What is Early County 2055?
Early County 2055 is a not-for-profit organization that is overseeing a 50-year revitalization program for Early County and Blakely, GA. Its purpose is to create a healthy business climate for the local community, enhance the quality of life for local residents and sustain growth for the city of Blakely and its surrounding county.
The Early County 2055 staff and the entire community are working to build the framework that will ultimately bring business and jobs to the area. It is being called a southwest Georgia's model for economic progress -- a compelling program of change that is making history in southwest Georgia. The program is exceeding its goals and capturing the attention of businesses interested in a great location to expand or relocate.
How did the Early County 2055 initiative get underway?
The program was initiated by the Charles and Catherine B. Rice Foundation of Atlanta, GA., which provided a grant to fully fund the first step in the revitalization effort and set up the funding mechanisms that will ensure long term success for the project.
Today it is being supported by the Rice Foundation, the county and local government, businesses and individuals. The purpose of the original funding was to jump start the project, stabilize the vision and financial support, and turn the program over to the community.
Who is the Rice Family and why are they doing this?
Charles Rice is the founder of Barton Protective Services Inc., an international security firm headquartered in Atlanta, GA. He grew up in Blakely, GA., where his parents settled in the 1930s. Their son Barton spent many of his summers visiting his grandparents Jean and Kathy Rice. Because of their strong family history in Blakely and Early County, the Rice Family, through the Charles and Catherine Rice Foundation, made a two year financial commitment to the community and provided the area with an opportunity to prepare for the future, and grow and prosper through new economic opportunities.
topIs it really possible to revive the area?
Absolutely. It has been done before and all indicators say it can be done in this area too. There are many benefits to living in this area of Georgia. This is a charming, close knit southern community in a great location, with a low cost of living and a rich heritage. According to the US Department of Agriculture statistics there is a change in migration patterns. Some rural area populations, once declining, are seeing an increase in populations. Professionals seeking a richer quality of life without the hassles of city living are moving into rural areas like Early County.
topHow will you maintain the momentum of this initiative so it will ultimately succeed?
We have a very strategic process that involves strong community involvement. The first two years of the project focused on
1) developing a long-term vision that builds upon the existing strengths of the area,
2) crafting a physical plan that will help the community realize its vision, and
3) generating a successful blueprint for executing the plan. We held a series of focus groups and town meetings to get local input about what the county and city needs and what the key points are to gain support from everyone.
The initial planning process is complete and we are implementing a mid- and long-term strategy -- The Advancing Early Initiative 2012, a five-year capital program of work that addresses specific areas of the fifty year EC2055 plan. The purpose of the Advancing Early Initiative is to stimulate economic development through new job creation, increased retail shopping options, historic restoration and more.
Why is this an important initiative for Early County and Blakely, GA?
Early County and Blakely, GA were built on an agricultural economic base in the late 1800s. Cotton and peanuts were the primary crops and the area experienced growth and prosperity for years. Then with the introduction of technology, there was a profound economic shift away from the agrarian system of farms to a more diversified structure that includes manufacturing and service industries. The area, like most rural communities, has not kept up and many local residents have moved to urban areas to make a living.
topIs there a Master Plan?
The Miami-based land planning and development advisory firm PlaceMakers, Inc. led a community charrette in April of 2006 which helped shape a vision and long-range strategy for Early County. This exercise, funded by the Charles and Catherine B. Rice Foundation, resulted in a Master Plan that focuses on raising the quality of life for current residents and building a long-term economic vision. Early County 2055 has the foundation in place and progress is continuous.
Since the onset of this model plan countless hours have been spent by staff to pull together support and commitment from the community. EC2055 believes that ultimately, the power to change is in the hands of the people of Early County.
What is the Advancing Early Initiative 2012 and how does this program contribute to the Early County 2055 Economic Revitalization plan?
The Advancing Early Initiative 2012: Sharing a Vision, is EC2055's five-year capital campaign of work that addresses specific areas of the fifty year EC2055 Master Plan. The National Community Development, Inc. headquartered in Atlanta, a national community development campaign management company, is directing the Advancing Early Campaign, whose goal is to stimulate economic development through new job creation, increased retail shopping options, historic restoration, and community clean-up of dilapidated structures.
Funds from Advancing Early will help:
– Create a business recruitment and marketing strategy focused on: film industry, manufactured housing, bio-fuels, agribusiness and spin-offs from local power companies.
– Develop housing options for new and relocating workers and families. Establish a Housing Progress Demolition Fund to encourage citizens with dilapidated structures to renovate or demolish them.
– Create a quality conference space, a Chamber of Commerce facility and a theatre for community and cultural events. Construct the 'East Gateway', entrance to Blakely, with the assistance of Georgia Department of Transportation funds.
– Stimulate the development of additional and improved shopping options.
The Advancing Early Initiative has successfully raised over $2.5 million – the goal of its capital campaign which will build the foundation for a revitalized economy in Early County.
What is the overall goal of Early County 2055?
To bond the community together, to expand upon existing industry while developing new economies that will grow and prosper. To make Early Country a destination of choice for people looking to relocate for a better quality of life that also offers social and economic opportunity.
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