Maintaining and building
existing industries
Historically in Floyd County
manufacturing has been one
of the three major employment
sectors. SmartAsset.com
has placed Rome in the
“Top 10 Places to Work in
Manufacturing” in the United
States.
In fact, Rome is number eight
and one of the key reasons
for this high placement is
approximately 18% of the
workforce is manufacturing
employment.
The Rome Floyd Chamber and
Rome Floyd Chamber’s Greater
Rome Existing Industries
association continue to provide
a vital link among community
manufacturers.
Their programs range from
seminars to buyer supplier
connections and a renewed
focus on supply chain and
public policy advocacy.
“I have been a part of GREIA
for the last several years. This
is an incredible association
and Rome and Floyd County is
fortunate the chamber had the
foresight for this need many
years ago,” said John Cothran,
Operations Manager, BRUGG
Lifting North America and
GREIA Chair. “GREIA provides
a vital link among all the local
industries and the chamber.
The networking provides an
opportunity for everyone to
share ideas, discuss current
issues, and solicit solutions
from each other and the
chamber.”
As GREIA chair, his perspective
is important. He, like previous
chairs, has a seat at the
table at the Rome Floyd
Chamber and on the Rome-
Floyd Development Authority
as a state constitutional
appointment.
The tax digest of Floyd County
(including within the city limits)
grows every time an existing
manufacturer expands and a
new one invests.
When payrolls, local goods
and services, purchases and
the numerous contributions to
charities and non-profits are
totaled, this sector’s priority
role is clear.
The reference to workforce
issues is a major priority with
the chamber.
“Talent /workforce is the topof
mind issue for nearly every
business and industry in Floyd
County,” said Jeanne Krueger,
Chamber President and CEO.
“ Attraction, retention and
alignment of talent are critically
important.”
“Trends for local manufacturers
increased in business due
to COVID-19 needs. Our
manufacturers expanded their
creativity with adaptations,
and new products could be
provided, “ said Pam Powers-
Smith, director of business
and industry services at the
chamber.
Kerry Foods is making a $125 million investment in its Rome plant. The
upgrade will double capacity and add more than 100 new employees
OUTLOOK | MARCH 2021 7
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