Wood processing start-up creates 50 jobs in Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County

ATLANTA, February 2, 2015—The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced today that Choice Wood, Inc., a wood processing and manufacturing start-up, will create 50 jobs and invest $1.2 million into a new operation in Fitzgerald.

'Georgia has become a prime location for start-up activity,' said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. 'Choice Wood, Inc. will take advantage of a growing network of customers and suppliers, a thriving entrepreneurial environment and a solid transportation system to support its growing customer base.'

Choice Wood, Inc. will supply processed wood bundles to major retailers in the Southeast. The company will lease a 200,000-square-foot-facility at 209 Glen Bass Road, creating 35 jobs to start, expecting to grow to 50 jobs within the first 24 months.  The privately held company began operations in December 2014 and has already exceeded initial growth projections.

'Choice Wood, Inc. appreciates the assistance we received from the Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce while opening our business and we look forward to growing Choice Wood, Inc. in this community,' said Allen Conger Sr., partner in Choice Wood, Inc.

Choice Wood, Inc. was developed by father-and-son Conger and Davis families who both have an entrepreneurial history in creating other successful local companies, including American Blanching Company, Protein Plus, EnviroLog and Timberland Products.

Choice Wood, Inc. will partner with Enviro Log, the largest waxed cardboard recycler in North America and the third largest producer of manufactured fire logs in the U.S., to serve as the distributor for Choice Wood, Inc. products.

Michelle Shaw, assistant director of existing industry and regional recruitment at GDEcD, assisted Choice Wood, Inc. on behalf of Georgia, along with Executive Director of the Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority Ashley Morris.

'The Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority Board of Directors and staff appreciate the investment into our community by Choice Wood, Inc. and look forward to a continued partnership with Choice Wood, Inc,' said Morris.

'Any investment into job creation in Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County is important, because it adds to the economic vitality of our community,' said Authority Board Chairman Ron Paulk. 'The Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority Board of Directors look forward to similar successes in our community over the coming months and years.'

About the Georgia Department of Economic Development

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects. Georgia.org