Mostly, Jackson County has its growth driven by the cities of Commerce, GA and Pendergrass, GA. These two cities are where the majority of manufacturers and distributors have roots from which to operate and grow.
The area’s access to major power and educated people provides ample resources to enhance manufacturing growth. This leads to manufacturers making their residence in Jackson County such as SK Battery, Seydel-Wooley, Mission Foods, and Kubota to name a few.
From Revolution to Business
Subsequently, the settlement of this area began in 1784 with a small group of Revolutionary War veterans and other pioneers who ventured into the newly ceded lands of Franklin County. The first permanent communities were on Sandy Creek at Groaning Rock, Yamacutah (near present-day Commerce), Hurricane Shoals, and in 1786 on the Middle Oconee River near the Tallassee Shoals. The population had swelled to 350 by the time the county was formed by legislative act in February 1796.
Following the cotton boom, rail service began for Jackson County in the 1870s with the construction of the Northeast Railroad through Commerce, Nicholson, and Center that lie between Athens, Georgia and the Atlanta-Charlotte, North Carolina. By the late-1960’s, the opening of Interstate 85 signaled additional accessibility for new industry and homes.
Present day Jackson County is now home to a multitude of industries and companies that provide a higher-standard of living.
Fortune 500 Friendship
Undoubtedly, the economic development team of Jackson County and the State of Georgia are committed to positive growth.
Because of the decent tax climate, access to universities and skilled labor, and stable community presence, the Jackson County area continues to attract business.
Concurrently, the many manufacturers that now call the area home have great highway and road access as well for their transport needs.