Grant & Loan Awards: Dodge County

ESB loan guarantee to purchase a Bobcat Loader and Diesel truck in support of KC Enterprises, a new tree surgery company in Eastman started in August 2007 by Kip Cravey. Mr. Cravey started this adventure part time as he also works full time for the sheriff’s department in Dodge County. A tree surgeon (aborist) works in the management and maintenance of trees by taking down trees when necessary or removing them when damaged during storms. Mr. Cravey also recently contracted with the local McDonald’s to change the lights with his bucket truck which is used in the tree business. Colony Bank of Eastman is the lender.

EDGE funds to assist with the purchase of machinery and equipment to support the expansion of Standard Candy Company located in Eastman. Standard Candy Company is a privately held manufacturer of confectionery items based in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1901, the Company's most well known product is the Goo Goo Cluster, a round mound of caramel, marshmallows, roasted nuts and pure chocolate. A major cereal company recently awarded Standard Candy a contract for producing a granola bar product that currently is being produced in California. The Company will accommodate production of the new product by retooling one of its existing production lines. The Company employs 232 people at its Eastman plant. This project is in competition with Tennessee and California.

Equity funds to purchase 74.67 acres in order to expand the Heart of Georgia Airport Industrial Park, which only has 15 acres remaining. The DA has an option on the land and has obtained an appraisal. They plan to seek EDA funding for infrastructure.

Equity funds for the purchase of machinery and equipment to support the expansion of Chameleon Apparel, a division of Matos Industries. Chameleon Apparel, a manufacturer of aprons, chef wear, cobblers, vests and scrubs, was founded in 1993. The company is located at 80 AG Best Road in the Eastman Industrial Park and currently employs 42 individuals. This expansion would make Chameleon Apparel the 4th largest employer in Dodge County.

EDGE funds for equipment purchases in order for Pace American's expansion at an existing facility in Eastman. This expansion will result in the creation of a minimum of 150 new jobs within two years. Eastman is competing for the new jobs with IN, UT, and TX.

Equity funds to construct a 40,000 SF speculative building and access road in the Eastman - Dodge Industrial Park. The much needed facility will play a vital role in the recruiting of new industries in the Dodge County area.

EDGE funds to construct a building to be leased to BellSouth Telecommunications. The project involves the construction of a 15,000 to 20,000 SF building and the creation between 70 to 100 full-time jobs.