Worth County Economic Development Authority

10/15/2026

What does capital investment mean for Worth County?

It can look like a local business purchasing new equipment, an industry expanding its facility, or an entrepreneur investing time and resources into growing an idea.

Each investment strengthens our local economy by supporting jobs, increasing productivity, creating opportunities for other businesses, and demonstrating confidence in Worth County’s future.

Whether it comes from a new company or a business that has called Worth County home for generations, capital investment helps move our entire community forward.

10/12/2026

🌱 Rural Georgia is Growing, and Worth County is Part of the Story!

The Worth County Economic Development Authority recently attended the 2026 State of Rural Prosperity, hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in Tifton, joining leaders from across the state to discuss the opportunities shaping rural Georgia's economic future.

One of the biggest takeaways?
Existing industries are essential to continued economic growth. In FY26, nearly 4 out of 5 economic development projects were expansions of existing businesses, reinforcing the importance of supporting the companies already investing in our communities.

From agriculture and manufacturing to logistics and energy, rural Georgia continues to play a vital role in our state's economic success.

We were especially excited to see Worth County featured in a presentation highlighting Site Readiness Success, recognizing our recent groundbreaking for the road construction project at Worth Industrial Complex East! 🚧

The message throughout the event was clear: Progress happens when communities invest strategically, embrace innovation, and work together.

We're proud to be part of rural Georgia's growth story and look forward to continuing that momentum right here in Worth County!

10/08/2026

🎓 Student Success is Worth County's Success

A strong community starts with strong schools, and we're proud to celebrate the latest graduation rate announcement from Worth County Schools!

Behind every graduate is a network of dedicated educators, administrators, families, and community partners working to help students succeed.

At the Worth County Economic Development Authority, we recognize that education and workforce development go hand in hand. Every student who graduates is taking an important step toward their future, whether that means entering the workforce, continuing their education, or pursuing technical training.

Investing in student success today means building a stronger Worth County tomorrow!

Congratulations to Worth County Schools, our students, and everyone who helped make this achievement possible! 👏

10/05/2026

🚧 We officially broke ground!

On September 22, the Worth County Economic Development Authority was proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of the road construction project at Worth Industrial Complex East!

This project represents another important investment in the infrastructure needed to prepare Worth County for future growth, strengthen our industrial sites, and position our community for new opportunities.

Most importantly, projects like this don't happen without partnership.

We want to extend a sincere THANK YOU to everyone who played a role in making this project and groundbreaking possible:
Worth County EDA
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
City of Sylvester, Georgia Government
Worth County Board of Commissioners
W&A Engineering and Jim Boyd
All our State Regional and Community members, and all of the individuals and organizations who have supported this project along the way.

Community members, and all of the individuals and organizations who have supported this project along the way.

A special thank you to Shaphan Jenkins with DJ PHUN for his involvement and support, and to Sunshine Media for capturing this milestone for us!

Economic development is truly a team effort, and we're grateful for the people who continue to come together to invest in Worth County's future.

Here's to another step forward for Worth County! 🎉

10/02/2026

🎓 Building Worth County's Workforce Starts with Our Students

A strong economic future depends on a strong workforce—and preparing that workforce starts long before someone applies for their first job.

Worth County Schools and the Worth County Economic Development Authority understand the importance of working together to connect today's students with tomorrow's opportunities.

Melissa Jolly, WCHS Guidance Counselor, and Karen Rackley, WCEDA Executive Director, recently attended the 2026 Governor's Workforce Summit, where education, business, and workforce leaders from across Georgia came together under the theme "Where Talent Meets Opportunity.”

They heard inspiring success stories and learned more about the resources, career pathways, and statewide initiatives helping students identify their strengths, explore high-demand careers, and build a path toward success after graduation.

From Georgia Works to Georgia DREAMS, Georgia is continuing to strengthen the connection between education and the workforce—and we're excited to bring those conversations back home to Worth County.

When our schools, businesses, and economic development partners work together, we're not just preparing students for their futures. We're preparing Worth County for ours.

09/28/2026

🚔 CTAE Pathway Highlight: Law Enforcement Services/Forensic Science

For students interested in criminal justice, investigations, or forensic science, Worth County High School CTAE-RamTech offers an opportunity to start exploring those careers before graduation.

Through the Law Enforcement Services/Forensic Science pathway, students complete:

📚 Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
⚖️ Criminal Justice Essentials
🔬 Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation

Led by Mr. Phil Burrell, students go beyond the textbook to explore criminal and constitutional law, basic law enforcement skills, investigative techniques, and crime scene investigation. They even put their knowledge into practice through experiences like a mock trial and hands-on forensic techniques using principles from chemistry, biology, and physics.

These experiences can help prepare students to pursue careers and continued education in law enforcement, criminal justice, forensic science, corrections, and other public safety fields.

By giving students opportunities to explore careers and build practical skills now, Worth County is continuing to invest in a workforce that's prepared to serve our communities in the future.



Sylvester Local News Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce Karen M. Rackley

09/26/2026

Georgia has been named the No. 1 state for business for the 13th consecutive year!

That kind of success does not happen by chance. It comes from strong leadership, teamwork, trusted relationships and a shared commitment to creating jobs and attracting capital investment.

Thank you, Governor Brian Kemp, for helping pave the way for continued economic growth across our state. Thank you also to our legislators, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, local chambers of commerce and local economic development authorities. It takes a strong team working together at every level to keep Georgia competitive.

Georgia’s leadership continues to set the standard. Now, let’s build on that momentum and become the No. 1 state for talent! 🍑👏

The verdict is in! For an unprecedented 13th year in a row, Georgia has been named the top state for business by the experts site selectors trust most.

Georgia is at the heart of the American comeback story, and there's more good news to come!
https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-09-23/gov-kemp-georgia-remains-no-1-business

09/23/2026

Industry Highlight: Worth Gin & Warehouse

In Worth County, agriculture doesn't stop at the farm.

Located right here in Sylvester, Worth Gin & Warehouse plays an important role in moving one of our region's signature crops from the field to the marketplace. Cotton ginning is a critical step in the agricultural supply chain, separating cotton fiber from the seed and preparing it for the next stage of production.

Worth Gin's roots in our community stretch back decades, and its continued presence represents the kind of agricultural infrastructure that supports local growers and keeps our rural economy moving.

Agriculture is part of Worth County's identity—and businesses like Worth Gin help turn what we grow here into economic opportunity that reaches far beyond our county lines.



Sylvester Local News Karen M. Rackley Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce

09/22/2026

Worth County was represented at the GEDA 2026 Annual Conference in Savannah last week!

WCEDA Executive Director Karen M. Rackley and Board Chair Jay Crowe joined economic development professionals from across Georgia for three days of learning, networking, and conversations focused on the opportunities and challenges shaping economic development across our state.

From infrastructure and site readiness to transportation, energy, leadership, and Georgia's continued economic growth, conferences like this provide valuable opportunities to learn from communities and partners across the state and bring new ideas and connections back home.

Economic development is a team effort, and staying connected to the professionals, resources, and conversations happening across Georgia helps us continue to plan, prepare, and position Worth County for future opportunities.

09/21/2026

🚧 Tomorrow's the day!

Join the Worth County Economic Development Authority as we break ground on the new road construction project at Worth Industrial Complex East!

This project represents another important investment in the infrastructure and site readiness needed to support future business growth and economic opportunity in Worth County.

📅 Tuesday, September 22
⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Worth Industrial Complex East, 1114 East Franklin Street, Sylvester

We look forward to celebrating this next step forward with our community and partners!



Sylvester Local News Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce City of Sylvester, Georgia Government Karen M. Rackley