Economic Development
The City of Sandersville Economic Development Department fosters local economic growth by attracting and retaining businesses, ncouraging the expansion of existing industry, retail and small businesses, encouraging redevelopment, and embracing innovation. Our Economic Development director is dedicated to supporting the creation, sustainability, and growth of both small and large businesses and entrepreneurs.
Our goal is to align the needs of our City with the goals of our residents by creating new jobs, fostering and expanding affordable housing, and enhancing the quality of life in Sandersville. Sandersville's downtown area has experienced a resurgence in building and business owners investing in the revitalization of their downtown locations.
As the City’s marketing and business development representative, the Economic Development directpr works with organizations and businesses to act in the interest of local businesses, seek new economic opportunities, and develop new partnerships to drive local economic growth. Contact Us if you need assistance with Starting Your Business or Growing Your Business.
Sandersville and Washington County are situated to reap the benefits of a prosperous future, thanks to their forward-thinking leadership and overall pro-business attitude. Our stable climate allows business to be conducted 365 days a year.
Sandersville is strategically located halfway between Atlanta to the west and Savannah to the east, while the Fall Line Freeway - to be Interstate 14 - connects Washington County to Augusta and Columbus via Macon.
Easy access is paramount in Sandersville and Washington County, where businesses enjoy a solid infrastructure and extensive roadways. I-16 and I-20 are both only a half an hour away, while a number of state highways traverse the county.
Along with providing its businesses convenient highway access, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and Savannah International Airport are only two hours away. Washington County also operates its own local airport with a 5,000-foot lighted runway. The airport, which is located adjacent to the county industrial park, offers a full range of services. A 214 acre industrial park with a 100,800 square foot speculative building is located at the intersection of the Fall Line Freeway and Deepstep Road.
Sandersville is also served by Norfolk Southern and the Sandersville Railroad Company. Norfolk Southern is a class one railroad with more than 14,000 miles of track operating in 20 states and Canada. The Sandersville Railroad Company, a heavy duty freight railroad, began operations in 1893. The company offers competitive rates and customer oriented service with a local home office and has choice industrial sites for economic development. Three large interstate companies operate with home offices locally. A full range of heavy duty support services are offered to local industries.
Located near the railroad and airport, the county has other industrial sites which are fully served by utilities. Along with excellent access to the world market including the port of Savannah and many affordable sites, Washington County provides the heart of any new business an abundant, well trained and unified work force. Washington County is listed as a Tier 1 county with the Georgia Department of Economic Developement.
The Georgia Quick Start program is administered locally at the Oconee Fall Line Technical Technical College. This state administered program, offered at no cost to the employer, sets up customized training courses aimed to the specifications of new and expanding businesses. With Georgia's Right-To-Work environment, your company will benefit from a readily available, capable work force.
A number of industries have taken advantage of Washington County's superb business climate. The natural kaolin located in Washington County has become a thriving example of a tremendously successful industry, earning Washington County the title of "Kaolin Capital of the World." Kaolin is an $800 million business and the largest export for Georgia, and Washington County has reaped the benefits of it's prime location in "Kaolin Country." The county's mining companies have restored and reclaimed over 80 percent of the lands mined since 1969. A number of high-tech labs and processing companies have also taken advantage of this rich resource.
There are many thriving industries located in Washington County in addition to kaolin mining. From mineral technology consultants, specializing in advanced, state-of-the-art laboratories to welders, fabricators, manufacturers, and assemblers, Washington County supports all businesses who locate here.
Agriculture is another strong base of Washington County's economy. Over 300 farms are in operation throughout the area today. The county is an excellent source of pine and hardwood. Three farms produce sod including the famous "Super Bowl Sod."
Many diversified industries have helped spur the recent growth in Washington County. Several hotels and motels are available to accommodate the many visitors to our unique area of the state.
Sandersville and Washington County have benefitted from a successful economic past, and look forward to an even stronger economic future. The area's thriving economy has lead to substantial growth and a bright 21st Century.
