Crisp and Dooly Counties were affected by the national recession and the credit crisis, but local efforts that have been implemented during the Empowerment Zone period cushioned the impact during 2008. Layoffs and job losses were partially offset by new and planned construction and business expansion.

The community achieved recognition for its achievements in education and business support. Housing development continues to be a focus of the EZ and by working with a variety of individuals, agencies, and programs, progress continues in this area.

• Housing: Several agencies led a community-wide effort to plan and prepare for significant improvements in housing in Cordele, particularly the western side of the city. This effort was slowed by the national credit and housing finance crisis.
• Infrastructure: The County has been awarded a total of $1.5 million from state and federal sources to help build road, rail, water and other infrastructure. The development is expected to create 50 new jobs and generate $2.3 million in private investment. The total project is valued at $5.1 million.
• Transportation & Commerce: Cordele is poised to become a major player in international transportation-all thanks to its late 19th century roots as a railroad hub. Country Inns and Suites opened a new 107 room hotel in Cordele, GA on Frontage Road off I-75 at exit 99. Peach State Hotels, LLC announced plans to build a new 72-room Holiday Inn Express facility near exit 101 off I-75. Construction continued on the widening of I-75 in Crisp County in 2008. This construction has temporarily impacted the number of motorist stopping to refuel and visit the local restaurants. Once construction is complete, the newly widened and lengthen on/off ramps are expected to provide additional ease for motorist to more safely exit and re-enter traffic and thus stimulate economic growth in the county.
• Education: Crisp and Dooly communities were recognized on August 26, 2008 by the state of Georgia's certified Literate Community Program (CLCP) for achieving their adult literacy goals. The Dooly County School System’s Safe Schools Healthy Students initiative provided funding for a Summer Enrichment Program after the end of the 2007-2008 school year. The Summer Enrichment Program provided opportunity for the youth of Dooly County to participate in educational, cultural, and recreational activities. Both Turkey Creek Baptist Church (TCBC) and AeroDyn Discovery Center were selected as vendors to provide program services for students ranging in age from 3 to 18 years. The four week program served 107 youth.
• Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: The Compassion Capital Fund grant and the use of Empowerment Zone funding allowed the community to continue its program of providing technical assistance to local businesses and nonprofits and building capacity to fund needed social and economic services on a continuing basis.
• Community Coalition: The Dooly and Crisp County Chambers, including representatives from business, government, and nonprofits, met with Congressional Representatives several times during the year to share information regarding EZ Projects, discuss infrastructure—such as replenishing and upgrading oxidation and wastewater systems, continued support of rural health care, capital improvements and construction needs, and the expressed desire by all concerned citizens and EZ members to extend the Empowerment Zone designation through the year 2015.

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