When the U.S. economy revs up again, Thomasville and Thomas County will be ready to move.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Shelley Zorn, the executive director of the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority, the new Red Hills Business Park is on the state’s industrial map. The facility was named a market-ready site by the Georgia Economic Development, the state’s marketing and sales arm.

The market-ready designation for Red Hills Business Park means it can truly compete on a global stage for new industry and the accompanying jobs, said Pat Wilson, executive director of Georgia Allies and chief operating officer of the Department of Economic Development.

Several prospects have looked at the property, which is designed for data processing facilities and light industry. Those looking at the 300-acre park on U.S. 319 North include two business office complexes, a light manufacturing operation and a distribution facility.

“The Red Hills Business Park is a great example of community partnership. The county, the city and the PDA have joined together and partnered to make this happen. And now we are in the position to compete and have product to offer to create jobs,” Zorn said.

n Mackenzie Sellers, a rising freshman at Thomas County Central High School, was recently named this year’s eighth-grade state winner of the Young Georgia Authors (YGA) Writing Competition.

n Thomasville’s Karson Stone, Thomas County Central’s Ryan Walters and Brookwood’s Connor Green warrant applause for earning all-state selection in their respective sports. Stone and Walters are moving on to play golf in college and will compete in the all-star tournament in Moultrie beginning June 6. Green is the Warriors’ catcher and led the team in its offensive effort. Green will be back for his senior year next spring.