Blount County offers respite from big-city life

Blount County was the fifth fastest growing county in Alabama during the 1990s, and demographers predict that growth is expected to increase at an even greater rate in the next decade.

Much of the growth can be attributed to an excellent quality of life, access to major cities and metropolitan areas in north Alabama, and major improvements in transportation infrastructure that improved traffic flow while maintaining a rural environment.

Blount County, being made up of small towns, rural bedroom communities and family farms, brings welcome relief from the fast-paced life of the big city, where large portions of our residents work.

Clean air, beautiful scenery, a low crime rate and good school systems are just a few of the reasons Blount County is attracting so many residents.

Health care & education

Currently, the local health care authority is building a new wellness center. This facility will be located in the same vicinity as Medical Center Blount, a new hospital that offers modern medical technology and caring professionals.

The new Dr. Thomas M. Towns Health Department allows for expanded and improved health care for all of our people. Construction of the health department building was another project of the Blount County Health Care Authority.

Baptist Health Centers have a strong presence in the county with primary care centers in Oneonta and Blountsville. These facilities give most Blount Countians access to the latest advancements in health care.

The Blount County School System and the Oneonta City School System continue to be recognized as two of the best educational systems in the state.

Both consistently rank in the upper levels of achievement scores and graduation rates.

A safe environment conducive to learning and rich in extracurricular activities is part of each system.

Blount students are within a one-hour's drive in each direction of a state community college, giving ready access to institutions of higher learning.

Living off the land

The landscape of hills and valleys, orchards, pastures, rushing white-water streams, covered bridges and small towns has developed an economy based on conservation and wise use of the land.

Agriculture remains a key component in the county's economy. Blount ranks as the fourth-largest poultry producer and is home to the eighth-largest volume of cattle in the state.

The county's non-farm economy is primarily composed of three of the most environmentally friendly industries available: tourism based on the area's natural attractions, residential growth based on commuters and retirees, and small manufacturers that are non-polluting. Chamber After recent setbacks in the textile and garment industry, a major initiative is under way to recruit business and industry.

Just recently two local manufacturers created jobs through expansions fostered by incentive programs created by the county government and the Blount County-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce.

One of the most positive attributes of Blount County is that leaders in local governments cooperate and work together.

It is easy to understand why business and industry would want to locate in Blount County. First and foremost, businesses and industries are wanted by the people and by the existing business community. Other advantages include leadership that is responsive to the needs of business, an educated work force, and a network of good roads, including interstate highways, with proximity to an international airport.

Currently, existing industrial parks are being enlarged and improved in order to attract prospective industries. Also, the local incentive package continues to be refined to meet the needs of new business and industry.

The message from the Blount County-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce to businesses and industries is straight-forward and sincere: We welcome you to Blount County, where you will be greeted with small-town hospitality and treated as a neighbor. We want your business.

CHARLES CARR is president of the Blount County-Oneonta, Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at (205) 274-2153, or visit www.coveredbridge.org.