Martin Looks Back at 2016

Stephens County Development Authority Executive Director Tim Martin says 2016 was another great year for the community and the agency.

Martin said the Development Authority has been pleased to see growth in the community in many different areas over the last 12 months.

“We had thought that the year end might wind down a little bit,” said Martin. “The third quarter was a little bit slow and I think that was due to the political elections that were going on and folks were waiting on some decisions to be made in that regard. But once that got behind us, we were receiving telephone calls and knocks on the door again. All in all, 2016 was a strong year both from new companies coming to the community and the existing companies have been very strong in their growth opportunities.”

Both Sark Wire and Nifco KTW, which announced their moves to Stephens County in 2015, are online and hiring, according to Martin, who added many other existing companies are hiring as well.

Another project moving ahead is water and wastewater expansion efforts along the Toccoa By-pass.

Martin said that this project is moving along very well and will represent another major step forward for the community.

“The Legacy Water Group, the group that was hired to do the physical installation of the water and sewer expansion is ahead of schedule and going to finish well before the July 1 contract date, and under budget,” said Martin.

According to Martin, some things have been added back to the project since it is under budget overall.

Martin credited the leadership from the city of Toccoa and Stephens County for that project’s success.

Looking ahead, Martin said he feels that Stephens County is ready to continue growing.

“I am a positive person,” said Martin. “But you have to temper that with reality and you try to manage and maintain expectations. I truly do believe we are well positioned for both our existing companies and their expansion plans and new companies that have come online, what is in the pipeline as future endeavors. 2017, 2018, and 2019 are going to be good years in Toccoa and Stephens County.”

Martin said one thing he would like to see in the area is increased residential development.