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Economic development in the classroom
Recently, I had the privilege of participating in two different speaking engagements, both centered on the same important topic: the economic future of Early County and the opportunities that can emerge from challenges.
The first engagement involved speaking to “Democracy in Dialogue,” a Smithsonian Virtual Exchange program hosted at my alma mater, Miller County High School. The program is led by teacher Freddie Odom and includes not only regional students but also students in Ohio. I spoke to the group about local economic development, the impact of the Georgia-Pacific Cedar Springs paper mill closure and the opportunities associated with the QTS Data Centers development.
The second speaking opportunity took me back to another alma mater, Georgia State University, where I was invited to speak to the College of Law’s Urban Fellows about these same issues from the perspective of rural economic development.
While the audiences were at different stages of their educational journeys, both conversations reinforced an important message: Economic development is not just about attracting investment. It is about creating opportunities and building a stronger future for the next generation.
For Early County, the conversations began with the closure of the Georgia Pacific paper mill. For decades, the mill served as an economic cornerstone, providing hundreds of jobs, supporting families and contributing significantly to our regional economy. Its closure represented more than the loss of 535 jobs. It marked the end of an important chapter in our community’s history. However, the closing of one chapter does not mean the story is over.
During both speaking engagements, I shared how Early County is working to turn a significant economic setback into an opportunity through the proposed QTS Data Centers development.
The potential economic impact is substantial, including billions of dollars in capital investment, construction activity, new employment opportunities and an expanded tax base. But what excites me most about the project is its potential to become a catalyst for additional economic growth throughout Southwest Georgia.
Investments in electrical infrastructure and other critical resources can position our region to attract additional industries, strengthen existing businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and create opportunities that might not otherwise exist. Already, there is a buzz in our community and region regarding the opportunities this will create for existing businesses and new businesses to fill retail and commercial gaps in our county.
For the high school students, I emphasized the importance of recognizing the career opportunities emerging in their own backyard. Technology, engineering, skilled trades, construction, business and supporting industries offer career paths that can allow young people to build successful futures in South Georgia.
At Georgia State University, the conversation provided an opportunity to examine these same developments through the lens of economic policy, local government, strategic planning and the complex decisions communities must make when navigating economic transitions.
Returning to the university where I received my education made that experience especially meaningful. It was an opportunity to connect classroom learning with the real-world challenges and responsibilities of community leadership. If you had told me back in 2012 that I would someday be invited back to speak about the economy of Early County and the benefits of a data center development, I would never have believed it.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to share our story and how we are working to move forward despite the many decades of economic challenges.
Both experiences reminded me why the work we do every day matters — and I believe if our community approaches change with vision, determination and a willingness to embrace opportunities, the greatest chapter in Early County’s economic story may still be ahead of us.
Published in the Early County News on November 11, 2026.
