Page 52 - Athens Chamber Guide 2015
P. 52
RECESSION RESISTANT Recession Resistant Athens
Striving to strengthen our local economy
Georgia Square Mall
While no city is totally immune to Home to a major university, Athens’ of avid football fans to the city every
economic rises and falls, some can economic stability owes much to the season. Stanford Stadium holds up to
be deemed“recession resistant,” University of Georgia’s presence. As a 92,746 people, many of them spending
and according to the Director of the college town, students pour resources money on pre- and post- game food,
Athens-Clarke County Department of into the local Athens economy every memorabilia, and hotel rooms.
Economic Development, Ryan Moore, year; in fall of 2013, the number of According to Moore, tourism, from
students impacting Athens’ economy football season to the newly renovated
Athens is one of those cities. was almost 35,000. The impact of this Classic Center, which attracts events
university doesn’t stop at enrollment and conventions to the city, is a large
Downtown Athens numbers, however. The beloved football component of Athens’ thriving economy.
team (Go Dawgs!) brings thousands Economic success is also due to
titans of industry moving into the area,
including Caterpillar, which recently
created 700 new jobs with a view to
eventually grow its employment base
to 1,400.
“The ripple effects of this investment
and growth are seen in everything from
home sales to retail spending; this is an
impact that will continue for years to
come,” Moore said.
As a hardworking and dedicated
community, Athens strives to strengthen
its local economy so that despite
economic successes and failures, it
will remain “recession resistant.”
~Dana Moody
50 Athens Area Chamber of Commerce • w w w.athensga.com • 706.549.6800
