Murray County | Reaching New Heights

Until recently, Murray County seemed like Georgia’s best-kept secret. It was just four years ago that local officials and the chamber of commerce began mobilizing efforts outside county limits to fill the many empty storefronts in downtown Chatsworth and Eton. They saw the potential for a booming and vibrant economy, and leaders began marketing Murray County’s amenities. Today, with a growing population of more than 41,000, the area is home to 863 companies thanks to its accessibility, opportunity, rich landscape and investments in the future.

Entrepreneur- Friendly: Barry Gentry, Murray County Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. Photo credit: Steve Widoff

The Georgia Department of Economic Development recognizes Murray County as an entrepreneur-friendly community. And with 20 new grassroots businesses calling Chatsworth home since 2021, Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barry Gentry is energized by the progress being made in the community. “From new restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops, the word is out that Murray is a great place to start a business,” he says.

An undeniable, vital player in the recent economic boom is the Appalachian Regional Port, situated on 42 acres near Eton with an annual capacity of 75,000 containers. The inland port is a direct result of the collaborative effort between the state of Georgia, Murray County, CSX Transportation and the Georgia Ports Authority. Known as the gateway to global markets for its convenient access to major highways like Interstate 75 and U.S. 411, the port is appealing to big names in the manufacturing industry.

Since its opening in August 2018, the inland port has been transformative in Murray’s economic advancement. The Georgia Ports Authority credits much of the inland port’s success to its commitment to fast, reliable service. It achieved record volumes of 37,840 rail lifts in 2024, up 8.3% over 2023. And with services offered seven days a week for cargo traveling between the Port of Savannah and Murray County, the inland port is fast-tracking business and industry in the area.

Vital Player: The Appalachian Regional Port has transformed the county’s economy. Photo credit: Contributed

Each round-trip container moved via the port offsets 710 truck miles on Georgia highways. Environmental impacts are key to the port’s viability. The GPA estimates that rail transit to the inland port represents a 79% reduction in CO2 equivalent emissions.

This kind of success is especially important for a region that relies heavily on port activity for job growth. Of the 34,000-plus jobs the port industry brings to the Northwest Georgia area, Murray County accounts for 1,355 of them, according to an economic impact study at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.

In March 2020, General Electric Appliances opened its Southern Logistics Center within two miles of the Appalachian Regional Port. A few months later, Huali Floors invested more than $27 million to open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Murray County, creating 315 jobs.

Prime Location: General Electric Appliances opened its Southern Logistics Center near the Appalachian Regional Port. Photo credit: Contributed

Closer to Home

Approximately 12 miles from the inland port, the Murray South Industrial Park in Chatsworth is a joint development project between the Murray County Industrial Development Authority and the Chatsworth Water Works Commission to draw more technology and industrial businesses to an area abundant in opportunity, says Carl Campbell, executive director of the IDA. He hopes the Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certified site will lure more businesses to Murray County. “There are 13,000 [residents] currently working outside the county. We’re working hard to bring more jobs here to get citizens off highways,” he says.

Bringing Jobs: Carl Campbell, executive director of the Murray County Industrial Authority, at the construction site of Murray South Industrial Park. Photo credit: Daemon Baizan

One of the industrial park’s latest expansion projects involves its own roadways. Campbell says preliminary work improving infrastructure has begun, with Phase II of the road extension project well underway. Funded by both the county and the Appalachian Regional Commission, the work will include clearing, erosion management and laying asphalt for a two-lane roadway that will improve accessibility within the industrial park.

All American Manufacturing, which makes synthetic turf, opened operations at the industrial park in 2024. Still in the early stages of development, the company will soon add 100 employees to its team, according to Campbell. Nearby, PolyTech Fibers, which was named the Murray County Small Business of the Year in 2020, employs more than 100 people.

“Northwest Georgia is an industrial capital – an $11 billion industry. Chatsworth is a nice alternative to bigger cities like Dalton, offering [businesses] good-looking land and more affordable costs,” says Campbell.

One way to keep residents working in the region is through the county’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education program, an initiative that helps students explore different career pathways, providing real-life skills and training. Students can take classes in business, healthcare, technology, agriculture and more, while gaining experience through internships, job shadowing and cooperative education programs. One of the benefits of the program is that students who are exposed to local businesses through the program may end up working at one of those same businesses after graduation.

The Great Historic Outdoors

While business opportunities are increasing, Murray County’s biggest draw is arguably tourism. The chamber of commerce touts the county as Northwest Georgia’s Outdoor Corridor – and with good reason, considering over 800,000 tourists flock to the mountainous region each year, according to Gentry. “Our mountains offer over 90 miles of hiking trails, camping, trout fishing, equestrian trails, ATV trails and guides available to ensure the best experience possible,” he says, giving Murray an edge over other areas in the state in recreational activities.

Enjoying Nature: Noah Bishop, sole commissioner of Murray County. Photo credit: Steve Widoff

Locals and visitors alike find solace in places like the majestic Fort Mountain State Park, Carters Lake and the Cohutta Wilderness. When COVID-19 hit, the number of mountain bikers visiting Murray’s vast outdoors spiked. “During the pandemic, people were eager to find an outdoor hobby,” says Noah Bishop, sole commissioner of Murray County, adding that Mulberry Gap and the Pinhoti Trail attracted many of those travelers.

Bishop is excited about the progress being made to promote what the area has to offer when it comes to enjoying nature. “We are currently working on the design for a 2-mile walking and biking track at the newest of our three recreation parks. We also have plans for a football complex at Petty Park that will include pickleball courts as well.” Petty-Fairy Valley Park is located in Crandall, situated on 25 acres with access to Sumac Creek, a lighted walking path, four sports fields and a play area for children.

The Overlook Inn is a popular bed and breakfast destination for those seeking an escape in the North Georgia mountains. Welcoming 1,200 guests to Chatsworth each year, the property offers hard-to-beat views of the region’s breathtaking topography. Bill Hudson and Nicole Hanson are the husband-and-wife team who own and operate the inn with a deep appreciation for Murray County’s past and enthusiasm for its future.

Serene Escape: Husband and wife Bill Hudson and Nicole Hanson own The Overlook Inn which has breathtaking views in the North Georgia Mountains. Photo credit: Steve Widoff

“Our home is steeped in history, and while we aim to update its style, we also cherish and preserve its past,” says Hudson. Six uniquely different bedrooms are available for rent, each complementing the region and its Native American heritage. “The history of our home is intertwined with Chatsworth’s.”

Historic Home: The Chief Vann House. Photo credit: Contrbuted

Hudson says The Overlook Inn recently partnered with the Chamber of Commerce in its promotional efforts. The move is mutually beneficial, and he is “excited about the growth in downtown Chatsworth and [about] collaborating with new businesses and the chamber to increase traffic to the town.”

One sight drawing tourists is the historic Chief Vann House in Chatsworth, which brings in 5,000 visitors each year. The home, which was built in 1804 by Cherokee leader and businessman James Vann, is considered one of the Cherokee Nation’s most prosperous plantations and Georgia’s best-preserved historic Cherokee home. It’s especially meaningful because in the 1830s most of the Cherokee Nation was forced west by state and federal troops on the infamous Trail of Tears, and the Vann family had to abandon the home.

The Chief Vann House has a museum that guests can visit during tours. Photo Credit: Contributed

School-aged children frequently visit the house on field trips and are educated through a guided tour, enslavement exhibits (the Vann family enslaved more than 100 people), a short film and a look inside the indoor museum gallery.

Irina Garner, assistant manager of the Vann House, knows firsthand the importance of honoring the past while promoting a love of learning. “The Vann House is instrumental in the development of the county’s youth community,” she says. “For many years, students have come in their homecoming finery to have their pictures taken on the Vann House steps. … 4-H and FFA [Future Farmers of America] students [also visit] looking to use their skills in agriculture to aid in our garden care, or just seeking volunteer hours to put towards scholarships,” says Garner.

Better Together

Excited About Progress: Eton Mayor Billy Cantrell. Photo credit: Contributed

While Murray County reveres its storied past, the investments in its future by the community, county leaders and businesses exemplify continuous growth. That mindset is at the heart of the newly established Murray One initiative. The chamber’s Gentry and his team created the initiative “to bring Murray leaders together as one, working to identify priority projects and align the potential funding opportunities to assist in the completion of these projects. [It’s] doing together what we can’t do alone,” he says.

Recently, the city of Eton and Mayor Billy Cantrell became a Murray One partner, teaming up to further develop the city, which currently has no downtown. This partnership has already inspired interest in doing business with Eton: “Retail recruitment is well underway with plans to build a hotel in the very near future. Renderings have been drawn up, grants have been identified and the conversations have begun with potential investors,” Gentry says. Plans also include a new park with recreational amenities to complement the area’s towering terrain.

“There are so many things happening in Murray … a new 57-acre greenway which will have trails, pavilions and much more, a new hotel, the very first one for Murray, [a] new distillery … and new shopping experiences … not to mention new housing to fit any family size or single person’s need,” says Cantrell. “Murray is so fortunate to have all of its key entities pulling from the same end of the rope to give the most back to its citizens and community. Such an amazing place to live.”

Just down the road, in the county seat of Chatsworth, the Downtown Development Authority is leading a campaign to bring new life to the city. Approximately 89% of the companies in Murray County are small businesses with less than 20 employees, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Small Business: Red Eyed Rooster Coffee Company is located in downtown Chatsworth. Photo credit: Contributed

One of those small businesses is the Red Eyed Rooster Coffee Company located in downtown Chatsworth. Joe and Andrea Hill own the coffee shop and support local revitalization. “Murray County stands out in Georgia as a place where natural beauty, history and community come together, offering residents and visitors a unique blend of experiences,” Andrea says.

The Hills say the focus of their service is what makes Murray County so special: its people. Their newest venture is the Crown Craft Market, an initiative they founded to provide a central hub for local artists and vendors to come together and share their works with the community. After a January ribbon cutting, it officially launched in March. Community empowerment, Andrea says, is pivotal for success at every level. “It fosters a sense of belonging, builds trust and creates opportunities for residents to actively participate in shaping their future.”

With joint efforts by local business owners, county officials and the community, the secret is out on the beauty and opportunity that exists in Murray County. The mountains of possibilities are calling.