Totals for publicly-announced economic development projects in Anderson County have exceeded $3.3 billion in capital investment and 5,300 in job creation since January 2009, according to figures released by the Anderson County officials.
“I like to use January of 2009 as a starting point for tracking these numbers—at that time the Great Recession was just beginning to work its way across the nation”, said Anderson County Governmental Affairs Director Steve Newton. “When all that happened, past success in economic development recruiting meant nothing. So that time serves as good starting point for tracking activity.”
In the nine year period since January 2009, 21 manufacturing or related companies have announced new operations in Anderson County. In addition, there have been 38 announced expansions by existing local industries.
“Every one of these projects is important to the economic health of this community”, said Anderson County Economic Development Director Burriss Nelson. “The big number projects are always welcomed, but we do not, and will never, underestimate the significance of smaller new investments and expansions. The companies are the backbone of our community, because their activity helps keep the entire local business community rolling along.”
“I couldn’t be more thankful for the success we’ve had over the past few years”, said Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “We’ve asked the citizens of Anderson County to have a lot of faith in us as we’ve moved forward with our economic development program. I’d like to think that we’ve been recruiting the right industries, bringing in companies that would be a good fit for our local way of life. I hope our recent success will inspire continued confidence in our efforts to make a good-paying, rewarding career available to every resident who wants one.”
