Economic Development

The Stephens County Development Authority (SCDA) is the primary point of contact for economic development projects in Toccoa-Stephens County.

SCDA is responsible for the recruitment of new businesses including industrial, manufacturing, distribution, customer service centers, and corporate and regional headquarters. It also provides support and assistance with other types of economic development projects.

SCDA works with existing businesses and industries to ensure their continued success. While recruitment of new industry is a significant function, aiding in existing industry expansion and retention is just as significant. About 80 percent of all new jobs come as a result of existing industry expansion.

Stephens County leaders also realize the importance of growing our economy through entrepreneurship and small business development. Our goal is to create a culture that is supportive of entrepreneurship and will allow small business to start and expand while offering myriad opportunities for large businesses and industry to locate here.

Community leadership has diligently endeavored since the establishment of the Development Authority in 1965 to develop a business-friendly community and continues to attract quality development with a favorable business climate; superior work force;outstanding education and training programs and facilities at North Georgia Technical College’s Currahee Campus and Toccoa Falls College;four industrial parks (the newest, Hayestone Brady Business Park, consists of 550 acres);vital and affordable utilities such as water, wastewater, natural gas, electricity and fiber optic broadband connectivity;and outstanding transportation facilities including GA-17 to I-85, Norfolk Southern Railroad, Hartwell Railroad, and a local airport with 5000’ and 2951’ runways.

Stephens County Development Authority appreciates your interest in Toccoa, GA.  We look forward to the opportunity to discuss in more detail the business opportunities here, including our competitive incentives package which is commensurate with the level of your investment, quality of jobs and growth potential. In the meantime, we invite you to visit our website for more information: www.scda.biz.

SCDA Mission

“To encourage and support the expansion and development of industrial and commercial facilities in Stephens County, Georgia so as to promote employment. To accomplish our mission, SCDA works with public and private sector representatives to fully utilize their collective individual and organizational resources. We act as a people-focused resource of information to those interested in business opportunities in Stephens County and as a moderator between business and individual interests.”