Worth County Economic Development Authority

06/24/2026

🥜 Industry Highlight: Birdsong Peanuts 🥜

Agriculture has long been the foundation of Worth County's economy, and companies like Birdsong Peanuts help connect our local producers to markets across the nation and around the world.

For generations, Birdsong Peanuts has been a leader in peanut processing, purchasing peanuts from growers throughout the Southeast and transforming them into high-quality products for food manufacturers and consumers. Their presence in Worth County supports one of Georgia's most important agricultural industries while creating jobs and strengthening the region's agricultural supply chain.

Georgia consistently ranks as the nation's top peanut-producing state, and Worth County plays an important role in that success. Facilities like Birdsong help add value to locally grown crops, supporting farmers, encouraging investment in agriculture, and contributing to the long-term economic vitality of our community.

From the field to the finished product, Birdsong Peanuts demonstrates how agriculture and industry work together to drive economic development in Worth County.



Karen M. Rackley Sylvester Local News Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce City of Sylvester, Georgia Government

06/22/2026

What is Workforce Development?

Workforce development refers to the programs, partnerships, and training opportunities that help prepare people for successful careers while ensuring businesses have access to skilled employees.

In Worth County, workforce development starts long before graduation. Through Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs, industry partnerships, work-based learning opportunities, and technical training, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for today's workforce and tomorrow's careers.

A strong workforce benefits everyone. Businesses can grow with confidence, employees gain valuable skills, and communities become more competitive for new investment and job creation.

Economic development isn't just about attracting businesses, it's about investing in people.



Karen M. Rackley Worth County High School CTAE-RamTech Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce Sylvester Local News

06/17/2026

Regional collaboration is one of the many reasons South Georgia continues to move forward together.

We’re proud to see our Executive Director, Karen M. Rackley, participating in South Georgia LEADS alongside economic development professionals, community leaders, and partners from across the region. Opportunities like this help strengthen relationships, share best practices, and showcase the assets that make our communities competitive for growth and investment.

Thank you to Georgia Power Economic Development for hosting this visit and highlighting the importance of regional partnerships in economic development.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/selectga_this-week-we-were-delighted-to-host-representatives-activity-7468397438928629760-CGJk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAADdX6LsBIPE7zEvo90jUX09e8INvSoB5Ufo

This week, we were delighted to host representatives from the 22-county region that makes up Locate South Georgia. It was inspiring to hear about each county’s progress and the momentum achieved over the past year as communities continue to grow and evolve. Across the 22 counties, $428 million has...

05/26/2026

🔨 This Month’s CTAE Highlight: Architecture & Construction

Economic development starts with workforce development, and Worth County High School’s Carpentry pathway is helping build the skilled workforce that supports our community’s future growth.

Led by Mr. Hancock, who brings 35 years of construction industry experience into the classroom, students gain hands-on training in construction practices, safety, blueprint reading, site preparation, framing, and foundational building skills.

Students develop industry skills through coursework including Professional Tool and Safety, Construction Print Reading Fundamentals, Site Layout, Footings and Foundation, Floor, Wall and Stair Framing, and Ceiling and Roof Framing, with safety and technical precision emphasized throughout every stage of instruction.

Programs like these help strengthen Worth County’s workforce pipeline by preparing students for careers in construction and skilled trades, industries that play a critical role in housing development, infrastructure projects, and long-term economic growth.

As Worth County continues investing in its future, pathways like Architecture and Construction help ensure the next generation is ready to build it.



Karen M. Rackley Worth County High School CTAE-RamTech Worth County High School Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce Sylvester Local News

05/22/2026

On Monday, the Worth County Economic Development Authority joined economic development leaders from across Georgia at the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) May Luncheon at the Georgia Tech Research Institute.

The discussion featured Dietmar Exler, Chief Operating Officer of AMB Sports + Entertainment, sharing insights on Georgia's preparation to host FIFA World Cup 2026 and the opportunities major events create through economic impact, infrastructure investment, tourism, workforce needs, and regional collaboration.

Economic development is about more than business recruitment. It is about understanding trends, building partnerships, and learning from opportunities happening across our state that can strengthen communities of every size.

We appreciate opportunities like these to connect with fellow economic development professionals and continue bringing ideas back to support long-term growth and opportunity in Worth County.



Karen M. Rackley

05/01/2026

Early voting for Georgia’s May 19 primary is now open through May 15. If your schedule makes Election Day difficult, this is your window.

Learn more about our local elections: https://www.worthcountyboc.com/elections

04/29/2026

Regional ties are the best!! We have some amazing Economic Developers in our region and I'm proud to be in their company.

Thank you to the Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority for hosting our board meeting today!

04/29/2026

What better place to be than surrounded by the best of the best Economic Developers in the State of Georgia?

The GEDA Spring Workshop kicked off with a great message from Governor Brian Kemp, setting the tone for collaboration, growth, and continued investment in our communities throughout the great State of Georgia.

Grateful to be part of a network of people that are committed to moving Georgia forward together.

City of Sylvester, Georgia Government Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce Sylvester Local News

04/28/2026

As we prepare to share an exciting new project highlighting what makes Worth County special, we want to take a moment to say thank you.

This project would not have been possible without the incredible support, time, and energy from so many across our community.

We are especially grateful to Jay Crowe and the Worth County EDA Board, Dice Roberts and the Board of Commissioners, Nehemiah Cummings and the Worth County Schools, Mayor Harold Proctor and the departments of the City of Sylvester, Georgia Government, Kim Gilman and Phoebe Worth Medical Center, Jay Short with Short & Paulk Supply Company Sylvester Location, Carl Rowland, and Virginia Acord for their leadership and willingness to share their perspectives.

We also want to thank the many individuals and organizations who helped bring this vision to life, including our downtown businesses, pickleball community, local departments, and community partners like the Margaret Jones Public Library and the Sylvester-Worth County Family Connection.

We extend our appreciation to Fred Dent for his support in helping bring this project forward.

Special thanks to Carl Rowland, Nicole Jones, and Karen Rackley, who worked behind the scenes for months to bring this together, and to Trinity Archer for coming home to help with filming. We also appreciate Karen Singletary and our downtown businesses for helping create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Behind the scenes, this effort was powered by months of planning, coordination, and community pride. Thank you to everyone who helped highlight the places and people that make Worth County shine.