Putnam Chamber Saw Banner Year In Industry Growth, New Businesses

Putnam County Chamber of Commerce saw a record-breaking year when it comes to growth in 2022.

President and CEO Amy New said the average year will see about 50 ribbon cuttings. She said this year, the chamber celebrated over 75.

“I really credit that to the number of people moving to the area,” New said. “People who throughout COVID decided to start their own business whether that was a bakery, a boutique or even a welding shop. So many new developments came out of 2021 and 2022.”

New said existing businesses and industries saw a banner year as well. She said the retail industry alone saw an increased gain of some 10,200 jobs in the last two quarters of 2022 alone. New said this has been noted particularly in sales tax.

New said manufacturing and logistics also have grown. She said with the growth of Averitt, and the groundbreaking of the new FedEx building, they expect 2023 to be an even bigger year.

“We have a really great climate for living and working,” New said. “We have low taxes, a beautiful part of the country that people from all over the country see as something they want to have for the rest of their lives. The low taxes, the quality of life, the cost of living is much lower than other parts of the country.”