“A new year, a fresh start, a clean sheet of paper;” all the hopeful phrases for brand new beginnings and new opportunities light up this first week of 2023. As Emanuel County moves into the new year, the outlook remains favorable about most economic indicators. Retail business still finds healthy activity ongoing; although interest rates keep edging up, mortgage interest rates continue to be under the national average and employment numbers show that jobs are available in a variety of categories and salary levels in our area. County and municipal governments plan for 2023 to be a year of planning and building. New construction projects on the boards include the completion of the new Emanuel County 911 Center including major improvements in communication systems for law enforcement and public safety. The County is also making much needed refurbishment at the County Health Department and Senior Citizens Center with facility renovations and new driveway and parking area access and paving. Continued transportation improvements in the county will move forward in "23 and design of a new administrative/business office complex on Moring Street in Swainsboro will continue with the goal of providing more efficient operation and ease of interaction involving county services for all citizens of Emanuel County.
In Swainsboro, two renovation projects that were earlier postponed will now be resumed following a vote by city council. The Karrh Center and the Community Action for Youth Center are back on track for 2023. Another project headed toward completion this year in Swainsboro is a joint effort by the Emanuel County Commission, the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Swainsboro. This project located directly across from the Swainsboro Post Office will provide a multi-purpose "conference center" venue for meetings and events to be used by all three agencies as well as other business-related entities. Construction is also expected to begin this year on a new elevated water tank for the city water system in Swainsboro. A great deal of interest this year will continue around the work of the Emanuel County Joint Development Authority and the potential benefit to our county from the construction of the new Hyundai Motor assembly plant in Bryan County. The new I-16 Industrial park is now in final stages of completion as work on the water/wastewater system nears an end. With our new park only 52 miles from the new Hyundai site, Emanuel County could see great opportunity in the next two years from this massive new manufacturing operation that will employ over 8,100 people by the start of production in 2025.
As we answer the starting bell in this first week of the new year, 2023 seems to be full of promise. Let us hope a fast start encourages optimism, hard work and cooperation on the part of all those in every level of government and business in our community. We appreciate the continuing efforts of all these people in moving Emanuel County forward. Working together, this county has the potential to stand out as a leader in one of the fastest growing regions of Georgia.
