The recent closure of the Georgia-Pacific Cedar Springs mill has cast a long shadow over Early County and its surrounding regions, marking the end of an era for a cornerstone industry that once defined the local economy and community identity. This significant industrial shutdown, announced in May, directly impacted 535 workers who received a mere 60-day notice, forcing them to confront uncertain futures as positions were terminated by early August. The immediate and projected economic fallout from this mill closure is profound, extending far beyond the direct workforce to affect numerous ancillary industries and the overall financial stability of the tri-state area.
For decades, the towering stacks of the Georgia-Pacific plant at Cedar Springs were an iconic sight, with billowing plumes of steam rising over the treetops since its establishment in the 1960s. At its peak, this vital paper mill was a powerhouse, capable of producing an astounding 1 million tons of cardboard product annually, underpinning a robust local economy. Its consistent operation and high production volume solidified its role as a major employer and economic driver, contributing significantly to the region’s prosperity and providing stable livelihoods for generations of residents.
The decision to shutter the mill stemmed from a complex interplay of factors, including challenges within the broader paper industry, the substantial costs associated with necessary repairs, and speculative impacts from trade policies. These combined pressures ultimately rendered the mill’s continued operation unsustainable, leading to the difficult announcement of its impending closure. The economic landscape for paper manufacturing has shifted considerably, and despite its historical significance, the Cedar Springs facility could not overcome these compounding adversities.
The human element of this industrial closure is heartbreaking, as articulated by Tracy Kirkland, a financial advocate from Five-Star Credit Union, an institution with deep roots at the Cedar Springs Mill. Kirkland, like many long-time residents, had witnessed the mill’s continuous operation for the entirety of her life, making its cessation a profoundly emotional event. The sentiment echoed throughout the community is one of deep concern, with many recognizing the far-reaching and potentially devastating direct economic impact on Early County and neighboring regions, affecting every facet of local life.
An independent economic impact study, conducted by consultant David Bridges, starkly revealed the impending financial devastation for Early County. The analysis projected substantial revenue losses, both direct and indirect, highlighting the mill’s critical contribution to the local tax base and overall wage economy. Early County alone is anticipated to face a loss of approximately $6.5 million in tax revenue and between $8 million to $17 million in wages, with ripple effects expected to extend into adjacent counties in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, illustrating the vast regional dependency.
Local leaders, including Hank Jester, Chairman of the Early County Board of Commissioners, are actively grappling with the enormous challenge of replacing the 14% of the county’s budget previously sourced from the mill. Beyond financial concerns, the mill’s closure represents a significant cultural void, leaving a bitter taste in a community where nearly every resident has a personal connection to its history. Efforts are underway to support displaced workers and strategize new economic pathways for the region.
Susanne Reynolds, director of the Early County Development Authority, detailed proactive measures taken to assist former mill employees. Collaborative initiatives with Georgia-Pacific’s public relations team and WorkSource Georgia have focused on connecting workers with new employment opportunities, providing guidance on retirement planning, healthcare, and unemployment insurance. The aim is to retain skilled labor within the region, aligning them with existing businesses and industries in Early County and southwest Georgia to mitigate out-migration.
Blakely Mayor Travis Wimbush underscored the broader economic impact on the city, despite the mill’s location outside Blakely, noting its significant influence. He, a former crane operator at the mill, understands the personal financial strain and the difficulty of finding comparable employment. This situation highlights a broader regional vulnerability, as southwest Georgia has historically relied heavily on single industries, with previous closures of large plants serving as stark warnings. Reynolds advocates for a regional strategic plan to diversify local economies, leveraging existing assets like the Chattahoochee River and industrial properties, and encouraging local spending to support struggling businesses.
