2011 Brought 700 New Jobs to Bartow

With 722 permanent jobs created and plans for more than 950 construction jobs that either have or will come to fruition, 2011 was a good year for economic development in Bartow, according to an annual report.

Highlights of the recent update include the expansions or new investments of 19 manufacturers; and its now under construction; and "," LakePoint's sports complex in Emerson, reports.

"Economic development is not just industrial development, it's actually the creation of wealth in the community. So, industrial is a component of that but we also have other forums, Economic Development head Melinda Lemmon said during the annual meeting, according to the newspaper. "In our particular community, our specialty is industrial but we have divisions that represent small business, that represent downtown development and...tourism development."

Bartow has been trying to ; the rate topped 12 percent during in the recession. In addition to the 21 growth projects announced in 2011, a total $207.5 million investment, 20 properties were leased or sold to businesses.

The city of Cartersville saw 198 new jobs in the growth of 12 companies for an aggregate $48 million investment, in addition to the lease or sale of 11 industrial properties.

Despite the good news, city and county leaders are looking for progress with a Cartersville industrial park yet to see its first resident. A joint venture, Highland 75 off Cass-White Road was meant to spur job creation, but .

Last year, the governments decided to use future Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax associated with the development. Voters are set to weigh in on the proposed SPLOST extension in November.

“The industrial property at Highland 75 continues to be a high priority as a tool to create jobs in this community,” Lemmon told the . “Just as visionary leaders in our past prepared utility capacities, roadways and more, today’s leadership is focusing on preparing the way for special kinds of industrial projects.”

The 700-acre, "up-and-coming employment center was developed by a community that has valued manufacturing for more than 175 years," according to the annual report. Bartow is home to more than 130 manufacturers, including its biggest employers.