Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority

05/28/2026

Great opportunity for Georgia employers to invest in workforce training and team growth!

05/15/2026

Attention employers 🚨

04/20/2026

Growth doesn’t happen in silos - it moves at the speed of alignment.

The JDA is proud to support the Leadership Dalton-Whitfield Economic Development session, with Carl Campbell co-chairing alongside Anna Adamson of Believe Greater Dalton and FCDC. The conversation centered on a critical truth: industry competitiveness and housing go hand in hand.

As we toured recent investments across Dalton-Whitfield, it was clear that supporting our existing industries and attracting new ones requires more than sites and infrastructure, it requires attainable housing options that allow our workforce to live and thrive here.

From advanced manufacturing at GEDIA Automotive in Carbondale Business Park to new residential developments like The Dalton by Alta, the c***ection between jobs and housing is no longer theoretical—it’s visible, tangible, and essential to our continued growth.

We also took time to explore tourism with Dalton CVB and the role they play in strengthening our local economy. From community assets that draw visitors to the experiences that shape our economy, the c***ection is clear. Touring GNTC and the Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy provided a firsthand look at how we are preparing students with the skills, credentials, and pathways needed to support our growing industries, ensuring Dalton-Whitfield remains both a destination and a place where people can build lasting careers.

Thank you to the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce for allowing us to be part of this session every year and those who helped bring this day to life.

03/19/2026

Today’s bus tour with Whitfield County Schools leadership and operations team was more than just a ride; it was a window into the real opportunities that exist right here at home.

From industry to infrastructure, every stop tells a bigger story… one that c***ects classrooms to careers, students to purpose, and education to our local economy. These moments matter because understanding what’s here helps us better prepare students for what’s possible.

And behind it all? The bigger picture of how jobs, growth, and opportunity strengthen our tax base and ultimately support the very systems shaping our next generation and future talent pipeline.

Grateful for partners like Whitfield County Schools who don’t just educate—but actively engage, ask questions, and lean into being part of the solution.

This is how strong communities are built. 🚍✨

03/10/2026

Robots, teamwork, and a big win for Dalton! 🤖🏆

This weekend, Dalton proudly hosted the Georgia FIRST Robotics Competition Qualifier for the 10th time, welcoming 31 teams from across Georgia to compete in this year’s challenge. Teams traveled from communities all across the state to showcase their innovation and engineering skills.

A special congratulations to our local teams who represented so well. Team 5900 – The Fighting Mongooses from the NWGA College & Career Academy were part of the #1 alliance that won the overall tournament, and Team 6887 – The Dalton Catabots served as captains of the #5 alliance and earned the Rising All-Star Award.

Events like this not only inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators, but they also bring visitors from across the state to experience Dalton’s hospitality, beautiful mountains, and strong advanced manufacturing community.

Thank you to Georgia FIRST Robotics, Brian Cooksey, many volunteers, and the Dalton Local Planning Committee for making this event possible, and to everyone who continues to support STEM opportunities for our students.

Greater Dalton Chamber of CommerceDalton Convention Center Believe Greater Dalton Shaw Industries Group, Inc. Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy Dalton High School Catamounts

02/21/2026

Forward Together. That’s not just a theme, it’s our strategy.

From educators to employers, industry leaders to students, we’re partnering across Greater Dalton to build a workforce that is skilled, prepared, and ready for what’s next.

Watch how collaboration is shaping opportunity in our community. 🎥👇

02/17/2026

Join us in welcoming Georgia FIRST Robotics to Dalton, March 6-8th, 2026!

Come out to cheer on our local teams, Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy Fighting Mongooses, Dalton High School Catamounts Catabots, and the North Murray High School Mountaineer Robotics in the Peachtree District Dalton Qualifier!

There are two ways to check out this cool event:

Join our Robotics VIP Celebration on Friday, March 6th, 2-4pm, to network, snack, and meet the DPS and WCS teams competing and get a VIP Pit Tour!

Also join us on Friday, March 6th 11-7 pm, and Saturday, March 7th 9:30-5 pm as FIRST Robotics Competition teams from around the PCH District enter the field to test their engineering marvels.

This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public!
Dalton Convention Center
2211 Tony Ingle Parkway, Dalton, GA 30720
Schedule: https://gafirst.org/events/dalton-qualifier-2026
Volunteer: https://www.firstinspires.org/ways-to-help/volunteer/how-to-register

This longstanding location is made possible by dedicated partners, sponsors, and volunteers who give their time, talent, and resources to FIRST.

FIRST is a global program working to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build STEM skills through practical challenges. These programs help teach students of all ages to be innovators, leaders, and more, helping students gain the confidence to change the future!

12/24/2025

12/17/2025

As we wrap up the year, we’re thankful for the many partners, businesses, and community members who continue to support the work happening across our community. It’s this shared commitment that allows meaningful progress to take shape.

Key 2025 Highlights
• Broke ground and completed site work on the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative 40-home development, advancing much-needed housing for our local workforce
• Led workforce presentations, industry tours, and the continued success of Project Purpose, c***ecting graduating seniors to real career pathways, employer interviews, and meaningful opportunities
• Helped move the Walton Properties LIHTC development from vision to reality, with the project officially breaking ground
• Kept momentum moving at industrial properties by leveraging grant funds to further site development and readiness
• Engaged with retail and commercial prospects, evaluating opportunities to invest in the community
• Continued supporting business retention, expansion, and site readiness efforts across the community

Each milestone reflects the power of strong partnerships and intentional growth.

Thank you to the partners, employers, educators, and community leaders who help turn plans into progress. Looking ahead to continued momentum in 2026.

Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with warmth, rest, and time with loved ones. Here’s to a bright, purposeful, and prosperous New Year. 🎄✨

Carl Campbell & Ali Harp

11/14/2025

We’re excited to share a quick look into Project Purpose, our 9-day career-readiness program designed to help graduating seniors step confidently into full-time careers after high school.

👉 Project Purpose gives students real-world exposure to local careers, hands-on training, financial literacy, personal and professional development, and direct c***ections with leading employers who are ready to hire.

📈 Our local employers need talent, and our young people need opportunities. When we help students find meaningful careers here at home, we’re building a stronger, more stable workforce for Whitfield County.

✨ Parents & Seniors, now is the perfect time to start thinking about opportunities for 2026 high school graduates. If you know a student who isn’t quite sure what’s next, Project Purpose may be exactly what they need.

💼 Real jobs. Real skills. Real confidence. Let’s help our young people launch strong right here at home!

The next program begins June 1, 2026. It's FREE and open to all seniors at Whitfield County Schools and Dalton Public Schools GA. Contact us if you have a student interested in applying.

🎬: Karstan Media

Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce

Project Purpose is the Greater Dalton Chamber's Workforce and Talent Development program. Facilitated by Ali Harp and Dr. Stephani Womack, this program c***e...