Development Authority of Polk County

09/25/2026

We had a great day getting an inside look at Sheboygan Paint Company in Cedartown during an industry tour with some of our valued state partners — Lori Dowdy with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Elizabeth Scott with Worksource Northwest Georgia!

We were also excited to meet with Ian LeMay, Site Manager, and Kiersten Logsdon, Human Resources, who shared their insight into Sheboygan Paint’s operations, workforce, and continued commitment to the Cedartown facility. It was great to hear directly from the local leadership team about the people and opportunities that make their operation successful. 👏

🎨 Did you know? Sheboygan Paint Company has been making coatings for more than 100 years, with its Cedartown facility becoming part of the company's story in 1984. Their continued investment in Polk County represents not only manufacturing, but also good jobs and opportunities for our local workforce.

We are incredibly grateful to Ian, Kiersten, and the entire Sheboygan Paint Company team for welcoming us, sharing their story, and continuing to invest in Polk County, and the Cedartown community. Their commitment to our community and workforce makes a difference!

A big THANK YOU to Lori, Elizabeth, and our state resource partners for joining us and continuing to help connect our local industries with the resources they need to grow. 🚀

Strong companies. Strong workforce. Strong partnerships. Strong Polk County! 💪

06/23/2026

Another great example of Polk County’s rich manufacturing history!

Did you know that the Rockmart Bottling Works operated right here in downtown Rockmart in the early 1900s? Originally located at the corner of Marble and Cherry Street before moving to Jones Avenue, this local business was active from around 1910 to 1915.

Owned by Sam Noland, Cleve Noland, and Charles Derham, the company produced beverages like a drink called Viola and an orange soda—long before today’s major soft drink brands dominated the market.
These vintage bottles are a reminder that even over a century ago, Polk County was home to entrepreneurs and manufacturers helping drive the local economy.
We’re proud to build on that legacy of industry and innovation today!

06/05/2026

Great visit to F.A.M.E. Health Labs https://www.famehealthlabs.com/ yesterday in Cedartown at 3520 Lees Chapel Road! I enjoyed touring their facility and seeing their recent $10 million expansion, bringing their workforce to 192 employees.

Honored to be joined by Polk County Commissioner David McElwee, Lori Dowdy (GA Dept. of Economic Development), and Elizabeth Scott (WorkSource Georgia).

Under the leadership of Holly Ash, the company continues to grow and invest in both their operations and their people. The wall of fame of employee handprints was a powerful example of that commitment.

We are proud to have F.A.M.E. Health Labs creating jobs and investing in Polk County! Polk County, GA Government Georgia Department of Economic Development Worksource Northwest Georgia FAME Health Labs

05/14/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our graduating seniors from Cedartown and Rockmart High Schools!

Through the YES Workforce Skills Academy, these students have worked hard to earn valuable certifications and build real-world skills that will set them apart.

They’ve completed:
✔️ Personal Branding
✔️ Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
✔️ CPR & Stop the Bleed Certification
✔️ OSHA 10 Certification

These graduates are not just finishing high school—they are prepared, certified, and ready to enter the workforce with confidence.

💙 We’re proud of their dedication and excited to see what’s next!
Georgia Power Polk School District

03/27/2026

Congratulations Cedarstream Company!! Well deserved!!

Polk County Chamber of Commerce

Still soaking this in… we are beyond honored to have won Small Business of the Year at the Polk County Chamber of Commerce Gala🏆

This one belongs to our entire Cedarstream team—the early mornings, late nights, and pride in every print. And to our customers and community… thank you for trusting us and supporting what we do.

We’re just getting started. 🇺🇸

02/21/2026

Learn how Grand Flower Growers’ Michigan roots and a Georgia expansion are reshaping production, partnerships, and the future of annuals.

02/10/2026

Had a great visit yesterday with Cedartown and Polk County’s newest industry, Viper Manufacturing! https://vipermfg.com/

Thank you to President Mike Mitchell and his wife Lisa for the warm welcome, and to Edward Guzman (Cedartown City Manager), Lori Dowdy (Georgia Department of Economic Development), and Elizabeth Scott (WorkSource Georgia) for joining the tour.

The Cedartown facility is set to become the primary manufacturing home for Viper Mowers, Viper Loaders, Viper Attachments, and Karma Trailers. It will also house major operations and support teams, supplying over 95 dealers across the U.S.

We’re excited to see this new chapter unfold and proud to welcome Viper Manufacturing to Polk County’s growing industry mix.
Just another testament to why businesses .
👉 choosePOLK.com

12/12/2025

Discover the beauty of Polk County, GA and get connected with local government, city resources, Economic Development and Chamber of Commerce info!

12/12/2025

🌟 Celebrating Service & Welcoming New Leadership! 🌟
The Development Authority of Polk County extends heartfelt gratitude to Karen Nissen and David Williams for their years of dedicated service.
✅ Karen served from 2013–2025, providing invaluable insight and leadership.
✅ David served since 2011, playing a key role in advancing economic development initiatives.
Your commitment has helped shape the growth and success of Polk County—thank you for everything! 💙
As we look to the future, we’re excited to welcome Sondi Smith Vest and Tyler Brannon to the Board of Directors beginning January 2026. With their appointment, our Board is now complete with eight outstanding members:
Jamie Morris – Chair | Clint Brock – Vice-Chair | Ben Lovvorn – Treasurer | Tim Turner – Secretary | Rocky Tillery | Darrin Kines | Sondi Smith Vest | Tyler Brannon
Together, we’re building a stronger economic future for Polk County!
👉 Learn more: www.ChoosePolk.com

Discover the beauty of Polk County, GA and get connected with local government, city resources, Economic Development and Chamber of Commerce info!

11/12/2025

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