Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority

09/29/2026

Congratulations to Elyse Davis on receiving the Rip Wiley Award for Professional Excellence, one of the Georgia Economic Developers Association’s most meaningful recognitions of leadership and service to the economic development profession.

For us in Dalton-Whitfield, this recognition feels especially personal.

Elyse’s work helping shape economic development in our community reaches back as far as 2009, during a pivotal time when Dalton-Whitfield was navigating a difficult economic period and working to build a stronger, more competitive approach to growth.

Her leadership helped strengthen the partnerships behind our economic development efforts, build relationships with state and utility partners, grow our project pipeline, advance industrial sites and support major investments that helped shape the next chapter of our local economy.

She helped establish the relationships, structure and framework for economic development that our team continues to build upon today.

Across nearly four decades in chamber, community and economic development work, Elyse has continued to serve communities throughout Georgia, mentor other professionals and strengthen the profession itself.

Carl Campbell had the honor of presenting the award, recognizing a career defined not only by what Elyse accomplished, but by what she helped others and their communities accomplish.

Congratulations, Elyse, on a well-deserved honor and an extraordinary career of service to Dalton-Whitfield and communities across Georgia.

09/29/2026

How do you explain economic development to a room full of elementary students? Start with the things made right here in Dalton! 🧶

For Career Day at Tunnel Hill Elementary, we shared the story of Tufted: The Stitch & Story of Catherine Evans Whitener, whose hand-tufted bedspreads helped spark an industry. Generations of creativity, hard work, and innovation grew that beginning into the flooring industry Dalton is known for today.

We showed students a few products made locally and talked about the careers behind them, from designers, engineers, machine operators, electricians, accountants, truck drivers, sales teams, and many more that get our products across the world. We also talked about the people in utilities and healthcare who help our community work and thrive.

Economic development means supporting the businesses and people here today while creating opportunities for the next generation. We hope every student left knowing they can build a future right here at home. ❤️

09/24/2026

Georgia is once again the No. 1 state for business, and Dalton-Whitfield is proud to be part of that success.

Industry here is about more than jobs and investment. A strong and competitive employment market creates opportunities for local families, supports small businesses and suppliers, and helps raise the earning potential of our workforce.

Since 2016, the average hourly wage across the Dalton area has grown by more than 40%, from $18.44 to $25.87, according to BLS data.

Supporting industry also means working with our existing companies as they grow, encouraging responsible investment, and making sure economic growth continues to benefit the community around them.

Dalton has built a global reputation for making things, creating careers, and adapting to new opportunities. That is something worth being proud of.

ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), today announced that the state has again secured the No. 1 state for business ranking by Area Development magazine for an unprecedented 13th year in a row, demonstrating an unmatched consi...

09/18/2026

09/17/2026

🌟 Could your business be Georgia’s next Small Business ROCK STAR?

Nominations are open for the 2027 Georgia Small Business ROCK STARS awards, recognizing outstanding small businesses for their innovation, growth, and community impact!

Dalton and Whitfield County are home to businesses deserving of statewide recognition. If your business is making a difference—or you know one that is—consider submitting a nomination!

👉 Learn more and nominate a business https://georgia.org/business-support/small-business/georgia-small-business-rock-stars

Let’s put Whitfield County’s small businesses in the spotlight!

Small businesses are an important part of Georgia’s economic success, driving growth, creating jobs, and strengthening communities across the state.

08/07/2026

Every great community is built on great small businesses. 🏆 Nominate your favorite local business for this prestigious award and help celebrate the people driving Greater Dalton forward!

Do you know a small business that deserves some recognition?

We have just the thing!

Nominations for our upcoming Small Business Awards Celebration, taking place in early 2027, are officially open NOW.

All you have to do is click the link below and fill out the brief form letting us know who you think should earn one of our five awards recognizing businesses and business owners at all stages.

After the nomination period ends, we'll be in touch with all eligible nominees to fill out their application form for our judges. It will all wrap up at our 2027 Annual Meeting, where we'll congratulate the winners live in front of an excited audience.

So, nominate your favorite business today and stay tuned for updates along the way. Click here to be taken to the form: https://forms.gle/g4oLNx95fdu3SuZt6

Nominations close on August 21st, so don't wait!

08/07/2026

08/06/2026

The Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce Business Expo is almost here!

Join us at Business Expo: Red, White, & Business as we continue to celebrate the energy, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of Greater Dalton! Celebrate 250 years of doing business in America by registering to have a booth at our Business Expo.

Whether you are looking to grow your business, build new partnerships, explore career opportunities, or simply learn more about the companies that keep our region moving, the Business Expo is the place to be!

Businesses can participate by reserving a booth to:

• Showcase products and services
• Generate new leads
• Connect with potential customers and partners
• Recruit employees and meet job seekers
• Offer samples or demonstrations
• Increase visibility across the community

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet hundreds of local businesses, manufacturers, banks, schools, colleges, nonprofits, healthcare providers, restaurants, service companies, government partners, and more, all under one roof.

The Business Expo is more than a networking event. It is a snapshot of the innovation, talent, and economic momentum happening across our region.

Come make connections, discover local resources, and support the businesses that help our community thrive!

🌟 Reserve a booth or make plans to attend the largest networking event in Northwest Georgia.

Business Expo is open to the community and FREE to attend. Make plans to join us on September 24th between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM and connect with over 100 local businesses.

08/06/2026

Back to School Bus Tours: Greater Dalton's educators deserve to know about the community they're serving.

That's why the Greater Dalton Chamber and the Dalton-Whitfield Joint Development Authority, has facilitated dozens of educator community tours for our local teachers and school faculty since 2021. These tours serve as a way to not only become familiar with the community our school employees commute to each day, but to showcase the hidden gems and standout features that make our community so wonderful.

Last week, we had the privilege of touring 82 newly hired staff from Whitfield County Schools to help them learn more about our community, industries, and why we are such a great place to live, work, and thrive!

We hope that every educator who attends one of these tours leaves ready to tell their students and social circle about the many cool things there are in Dalton, encouraging our students to pursue a future right here at home.

06/29/2026

📣 Georgia employers, especially small and mid-sized manufacturers, this is a valuable no-cost opportunity to strengthen your cybersecurity readiness.

The Georgia Cyber Innovation & Training Center's Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing program is offering zero-cost cybersecurity site assistance visits for underserved small to medium-sized Georgia businesses.

Through the program, participating companies can receive support that may include:
✅ A cybersecurity site assistance visit
✅ On-demand training for your organization
✅ Cybersecurity certifications for up to three IT or cybersecurity employees
✅ An executive brief
✅ A tabletop exercise
✅ Recommendations to better understand and improve your company’s risk posture

As technology, automation, and AI continue changing the manufacturing landscape, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. It is a business continuity, workforce, and competitiveness issue.

This is a great opportunity for local employers to take a proactive step toward protecting operations, strengthening their team, and preparing for the future of manufacturing.

Learn more or request a virtual meeting here:
https://www.gacybercenter.org/georgiaaim/