Tuesday updates from www.bartowheadlines.com

TPA teams with development authority to get Highland 75 growing

Highland 75 has filed a development of regional impact statement with planners, a critical step in completing the county's proposed industrial park by 2019. The project features 707 acres zoned for heavy industrial use near Cass-White Road and and Mount Zion Road. The project's development of regional impact statement (click) shows it will feature 8.4 million square feet of industrial space at build out.

"We want to provide jobs to the community, economic benefits to the community," says John K. Watson, the principal for real estate development with TPA Realty Services. The goal, he says, is a "world-class business park" that will feature manufacturing, research centers, calls centers and related needs.

The 37-year-old company--which draws its name from a key first project, Technology Park/Atlanta--does not speculate on would-be tenants, he says. However, "we're out there hunting everyday," including domestic and international prospects, says Watson, left.

Despite "incredibly trying economic times," Watson says the project will be well prepared  to welcome occupants when things get better.

Watson praised local leaders and the community for the initial steps made on Highland 75, including infrastructure such as water, sewer and roads. A special entrance featuring 3,600 linear feet of divided median is on the way, Watson says. A mix of bonds and SPLOST dollars are helping with the park's initial footprint, he said

County Commissioner Clarence Brown as well as former Cartersville Mayor Mike Fields and current Mayor Matt Santini and the development authority were praised for their efforts to prepare Highland 75.

TPA brings an impressive resume to the project. Most recently, the firm is known for helping create the city of Johns Creek. Other projects include The Bluffs in nearby Canton, Stanton Spring and Interstate Centre II near Savannah. (Map by Google)

>Earlier plans: You can follow the evolution of Highland 75 on a development authority Web page. Please note that renderings are not the precise projects planned within the community.

For more background information, please click Location Bartow

>Bottom line: The timing of the TPA announcement has raised some eyebrows given the economy but the flip side is continuing growth in the region, including the new VW plant rising near Chattanooga.

-And what about VW? The German automaker posted a 15 percent jump in profits in 2008, to $6 billion. Company officials predicted earnings will fall this year because of the world economy> MarketWatch

Shaw sees 53 percent drop in earnings in 2008: Dalton-based Shaw Industries posted pre-tax earnings of $205 million last year, down $231 million from the previous year. The company also expects "weak" sales this year, citing the real estate slump, reports Dalton's Daily Citizen. Shaw idled 125 workers in Calhoun last fall as well as 444 in Trenton and 67 in Ringgold, state labor reports show.

Limbaugh-Steele feud reopens Gingrey wound: Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele's pegging talk show host Rush Limbaugh as "an entertainer" and Limbaugh's return of fire has dragged U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey's name back into political headlines. Gingrey also questioned Limbaugh's intent but backed down a day later amid criticism from constituents> Rush

Feeling lucky? Mega Millions jackpot at $212 million tonight: Look for lines at the convenience stores today as the Mega Millions' jackpot climbs to $212 million. Your chances of winning: 1 in 176 million> Lottery

Career Fair/Expo set for today, Wednesday at North Metro Tech North Metro Technical College is holding a two-day Career Fair on Tuesday and Wednesday on the NMTC campus. The fair is free and open to all. On Tuesday, from 10 a.m. until noon, presentations on two new job search tools-- eRecruiting and Optimal Resume -- will be held in the 100 building auditorium. The Expo will conclude Wednesday with a job fair in the NMTC Building 400 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Expo is sponsored by North Metro Technical College Career Services, Education & Career Partnership Grant/Dual Enrollment, Special Populations, Retention Services and Georgia Work Ready Initiative. For more: Mike Carroll, Career Services Coordinator: (770) 975-4063.  Next: Bartow Together: Re-Employment Resources Expo March 17.

 

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-Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 50. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
-Tuesday night: Mostly clear, a low around 24. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

-Wednesday: Sunny with a high near 60. Mostly calm winds.

-For more, click Weather Center

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota

-Norman seeks your theories on why Georgia Tech is so bad this season. Click Arey

Braves' minor leaguers due in camp this week: With the opening of the 2009 Rome Braves' season set for April 9, the minor leagues in the Atlanta Braves' organization are due in camp later this week. The arrival is pushed back just a bit because of the World Baseball Classic. The Rome club opens the seventh season in Charleston vs. the River Dogs. The home open is April 14 vs. Savannah> Braves