THOMASVILLE — Job and investment growth in Thomas County has taken off this year.

Thomasville Payroll Development Authority Executive Director Shelley Zorn said there have been 450 new jobs created through companies moving or relocating to the community since January, with a total investment of $33 million.

“They are paying employees, and those employees will turn those dollars over,” she said. “That’s a big impact.”

Tampa Bay Fisheries has created 200 new jobs with a $9.5 million investment. The Ashley Furniture distribution center, a $15 million investment, has created 65 jobs, and the 1915 South call center has created 35 jobs with a $5 million investment. 

GPS Trailers relocated to Thomasville, bringing 50 jobs and a $2.4 million investment.

Other new businesses — Carroll’s Cabinets, Potty Man, 1861 Distillery and Chicken Salad Chick — have brought in a total of 70 new jobs.

The area’s existing industries also have grown, Zorn said. Those firms have added 85 jobs and $10.8 million in investment.

Between the new businesses and the existing ones, it’s been a total of 535 new jobs and more than $44.1 million in investment just since January.

“It’s pretty incredible,” Zorn said. 

From the existing businesses, Sweetgrass Dairy has launched a $4.5 million investment and added 35 jobs. Ag-Pro has a $3 million investment and has added 30 jobs, Evoqua has added 20 jobs with a $1.8 million investment and Oil Dri has added $1.5 million in investment.

Zorn said more investment and jobs from existing companies is expected. Check-Mate, which currently has 153 employees, has invested about $15 million in new equipment, with another $1 million coming this year. The company also has 40 open positions. 

When it announced its move to Thomasville, Check-Mate promised 230 jobs within the first five years. 

“They are far exceeding their timeline,” Zorn said. 

The company, which started in New York, also is making a mark elsewhere in the community, Zorn pointed out. Check-Mate has supported Hands On Thomas County, Vashti and the Jack Hadley Black History Museum.

“They are really involved in the community,” she said. “They are a great community partner.”

Even as companies add jobs, Zorn said, many are still begging for employees. According to the state Department of Labor, Thomas County’s preliminary unemployment rate for August was 3.6%. The revised rate for July 2021 was 3.5% and statewide, unemployment is at 3.5%.

The unemployment rate in the county for August 2020 was 6.8%.

“Every industry, we have business we have, tells me ‘I’d hire 10, I’d hire 25, if I could find them,’” Zorn said.