College campus a big win for Catoosa County, Economic Development Authority

The opening of Catoosa County’s first college campus in September was a great accomplishment for not only Georgia Northwestern Technical College, but also in validating a great partnership between the school and the Catoosa County Economic Development Authority (CCEDA).

After purchasing the 50-acre plot of land at the corner of Ga. Highway 151 and Holcomb Road in 2008, the CCEDA had plans for the economic growth of that portion of the county.

“The mission of the EDA is to bring quality jobs to our county and support our existing businesses,” said EDA coordinator Katie Sponberger. “We try to facilitate economic development and better the county.”

So, when Georgia Northwestern was exploring bringing a new campus to the area in 2013, they were able to partner with the EDA to create the new 55,000-square-foot facility.

“The CCDEA decided to sell 35.79 acres to the state of Georgia on Feb. 24, 2014, to construct the campus,” Sponberger said. “The college plays into both aspects of our mission. … The school helps get a more skilled workforce to county employers. … Programs are catered to the skills needed in our county, so they’re funneling graduates into these industries.”

Sponberger says the school and the surrounding land will also be a big part of the county’s development moving forward.

“Another 12.01 acres was sold to D&B Holdings Ringgold in September 2014 to construct the Zaxby’s restaurant and for future retail sites around the college,” Sponberger said. “We think the school will attract more businesses, so it’s big for our county, and the draw of the school could also help existing businesses.”

Although the EDA has been able to sell the land the help facilitate the school, Sponberger says making a profit on the property wasn’t a main priority.

“We didn’t make a profit off the land, that’s not always our purpose,” Sponberger said. “The projects bettered our county and will better our workforce in the future.”

After purchasing the 50plus acres for $2,040,000, the EDA sold the 35 acres to the state for $1,145,280 and subsequently, the 12 acres to D&B for $600,500.

“We try to at least break even, but we’re going to get more from our investment with this college and the future retail sites,” Sponberger said. “It’s been a great partnership, and we’re happy with how the school can help our county grow.”