State representatives discuss future growth in rural Georgia

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - State lawmakers are now putting the focus on how to bring more business and jobs to rural communities.

State representatives representing the Rural Development Council of Georgia gathered at Nessmith Ballroom on Georgia Southern’s campus to discuss the future of growth within rural Georgia.

This included everything from film productions to more medical practices in rural counties.

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One of the main topics of discussion featured a of film industry leaders talking about the possible growth of film production and offices in rural counties.

Honnie Korngold of South Georgia Studios says the film execs want to film in these areas but something needs to be improved first.

“There was a lot of film production going on around us, practical production but there needed to be more workforce development,” said Korngold. “There needed to be potential soundstages, and those kinds of things.”

Film Commissioner Joel Slocumb says with the money that films bring into a single community, the interest from small communities is there.

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“We are talking about 15 plus cities outside of the Metro-Atlanta area have come together to talk a little bit more about the goal we are trying to do for the film and entertainment industry in Georgia,” said Slocumb.

Local optometrists asked for consideration for eye practices to be opened in rural towns.

As of right now, the doctors say most patients living in rural counties have to travel to larger metro areas to receive eye care.

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“It’s a lot of traveling that has to be done for these folks that have nothing to be able to go to the larger cities and find optometry services,” said Dr. Horace Deal, optometrist.

The state representatives say these are two different needs, but ones that will bring not only growth, but a bigger workforce to these rural communities.