The Development Authority of Early Co. Outlines GP-Cedar Springs Mill Closure Plan

The outlined strategic economic development actions were approved by the Development Authority of Early County Board of Directors on Monday, August 4, 2025.

The Development Authority of Early County outlines strategic economic development actions as GP-Cedar Springs mill permanently closes, effective August 1, 2025. On Thursday, May 14, 2025, Georgia Pacific officially announced the permanent closure of the GP-Cedar Springs mill. The Development Authority of Early County emphasizes the essential economic role of the mill and has outlined support & redevelopment strategies for the workforce and community. The local leadership has responded to the closure by developing a plan to help mitigate what could be considered a catastrophic economic event in the history of Early County - the Garden Spot of God’s Country.

Key Points:

• Monthly economic development updates held at Development Authority of Early County and Early County Board of Commissioners meetings beginning August 4, 2025.

• Monthly economic development publications in Early County News, DevelopEarly.com and Social Media.

• Economic risk: An Economic Impact Study researched and presented by Dr. David Bridges demonstrated a prospective $6.5 million loss from tax revenue in Early County as a result of the closure.

• Eminent priorities include: 1.) Providing support & resources to the displaced GP-Cedar Springs employees. 2.) Assisting to promote the 4,000-acre + GP site to appropriate, sustainable industries and 3.) Activating underutilized resources that will help secure opportunities for the workforce, and plan long-term site redevelopment, industry diversity and economic growth. 4.) Developing, adopting and implementing a county-wide economic development plan.

• Forming a Strong Support System: Georgia Dept. of Economic Development, Georgia Power Community & Economic Development, Dept. of Community Affairs, Genesee & Wyoming RR, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Rep. Gerald Green, Sen. Freddie Powell Sims, State Leadership, Alabama Legislatures, WorkSource GA, ABAC, SRTC, Forestry Commission, Loggers, TriRivers Waterways Development Association, and Dr. David Bridges.

• Closure timeline updates: The initial warning was set for August 1, 2025, affecting 535 layoffs. It was then revised to mid-July for the majority of employees. A small number of employees will be on-site until the end of the year to decommission/clean the equipment & mill site.

• Economic diversification push: Local leadership is pursuing broader strategies to boost sustainability and diversify local job opportunities.

• Worker support initiatives: Collaborations with WorkSource Georgia’s Rapid Response Team, WorkSource Georgia, ABAC, SRTC- Economic Development, Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, Dept. of Labor, Locate South Georgia, GP- Cedar Springs Public Relations, Dept. of Community Affairs/OneGeorgia Authority, Early County News, and Five Star Credit Union.

Next Steps:

• Continue monthly updates at development authority and county meetings in coordination with local and state officials/organizations meetings.

• Evaluate incoming opportunities for the Early Co. Industrial Park (GRAD Certification, GRAD Scholarship, Site Improvement Grant - OneGeorgia Authority, list on all site selectors) and collaborate when timing is appropriate with GP-Cedar Springs to preserve GP-owned property viability.

• Roll out workforce development programs to build a future workforce & retrain current workforce (Georgia FLEX Program, SRTC-Economic Development/Cont. Ed., Work Based Learning, ABAC Internship Program, Workforce Now Program, Strong Youth Leadership Program)

• Drive broader economic development efforts to reduce dependency on a single industry (an adopted local economic development plan for follow, promotional video of assets, inventory of all commercial/industrial properties = list on site selectors (work with real estate agencies), schedule an Early County Development Authority presentation with statewide project managers in Atlanta - TBD October 2025

Contact:

Susanne Reynolds, Director - Development Authority of Early County — (229) 366‑1952, susanne.reynolds@earlycounty.org. www.developearly.com, 214 Court Square, Blakely, GA 39823

Author’s Note: The closure of the Georgia Pacific-Cedar Springs mill has a major economic impact on Early County, Southwest Georgia, Southwest Alabama and Northwest Florida. This closure also has a significant economic impact on the timber industry. Georgia is the top forestry state in the nation.