Economic development in Clinch County has historically centered around the area’s soil type, the existence of multiple turpentine and timber camps, the availability of large tracts of land, and the location of effective transportation. The combination of these factors resulted in multiple settlements throughout the county. As the county’s economy began to expand into the manufacturing sector, however, residents gradually migrated toward the incorporated communities of Homerville, Dupont, Argyle, and Fargo, all of which were located along one of two railway corridors that bisected the county. Once again, as the area’s economy is undergoing a transition away from agriculture and forestry, Clinch County’s elected officials and community leaders are now more than ever committed to fostering the new and exciting opportunities that are in store for the area.
Manufacturing, Retail, and Service Industries
During a 20‑year period from 1980‑2000, manufacturing was the largest industry in Clinch County. In 1980, 44.8% of the county’s total laborers worked in the manufacturing industry. Starting in the 1990s, however, the number of total laborers working in the manufacturing industry began to decline, and in 2000 only 25.1% percent of all laborers in the county worked in manufacturing. At the same time, however, the percentage of laborers in retail trade and service industries began to increase. Projected figures for the years 2010 and 2020 show a continued decline in manufacturing laborers, but employment in retail trade will continue to increase.
Agribusiness Industries
At this time, Clinch County is one of the state’s leading blueberry producers per acre with an estimated 4000 acres dedicated to berry harvest. Furthermore, thanks to one of the largest producers of blueberries in the state recently opening a 30,000 square foot processing facility in the county, that acreage is expected to substantially increase. Another leading agribusiness for Clinch County is bee keeping and honey production. According to the National Honey Board, the County has an estimated 30‑40 active beekeepers and over 30,000 hives.
Average Weekly Wage
Clinch County has recently seen an above average increase in the average weekly wage when compared to the whole of the state. Currently, laborers working in the professional, scientific/tech sector received the highest weekly wage in Clinch County while health care and social services personnel were the second highest paid employees in Clinch County. Because projected figures show that the manufacturing industry in the area will gradually be replaced by retail and service orientated jobs, local officials have been actively encouraging further development of jobs in those areas. Further development in these areas is expected to increase the average annual wage throughout the county.
Economic Opportunities
At this time, The Clinch County Development Authority owns and operates two industrial parks. One of the existing industrial parks has water and sewer provided by the City of Homerville.
Avalible Industrial Properties
In addition, the County offers special incentives to incoming industries, including:
· Active pursuit of any grants and loans for which the project is qualified.
· Free port exemption
· Job tax credits—Clinch County is designated as a Tier 1 County and part of a joint authority, the company is entitled to a tax credit of $4,000 on their corporate tax return for each new full time job created.
· Free job training—Quick Start is free training for new and expanding companies in Georgia.