Confirming its inclusion in the nation's most notable "9 from 2009" by Arkansas-based Gadberry Group, Mayor Graham said, "we're ahead of the curve setting a tone for high quality growth, award winning infrastructure and essential services without levying a property tax."
The demographic research and location-based services' firm based its annual listing upon Braselton's dramatic change in population and the presence of emerging census blocks such as neighborhoods with less than ten households in 2000 and more than 100 households in 2009. The census blocks include all of Braselton and stretched into southern Hall, northwestern Barrow and western Jackson Counties.
Gadberry Group began announcing notable high growth areas in 2007. In additional to its analysis of census blocks, the firm uses key demographic variables such as ethnicity, household income, net worth, economic stability, length of residence and age in its national calculations.
In all, the firm employed a statistical ranking system in its evaluations of 17,000 census blocks nationwide.
"What a tribute to be on the list as we're the only community in Georgia which meets the criteria for inclusion," Graham said.
Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce president Shane Short added, "Braselton serves as a gateway into Jackson County stretching along the growing I-85 corridor from Atlanta. This growth placed Jackson County as one of the top 25 fastest growing counties in the nation according to the Census Bureau. The Town plays a major role in our community because of its excellent employment opportunities, industrial growth, and high quality residential and retail developments."
Duke Realty's senior vice president, Chris Brown, said "we identified Braselton as a prime growth area about ten years ago and invested over $100 million over that time, attracting job-generating companies such as Sears Logistics, Tractor Supply, Mitsubishi and Progressive Lighting to the town. We enjoy the pro-business environment created by the Town and look forward to participating in Braselton's continued success."
Eight of the nine communities cited by The Gadberry Group are categorized as suburban: Braselton, Atascocita (TX), Spring Hill (TN), Lincoln (CA), Katy (TX), Wake Forest (NC), Mansfield (TX), Wylie (TX) and Buckeye (AZ).
In its official notification to Braselton, Gadberry spokeswoman added "we hope you are excited to have an opportunity to be part of the 9 from 2009 list. We believe that it will again draw national attention to your city and raise awareness for economic development opportunities and prospective retailers.
Accepting the accolades as one of her last official acts as Mayor, Graham proclaimed "our Town logo says it all, 'It's Better in Braselton.'"
Graham is leaving office this month to devote her time to running for a state legislative seat.
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"What a tribute to be on the list as we're the only community in Georgia which meets the criteria for inclusion," Mayor Graham said.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/1/225993