Along with beauty and a high quality of life, we offer prosperity and unparalleled support. We'll be glad to help you invest in it. With low utility costs, Glynn County keeps businesses running smoothly. Natural gas, oil, electric, and extensive water and sewer capacity allow for additional employers to readily join our diverse mix.

Our progressive leadership, including our Chamber of Commerce, Development Authority and city and county governments, has also made it more lucrative to locate business here. Our tax structure encourages development with a 100 percent freeport and ad valorem tax exemption on certain materials. A number of tax credits, incentives and programs are also available. Contact the Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority for more information, 265-6629.

Tourism
Tourism accounts for a large portion of our industry, directly and indirectly. We have substantial technology-based businesses, manufacturing is a major factor and we have a strong retail market. In both variety and size the businesses that make up our community are a healthy mix, from the manufacturing giant to the Mom-and-Pop cafe. They range across the county from the massive developments at Exit 38 to the industrial parks at Glynco to the ports at the western edge. One sector with enormous potential for increasing its impact on Glynn County is the ports system. In fact, visitors contribute more than $800 million to our economy annually. It's no wonder that hotels, restaurants and our various retail shops do so well.

Nearby, another asset comes as a surprise to many—the re-emergence of Downtown Brunswick as a retail center. With the Downtown Development Authority, the City has completed the first phase of a streetscaping project, enhancing main business arteries. A waterfront park with a staged pavilion and Farmers Market has been added. Vacant spaces have been rented and store fronts repainted, as Brunswick again becomes a bustling retail hub with new shops and restaurants springing up almost daily.

And now, as if to emphasize Downtown’s rebirth, rising high against the skyline at the southern end of town, the framework of the new Sidney Lanier Bridge presents architectural drama and the promise of greater things to come. As we enter the new millennium, the sky—or perhaps the sea—is the limit.

Industries
We are home to a broad range of industries including paper manufacturing, wood products, food processing, auto processing, metal fabrication, chemical processing, beverage distribution, aviation and distribution.

Our superb infrastructure, well-trained labor force, forward-thinking leadership, enticing incentives, well-developed sites, and international transport system provide the right combination for success.

Workforce
Located in a right-to-work state, Glynn County offers a pool of well-trained workers. The State of Georgia's Quick Start Program provides free customized training for the workers of new and expanding businesses in our state. In addition, the Coastal Georgia Community College, located in Brunswick, graduates qualified workers with associate degrees in a wide range of fields each year. With the labor force in our immediate area expected to expand significantly by the year 2001, we are certainly positioned to meet future needs.

Development
Rising high against the skyline, the new bridge presents architectural drama and the promise of greater things to come.

What makes Glynn County so attractive to business and industry? The same things that make it attractive to people—climate, location and atmosphere. For starters, we don’t get snowed in or flooded out, so work progresses without interruption for most of the 258 work-days per year. Location is ideal—far enough from big cities to avoid their problems, close enough for ready access to products and services. Major highways, a jetport with an 8,000 foot runway, two commercial railway systems and, of course our “side door,” the Atlantic Ocean, link us to the world.

As to atmosphere, we have developed a “commerce climate” highly favorable to progress. Through the cooperation of public and private sectors, we have enjoyed, in the final years of the 20th century, steady growth in income, decline in unemployment, increase in available, employable workers and significant improvements in infrastructure. Ribbon-cuttings for new businesses occur at every turn, announcements for anticipated developments are made almost daily. We’re even filming movies here! Brunswick and the Golden Isles are on the move.

The Brunswick - Glynn County area is a mecca of national and international trade with its own deepwater ports and intermodal transportation system linking businesses with markets throughout the world. For specific information regarding economic development, please contact the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce at 265-0620 or the Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority online or by phone at 265-6629.

Ports
The sea has always been our most valuable asset; the shape of our coastline and the confluence of rivers have created a perfect natural harbor, ideal for maritime use. At Colonel’s Island and Mayor’s Point terminals everything from automobiles to agricultural products is processed. Although their growth has been constant, the ports have been hampered in their expansion by the limitations of the bridge and channel which provide access to the sea.

The completion of the new bridge will open doors previously closed to our ports by removing barriers imposed by the existing bridge. The new bridge will increase the vertical clearance from 139.2 feet to 185 feet and the horizontal clearance from 250 to 1,000 feet. With those improvements, both the size and the numbers of ships coming into Brunswick are slated to increase substantially, expanding job opportunities and increasing the need for support systems for port-related business.

The Brunswick Port is one of Georgia's two sea ports. Its activities are lead by the Georgia Ports Authority. For specific information regarding the Brunswick Port, please contact the Georgia Ports Authority online at www.gaports.com or by calling 912-264-7295.

Highways
Our highway system is equally impressive, adding to our transportation options. Interstate 95 runs through Glynn County, connecting us to the eastern coast, while coastal Highway 17 provides an alternative scenic option. State Highways 341, 25, and 82/520 also keep us well connected and afford businesses quick access to the rest of the state.

Rail Travel
We are conveniently located with two Class I railway lines-CSX and Norfolk Southern, in addition to one short line Rail Link. AMTRAK passenger service is available in nearby Jesup.

Air Travel
Brunswick Golden Isles Airport, six miles north of Brunswick, has an 8,000-foot runway, and ASA offers several flights daily to Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport. McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport on St. Simons Island, with a 5400 foot runway, serves many general needs. For specific Information regarding Brunswick Golden Isles Airport, please contact the Glynn County Airport Commission or call 265-2070.