Magazine features Dalton, Whitfield County

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September 2, 2009

From Staff Reports

The September issue of Georgia Trend magazine looks at efforts by Dalton and Whitfield County leaders to diversify the area’s economy and make it more attractive to young professionals. The article talks to a number of political and business leaders, including Dalton Mayor David Pennington, Whitfield County Board of Commissioners chairman Mike Babb, Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce president Brian Anderson and Dalton Utilities president Don Cope.

The article looks at steps elected officials and voters have taken to make the area more business friendly, such as creating a joint development authority, passing a special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) to fund road improvements, and cutting taxes, especially inventory taxes. It also cites the $21 million raised by the Dalton State College Foundation as one of a number of efforts to boost the college and its role in the area.

The article also looks at efforts by local floorcovering companies, Dalton Utilities and other area industries to increase recycling and other “green” initiatives.

Anderson is featured in a discussion among economic development officials from across Northwest Georgia on their efforts to battle the current recession.