State of the Community Address Attracts Hundreds

Given Forsyth County's rapid growth, it's no surprise that this year's State of the Community Address drew nearly four hundred guests including government officials, business owners and county commissioners.

The  and the Council for Quality Growth co-hosted the much anticipated event that confirmed Forsyth County's commitment to collaborative leadership for promoting continued excellence for quality of life. 

Announcements began with introductions recognizing elected officials present at the event, including Congressman Rob Woodall, Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, Commissioner Patrick Bell, Senator Jack Murphy and city council member Rupert Sexton, just to name a few.

The Chamber of Commerce was celebrated for closing out one of every three economic development leads and the Small Business Services Center was recognized as instrumental in facilitating the growth of 94 businesses.

"We as citizens need to proud of the county's progress," said Coroner Lauren McDonald. "Unified leadership working together is the reason for our success. Looking at where we want to be 50 years from now is the kind of visionary planning that will make this county continue to thrive."

The county's lure for international businesses is based on the Chamber's reputation for steadfast involvement in guiding these businesses well beyond initial location and establishment.

"The chamber uses every resource, including financial, to ensure that international businesses not only launch successfully, but experience continued growth in their market," said Global Sales Growth President, Gail Rockburne. 

Additionally,  in the state of Georgia, preceded by Fayette County. Lynn Jackson, administrator of Northside Hospital-Forsyth and chair of the Forsyth Healthcare Association, (title sponsor of the event) was recognized for her leadership in the industry.

Jackson discussed the county's role in supporting collective action to promote all facets of the community's health. "I'd like to think of today's event as an effort to form a large, but functional support group," explained Jackson. "A support group by definition, is a group of people with common concerns who provide emotional support for one another, and I think we all fit that definition pretty well."

Commissioner Chair Jim Boff cited the county's success and challenges including the county's upward trend in issuing building permits at a time when the economy has caused the housing market to decrease significantly. "The county's tax rates continue to be among the lowest and the metro Atlanta area and this makes Forsyth County not only a desirable location, but an affordable one," said Boff.

"As a builder, getting the community involved in what we do in Forsyth County is our priority, and that is made possible through the county's efforts to keep business growing successfully," said Carlos Washington, project manager with Batson-Cook.

highlighted the county's expansion of the water treatment plan, critical infrastructure projects and the success of a balanced budget. Gravitt pointed out the upcoming addition of the National Guard Headquarters and the North Georgia State University and Gainesville State College campus.

"The first phase of the college is a 36,000 thousand square foot facility that will be ready for student's arrival the last quarter of this year," said Gravitt. The campus will be located off Pilgrim Mill Road, adjacent to the newly constructed  that Senator Jack Murphy negotiated and facilitated in 2011. 

The county's education system holds steady at number one thanks to innovative programs such as BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) that was recently featured on NBC News. "Currently, it costs about $7,400 a year to educate a student in Forsyth County. We do have financial challenges, and a new high school will come into this county every year. We have to plan for that growth." Said Tom Cleveland, Chairman for the Forsyth County Board of Education.

Make time in your schedule to attend next year's State of the Community Address, and you'll garner a new appreciation for the hard work being done to ensure Forsyth County's growth and quality of living for its citizens.