Baxter Holds Groundbreaking
It all began 17 years ago when the Joint Development Authority of Jasper and Newton Counties was formed, which eventually went on to include Morgan and Walton Counties to form the four-county authority which formed Stanton Springs, a mixed use park located at the intersection of Hwy. 278 and I-20.
Last Thursday, August 2, the long standing efforts of the authority finally came to fruition with the ground breaking ceremony of Baxter International, a bio-pharmaceutical manufacturer, which will be making a one billion dollar capital investment which is expected to create 1,500 jobs. Construction of the first manufacturing buildings is expected to be completed by 2015.
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Newton County Commissioner Nancy Schulz said the authority has received many inquiries from various other manufactures, but no firm commitments yet.
Invitations to the ceremony went out to approximately 200 guests including commissioners from all four counties, officials from Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development, state officials and the press.
The ceremony got under way in an air-conditioned tent at 10 a.m. with opening comments and welcome from Alan Verner, Chairman of the Joint Development Authority. Mr. Varner said, “In 1997 an idea was put forth for this park and from that vision our dream is now a reality, and this community could not have chosen a better partner than Baxter International.”
At this point Mr. Varner introduced Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. The governor said, “Today is a glorious day for Georgia. My goal is to make Georgia the number one state to do business in. We are now involved in the bio-science business, something some said we couldn’t do. Baxter International is proof of this and they are making a one billion dollar investment in our state. In addition to the economic impact, Baxter has a reputation of being a great local partner. This is a great day for Georgia.”
Brian Johnson, Vice President of Baxter International said, “I will oversee the operation of this new plant. Before deciding to locate here we evaluated over 100 locations all over the world. The logistical advantages of this area are remarkable, as well are the citizens.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Baxter International, Bob Parkinson, was then introduced. Mr. Parkinson said, “For over 80 years Baxter International has strived to save people’s lives through our medical systems and products all over the world. This new facility will provide 1,500 jobs and contribute to the local and state economy. We would like to thank Governor Deal, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Legislature and local officials for their efforts. Today’s ground breaking is only the beginning.”
At this point the guests were invited outside for the official ground breaking ceremony, during which Governor Deal and Mr. Parkinson and others took gold colored shovels and made the ceremonial first stroke of construction.
All guests were invited back into the tent for a lavish appearing reception/brunch.
Those attending from Jasper County included County Commission Chairman Alan Cox, Commissioner Carl Pennamon, County Manager Greg Wood; Monticello Mayor Bryan Standifer, Councilwoman Katherine Alexander, City Manager Bob Schwartz; School Superintendent Mike Newton; Piedmont Academy Headmaster Tony Tanner, Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce director Anna Mickle; Joan Bell with the Development Authority of Jasper County and Steve Jordan with the Four County Development Authority, and this reporter for The Monticello News.
