An office building vacant for four years is getting a new lease on life with the expansion of local business.

Allstate agent and Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce board chairman Bruce Thompson said he bought the Highway 41 structure—across  the road from the Department of Driver Services and Cartersville Country Club—to expand The Thompson Group, an insurance agency serving northwest Georgia with three offices.

Sitting empty, the building at 25 Oak Hill Circle in Cartersville had represented the boom that went bust when the real estate market collapsed, Thompson said, but that's about to change.  

"Five years ago, I brought my business into Bartow County and began to invest into the lives of the people of this great county and with their support and the Lord’s blessing we are able to be in the place we are today," Thompson said in a press release.

He added the office building "is a step out in faith," but a way to invest in and help the community. Thompson and his agency also have sponsored Cass High School batting cages; the annual American Cancer Society fundraiser, Relay for Life; a showing of Courageous for locals affected by tornadoes last year; and other community events and efforts. 

A grand opening celebration, which kicks off today with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m., is set for Friday and Saturday. The public is invited to the event—from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

It will include motorcycle simulator rides Friday by Harley-Davidson of Cartersville; a Terry Reid Group display of vehicles; LakePoint Church offerings of popcorn, snow cones and more for kids; free child I.D. kits; free lunches; and hourly giveaways that culminate at 2 p.m. Saturday with a drawing for an iPad or $500.

Thompson said it was important to involve local businesses, representatives of which will be on hand during grand opening festivities.

"When we Buy Bartow, Hire Bartow, and help each other promote Bartow, then ultimately Bartow and all the people that call this great place home benefit," Thompson said.

The office building will house insurance operations, a pool cover shop and a computer programming service. Two spaces are available for lease.