luncheon catered by Joan Drake of Cobb’s Mill, Chairperson Joyce Gandy introduced new members and visitors. Georgia Department of Labor Webmaster Kris Roberts from Atlanta was welcomed to Blairsville. Roberts is webmaster for the State’s Employer Committee website located at www.georgiaec.com and does a great job keeping the site fresh with new photos and articles added regularly.

The new Lunch & Learn events are part of expanding opportunities available to members of the Employer Committee and the Chamber of Commerce in 2008. Partnering with the Blairsville-Union Chamber of Commerce, the Employer Committee brings exciting and knowledgeable guest speakers together with local business representatives from Union and Towns counties. The next meeting is scheduled for June 3 at Young Harris College Restaurant/Dining Hall. YHC President Kathy Cox will be guest speaker.

The Union Towns Employer Committee Lunch & Learn events are informative, fun, and a great way to get in some friendly networking during lunch. Held every other month at various locations in Towns and Union counties, interested employers are encouraged to attend. Membership provides the opportunity for informational sessions on issues directly affecting day to day business operations. For more information or to be added to the contact list, call Fran Reilly at the Georgia Department of Labor (706) 745-6959.