The tipping point

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. Currently, it feels like we are swaying back and forth in “limbo” … or perhaps even in a little bit of denial about where we find ourselves in the wake of the mill closure.

I’m not one to initially think “gloom and doom.” Generally, I sway more to the optimistic side and picture the bright rainbow after the storm; however, reality can’t be ignored or kicked down the road like an empty can. This community needs a strategic plan that navigates realistic goals towards building a higher quality of life for all Early Countians.

On Tuesday, July 22, Dr. David Bridges, former President of ABAC and Director of Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation, presented an economic impact study based on possible outcomes for Early County and surrounding counties as a result of the Georgia Pacific Cedar Springs mill closure. The impact on the timber industry was included. The information presented was most certainly “the storm” and “doom & gloom” that any community should fear; however, it gave a clear indication of Early County’s future without the mill if nothing changes.

Dr. Bridges and I were reconnected via Barbara Rivera Holmes, the Georgia Dept. of Labor Commissioner, while discussing the number of employees at GP-Cedar Springs that would be affected by the closure. I say “reconnected” because this wasn’t the first time Dr. Bridges and myself had found ourselves in a “crisis” situation.

We met in early 2017 during the Bainbridge State College – ABAC merger. At that time, I was public relations coordinator for Bainbridge State College and held my alma mater near and dear – so you can imagine my feelings on the college consolidation. In all honesty now several years later – I never expected to learn so much from one intellectual in such a short amount of time. The Development Authority and Early County are extremely appreciative of Dr. Bridges’ expertise and time devoted to the research as well as publicly presenting the study to demonstrate the magnitude of loss for the local economy.

I cannot stress it enough that we – as a community- are at a tipping point. The decisions that are currently being discussed and voted on at all local government and authority meetings will shape the county’s future for many years to come.

If you think you are above or below the ripple effects of the mill closure- then you are very mistaken – especially if you live, work or do business in Early County. I’ll say it again: We need a community wide local economic strategic plan that is approved and implemented with the support of the local government. Without a unified plan – how do we know which way to go?

I don’t know how long these “tough times” will last – but I know tough people last a lot longer and the people of this community are historically known for being tough. That gives me hope and motivation for what I do everyday to assist Early County in navigating through this storm, so it can move closer towards the brightest rainbow.

Published in the Early County News on July 30, 2025.