CRC - Blakely Gateway Connectivity Project

Q&A with John Engler, McKnight-Blakely, LLC and Susanne Reynolds, Blakely-Early Co. Economic Development 1. How will a data center affect the water supply? Susanne: QTS uses a closed-loop water system for cooling purposes and that means there are no cooling towers. The cooling system does not consume water once it becomes operational. This efficient design will not put a strain on local water wells. The water also never leaves the system, so it doesn’t get discharged into an

The eternal flame at the War Veterans Monument that sits on the Early County Courthouse lawn was diminished during Hurricane Michael in 2018. For well over a year after the dim lantern was pointed out to me – it was all I could see every time I looked out of my office window. I remember thinking, “That’s just bad energy and nothing good can come from an unlit eternal flame” – especially one in the heart of the community. Towards the beginning of 2024, I made an internal goal

This past month marked three years since I answered “the call” to accept the position of Early County’s economic developer. I can honestly say, it has not been boring. There are no two days that are ever the same. Each morning for over a year, I would ask myself what was at least one thing I would do during my day that would make a positive impact in Early County. Daily, I would find multiple things to accomplish to assist in providing appropriate avenues to attract and retai

Published in the Early County News on October 7, 2025. This past week applications for the Georgia FLEX Program were released to high school students in Early County. The Development Authority of Early County, along with community partners, are leading the way and providing an avenue for Early County’s young entrepreneurs. The Georgia FLEX (Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurship Experience) program gives high school students the opportunity to engage with the business

I’ve always loved to read. Both of my parents contributed to that love of reading. Mama has read every “Little Golden Book” written to...

Last week, I represented Early County and Blakely at the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) Conference in Downtown Savannah....

A few Fridays ago I stood in a conference room surrounded by my fellow local economic developers from South Georgia. Even though it is...

Downtowns are thriving across Georgia thanks to the efforts of local Main Street programs. Georgia’s accredited Main Street cities...

The last article on downtown growth (or lack thereof) seemed to be a “hot topic,” so let’s continue down that road… What are catalysts...

Pictured left to right: Sam Hattaway, Chairman Mike Newberry, Dee Grist, Secretary-Treasurer Steve Singletary; 2025 EC Growth Scholar,...

The outlined strategic economic development actions were approved by the Development Authority of Early County Board of Directors on...

Published in The Albany Herald  on July 31, 2025. By Lucille Lannigan Steam pumps from stacks at the Georgia-Pacific Cedar Springs Mill,...

I’ve thought about it for a while- but now I’m convinced of it more than ever. Early County is at a “tipping point” in its history....

Published in The Albany Herald on July 23, 2025 By Lucille Lannigan Community members from Early County and surrounding counties came...

I get asked a lot of questions – and the number one question I get asked about Downtown Blakely is: “Why won’t it grow?” It doesn’t take...

Yesterday I turned the page on my Manry-Jordan Hodges Funeral Home “Saturday Evening Post” calendar. It’s hard to believe another month...

Georgia Quail Hunt 2023, Kaila Bruner Photography The Office of Economic Development had sat vacant since early 2018. For five years,...

In keeping up with “history lessons” associated with the development authorities of Early County, this week is all about the Downtown...