Working in Catoosa County
Lower taxes, low energy rates and a highly skilled workforce mean businesses can do more with their money in Catoosa County. Georgia is a “right-to-work” state with a strong work ethic evidenced by low turnover and low absenteeism. And employees benefit from a lower cost of living, and access to world-class universities and hospitals.
Eighty percent of U.S. consumers can be reached in two hours’ or less air travel from Georgia. Similarly, more than 80% of the U.S. industrial market is within two days’ journey by truck.
According to the 2007 census, Georgia is the fastest growing state in the Southeast and is consistently named in the top five in the nation for:
- businesses (overall, workforce, and transportation categories);
- best business climate; and
- highest rate of entrepreneurial activity.
Taxes and Incentives
Strong growth in residential construction and business sectors has expanded the county’s tax base, keeping our taxes among the lowest three percent in the state and reducing our ad valorem tax for the last five years.
Special state and local tax exemptions and credits for new, existing and expanding business make Catoosa County one of the state’s most attractive business sites.
Download > Catoosa County Taxes and Incentives 
Workforce
In 2008, Catoosa County’s labor force was more than 115,000 strong. And with projections estimating a nearly 50% jump in the county’s population by 2015, the workforce population will only grow.
Download > Catoosa County Labor Profile
Workforce Initiatives
Georgia offers three workforce improvement programs for different stages of employees’ development.
- Georgia Work Ready is a training initiative that assesses the skills of our state’s workers, determines job training opportunities and helps provide a long-term, qualified labor supply. The program can help your business reduce training costs and improve hiring procedure by placing the right employee in the right job, every time.
Among companies using Work Ready, 90% would recommend the initiative to others and 78% said it helps them "find higher quality employees."
Download > Georgia Work Ready
- Quick Start provides free, customized workforce training to qualified Georgia businesses. It has been recognized by Fortune, Training, and Expansion Management magazines for providing the most comprehensive and advanced training in the nation. Training is available in classrooms, mobile labs or directly on the plant floor.
- Georgia's Intellectual Capital Partnership Program (ICAPP) is the economic development program of the University System of Georgia. Businesses can use ICAPP to find college-educated employees, access research, and get business and operations advice.
Infrastructure
Catoosa County has the logistic, municipal and utility resources to support your growing business. We are perfectly located on Interstate-75, a major North-South transportation vein, and are within driving distance to both a regional airport and the world’s largest airport hub.
Download > Catoosa County Infrastructure
Existing Businesses and Companies
Georgia’s mainstay industries - automotive, agriculture, food processing, tourism, metal fabrication and plastics - are flourishing, demonstrating the state’s ability to grow and sustain long-term success for our businesses.
While Catoosa County’s economy is richly entrepreneurial in nature, like much of the state our largest employers are in are in the service, manufacturing and government sectors.
Download > Manufacturers in Catoosa County
Getting started
If you a large business interested in expanding or relocating to Catoosa County, contact Melissa Hannah at 706.965.2500, ext.102 or email Melissa.
Small businesses
Catoosa County is a designated Entrepreneur Friendly Community by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Entrepreneurial and small business strategy is built into our community’s overall economic development strategies.
Download > Catoosa County Small Business Guide [link to download Catoosa Chamber biz guide document]
More tools > Small Business Resources
Every business must have an operating license. Information about other licenses and permits can be obtained from our county or city governments.
City of Ringgold: (706) 935-3061
City of Fort Oglethorpe: (706) 866-2544
Catoosa County Health Department: (706) 935-2366
Catoosa County Tax Commissioner: (706) 935-2571
Catoosa County Clerk’s Office: (706) 965-2500
Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce: (706) 965-6060