The Empowerment Zone communities in Crisp and Dooly Counties continued to make progress toward meeting the Strategies and Benchmarks they established through their local planning process. Board members of both local Chambers of Commerce visited the EZ and contacted U.S. Representatives and Senators throughout the year to urge them to support extension of the Southwest Georgia United Empowerment Zone designation. A number of new businesses opened in the area, including the Fairfield Inn by Marriott on 16th Ave. and Interstate 75 Exit 101 and several restaurants, service providers, and retail stores. Another new hotel was under construction at the end of the year. The widening of Interstate 75 in Crisp County began in January. The project consists of eight miles of concrete paving beginning south of Highway 300 and continuing north to the Dooly County line on both the north and southbound sides. These road improvements, including bridge construction, are expected to significantly improve tourism traffic and revenue in Crisp County. The 50,000 square foot business incubator facility in Vienna was 57% full at the end of the year and was generating enough funds in rentals to pay its operating expenses. The Crisp Dooly Joint Development Authority began to convert 5,000 square feet of manufacturing space in the Vienna center to 10,000 square feet of office space by developing a second story. Crisp County became one of the state’s Entrepreneur Friendly communities, an official designation indicating the community is developing an environment conducive to small business and entrepreneurs.

Cordele and Crisp County were accepted as participants in the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing. This three year program will provide retreats and technical assistance to allow the community to plan its own renewal and develop structures to support development and redevelopment of housing and commercial areas. Governor Sonny Perdue announced that Georgia Veterans State Park in Cordele will be a site for the new Go Fish Georgia Program. Crisp County will be getting additional funding for boat ramps and other improvements which will allow the county to host larger fishing tournaments and bring more visitors to the community. Based on review by the Chamber, a major bass fishing tournament can have a $4 to $5 million economic impact on the local community. The $400,000 grant will include adding additional piers, a pavilion suitable for awards ceremonies and larger boat ramps. The development of additional rental space available for business incubation programs in both Crisp and Dooly Counties will serve entrepreneurs and improve long-term sustainability of the Business Development Center program. Capital available to businesses in Crisp and Dooly County and the region will increase through the expansion of revolving loan funds and the increased staff time available in the Community Development Financial Institution program.

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