Both Cartersville and Bartow County residents suffered from layoffs and closures during the early 2000's.  Customers were confused with the economic development efforts of the governments, unsure who to contact at which points of the process.  Further, businesses interested in locating in either county often found that the counties lacked sufficiently large and prepared sites for the businesses to start and flourish.  

In response, the counties decided to create a joint location in the interest of saving costs and recognizing both communities as potential markets and sources of labor.  The results of this partnership are the future businesses which will set up in the counties as well as the increased property values of nearby homes and land.

This case study was nominated for ICMA's Annual Awards Program.