Page 34 - Catoosa Community Guide

Ringgold Economic Development
CATOO SA
Industry Local Entrepreneur O. Wayne Rollins
is a successful Catoosa business man.
The city’s Rollins Business Center is on
Highway 151 within one mile of the
Exit 348 on I-75 and has been the home Orville Wayne Rollins, co-founder of Rollins Broadcasting, was a When Wayne learned that the
of many manufacturers since the 500 visionary businessman who helped purchase and shape Orkin into Orkin family was contemplating
acre tract of land was developed for an one of the most successful consumer services companies in the the future of the company, he saw
industrial park. In 2017, 19 companies U.S. Wayne served as Orkin chairman and CEO for 27 years. It is a an opportunity and consulted
are located within the park, employing tribute to Wayne that the various Rollins ventures continue to thrive. management experts to evaluate
more than 1,000 employees. The most Born in Ringgold, Ga., in 1912 to a farmer father and a schoolteacher Orkin’s potential for growth. A
recent plant under construction is a mother, Wayne worked hard both inside and outside of the classroom. savvy businessman, Wayne
28,000 sq. ft. bakery for Dunkin Donuts. He worked on the family farm throughout high school and graduated wanted to take the company
The center’s infrastructure includes valedictorian of his class in 1930. He hoped to one day become to new heights. He borrowed
water, sewer, electric, natural gas, GIG a lawyer, but a hailstorm destroyed the family’s crops and along $60 million to complete the
internet and phone service. In 2017 with them, his dream of attending college. nation’s first leveraged buyout
Highway 151 widening project began to For 15 years, Wayne worked in Chattanooga before he returned to transaction in 1964 and hired
improve access for our manufacturers. Ringgold where he, his wife, and his younger brother began rebuilding experts who knew how to control pests. The rest is Orkin history.
Capacity for new industry is available, for more information contact Ringgold City Hall: 706-935-3061. a mineral springs resort. In 1948, Wayne launched Rollins Broadcasting “You purchase success with effort, the same way you
and successfully acquired and repositioned under performing radio purchase groceries with money”
stations to appeal to niche markets like the local military. The company
Industries in Rollins Business Center Accessibility grew to encompass 10 radio stations, 4 television stations, 4 cable – O. Wayne Rollins
Metro Boiler Tube Shaw Plant RP Allstate Tent Knoxville television systems and an outdoor advertising division. In 1964, After all he accomplished, Wayne still was true to his Catoosa
CaroCon Five Star Vending Paymasters Unlimited Nashville the company’s revenues totaled $9 million. roots and humbly referred to himself as a “Georgia farm boy.”
Propex Nestle USA Ringgold Telephone
Penn Color Teems Fabrication Company 75
Happy Feet Fuel A New Daystar Logistics 24
Direct Mat PBI Printing Dunkin Donuts Chattanooga
Shaw Plant 47 Sun Mills Chattanooga
Airport
TENNES SEE TENNES SEE
ALABAMA Ringgold GEORGIA
Training Professionals for the Workforce
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
offers programs of study specific to the 59
needs of Ringgold’s existing manufacturing 75
industries and provides skilled employees
for the area’s workforce. The new GNTC Birmingham Atlanta
campus is located directly across from the
Rollins Business Center. The city of Ringgold is centrally positioned to 5 major
southern cities: Chattanooga, Knoxville and Nashville,
Retail Business TN; Atlanta, GA; and Birmingham, AL. Its location on
Interstate 75 gives Ringgold easy interstate access to
The city of Ringgold is a member of Main other industry in this region.
Street America. In an era when many
people had given up hope about the
commercial and cultural viability of
downtowns, and when suburbs, shopping
malls, and big box retailers were dominating the American landscape,
the Main Street movement has proven that downtowns are the heart of The City of Ringgold
our communities, and that a community is only as strong as its core. 150 Tennessee Street
Together with the efforts of the Mayor, Council, Downtown Development Ringgold, GA 30736
Authority, Convention and Visitors Bureau and Merchants, the town 706.935.3061
is enhancing a vibrant shopping community. cityofringgoldga.gov

T AKING CARE OF BUSINES S I 33