Page 27 - Thomason-McDuffie NCG 2025 2025
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Smart, Skilled, Ready to Work
        A strong economy needs a strong
        workforce – and McDuffie County delivers.
        Here, businesses benefit from Georgia
        Quick Start, the nation’s top-ranked
        workforce training program. In partnership
        with Augusta Technical College, McDuffie
        County offers custom training programs that                                                                 Economic Development
        prepare workers specifically for the needs of
        local industries.

        The Workforce & Education Committee
        – a collaboration between local schools,
        the Chamber of Commerce, and business
        leaders – helps cultivate career pathways for
        students and promotes technical education,   Thomson Family Dental
        internships, and soft skills training. Whether
        you’re hiring welders, machinists, warehouse
        managers, or cyber specialists, Thomson’s
        8,466-member workforce is ready to roll.  Top 5 Technical College Programs
        Small Business, Big Opportunity        Program                                           Graduates
        Small businesses are the heartbeat of
        Thomson’s economy. Whether you’re      Welding Technology                                      160
        opening a bakery downtown or launching
        a tech startup from your garage, you’ll find   Computer/IT Systems                             114
        plenty of support and encouragement here.  Cosmetology                                         109
        Thomson is a designated R.U.R.A.L. Zone,   Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technician            66
        offering special tax incentives for businesses
        that revitalize downtown properties, create   Childcare Provider/Early Childhood Education       64
        jobs, and spark growth. From free business
        consulting through UGA’s Small Business                             Source: Technical College System of Georgia, 2023

                                                             Development Center to low-interest loans and grant opportunities,
                                                             McDuffie County wants entrepreneurs to win.
                                                             And thanks to a supportive Chamber of Commerce and strong
                                                             community pride, you’re never going it alone.
                                                             Pro-Business Policies
                                                             It’s no secret Georgia is one of the best states for business – and
                                                             McDuffie County makes the case even stronger.
                                                             Here’s what’s on the table:
                                                               •  Tier 1 County Status: New or expanding industries qualify
                                                                 for a $3,000 tax credit per job created, starting with just
                                                                 10 employees.
                                                               •  OneGeorgia Authority Grants: Use this funding for rural
                                                                 development, infrastructure, and site improvements. McDuffie
                                                                 County has used it to build a new airport terminal and invest in
                                                                 its industrial parks.
                                                               •  Sales Tax Exemptions for manufacturing equipment, raw
                                                                 materials, and data centers.
                                                               •  Freeport Exemption: Up to 100% exemption on inventory taxes
                                                                 for manufacturers.
                                                               •  A full toolbox of incentives designed to lower costs and
                                                                 accelerate growth.
                                                             Connected, Collaborative Community
                                                             What makes Thomson-McDuffie different? It’s the people
                                                             and partnerships.
                                                             This is a place where government, business, education, and
                                                             community groups work together to move the county forward. That’s
                                                             one reason the University of Georgia selected McDuffie as the first-
                                                             ever Connected Resilient Community – a pilot program to support
                                                             rural innovation, leadership, and long-term planning.
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         thomsonmcduffiechamber.com • 706-597-1000
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