A sold-out crowd of more than 150 business and community leaders gathered at Effingham’s New Ebenezer Retreat Center last Wednesday, September 24, for the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the County Luncheon, hearing a unified message of balanced growth, strategic planning, and continued investment in education and infrastructure.

Presented by Effingham Magazine, a division of J. DelSUR Marketing Group, the luncheon was supported by the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, Georgia Power, Georgia-Pacific, Oglethorpe Power, Atlantic Waste Services, EOM Operations, and The Coleman Company, among others.

Hosted by the Chamber, the event featured updates from the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, Board of Commissioners, municipal leaders from Guyton, Rincon and Springfield, and the Effingham County School District.

Industrial and Economic Development

Brandt Herndon, CEO of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, highlighted more than $1 billion in new private investment and 1,950 new jobs announced since 2020, including recent successes such as MEDLOG’s $124 million capital investment with 100 new jobs and Sewon America’s $50 million expansion, adding 100 new jobs in Rincon

He also noted the October opening of a 30,622-square-foot Class A office building designed to attract and support corporate tenants

County Government Update

Effingham County Administrator Tim Callanan emphasized that, unlike several years ago, the county now operates under a suite of master plans – transportation, water and wastewater, stormwater, parks and recreation, communications, transportation safety, solid waste, bicycle and pedestrian, comprehensive and strategic plans – all publicly available on the county website.

These plans support the county’s modified mission “to provide, through integrity, accountability, and transparency, exceptional public services that promote safety, health, and a high quality of life.”

Pull-quote suggestion: “Everywhere you drive, you see construction. Six years ago, we had no master plans – now we have a plan and we’re sticking to it,” Callanan said

Municipal Highlights

Guyton City Manager Bill Lindsey reported that the city’s population has roughly doubled in the past 15 years. To manage growth, Guyton has contracted with The Berkeley Group to update its zoning and historic preservation ordinances, as well as its comprehensive plan. Infrastructure investments include a $741,000 GDOT grant for 3.5 miles of sidewalk rehabilitation, TSPLOST projects resurfacing 10 streets beginning in December, and upgrades at Bazemore Park to expand athletic fields and add pickleball and movie-night amenities. Public safety remains a priority as the Guyton Police Department rebuilds to reach full 24-hour coverage by the end of 2025.

Rincon Mayor Kevin Exley celebrated the city’s recent ranking as the sixth-safest city in Georgia, credited strong police leadership, and introduced the Citizen Central app, allowing residents to pay bills, book tee times, and receive weather alerts. He also underscored Rincon’s role as the county’s urban center, offering shopping, dining, and jobs close to home.

Pull-quote suggestion: “We live in one of the best counties in Georgia – people want to move here, and Rincon takes pride in being the urban center for our county,” Exley said.

Springfield City Manager Lauren Eargle outlined a capital improvement plan to be adopted by year’s end, including sidewalk and street drainage improvements and Phase II upgrades at Ulmer Park (restrooms and playground equipment). She also highlighted the Mars Theatre’s role as a downtown hub, the Friends of the Mars sponsorship program, and the November 8 Fall Festival headlined by Mark Chesnutt. On the infrastructure side, Springfield faces a $35 million wastewater plant upgrade and is working with the county and state to relocate its discharge point out of Ebenezer Creek.

Education and ESPLOST

Effingham County School District Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford reported enrollment of 14,470 students representing 33 languages and a graduation rate above 90%

He thanked city and county partners for providing School Resource Officers in every school and stressed the district’s commitment to maintaining high standards as the community grows.

Ford also explained how ESPLOST – the one-cent Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax – funds critical projects such as school buses, safety measures, classroom technology, and facilities like the College & Career Academy, which was built entirely with ESPLOST dollars.

Pull-quote suggestion: “Without ESPLOST, we simply would not be able to do the things we do for our boys and girls,” Ford told the audience.

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Dates

Chamber President & CEO Susan Kraut closed the program by thanking the presenting and supporting sponsors and reminded attendees of upcoming advocacy events: the annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast on December 11 and Effingham Day at the Capitol, February 1–3, 2026

She encouraged residents to engage with the Chamber on municipal candidate information and ballot referendums ahead of early voting for the November election.