Latest News
Candace Youngberg puts her customers first
October 1, 2025 - Fannin Co. Development Authority There are many reasons Fannin County has been enjoying an ever-increasing number of visitors from around the region. But Candace Youngberg believes, in large part, three reasons stand out. “Generally speaking,” she says, “people come here for shopping, dining, and a cabin with...
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Community, service at heart of family business
September 30, 2025 - Fannin Co. Development Authority What started with a pile of used tires in an old barn in Mineral Bluff has grown into a family business with a strong sense of community. Tim Nicholson tells the story of how Nicholson Tire Center has “come a long way over the...
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Outdoor lovers’ paradise home to casting, blasting
September 26, 2025 - Fannin Co. Development Authority Don’t let the name fool you. Noontootla Creek Farms is not a place where you will see planting and harvesting. What makes this rural Fannin County gem such a popular destination is best described by two other action verbs: blasting and casting. Noontootla...
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Pulling the rope the same way builds success
September 26, 2025 - Fannin Co. Development Authority Things get done when “everybody is pulling the rope the same way.” That’s how McCaysville Mayor Terry Arp sums up the success of the Twin Cities Farmers Market. The market debuted Saturday, May 24, with five vendors braving a rainy Saturday morning to...
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Sarah Auman’s focus remains in the community
September 26, 2025 - Fannin Co. Development Authority When Sarah Auman opened Out of the Blue in 2003, her business strategy was focused on personal passion more than sales or marketing research. After spending many years operating a successful photo equipment business in Atlanta, Auman felt drawn to the rustic charm, serenity and natural beauty...
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Happy Homes at Heart of House Doctors Mission
September 16, 2025 - Fannin Co. Development Authority Most couples desire to establish a happy home. For George and Amber Thomas, the happiest homes are also the most functional and in good repair. And they have made that their business. The Thomases, who married in 2022, fell in love with Fannin County while on...
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Blue Ridge Bird Seed Company is a labor of love
August 27, 2025 - Fannin Co. Development The old expression “for the birds” traditionally referred to something considered pointless or insignificant. But for Jaime Davis, there is nothing trivial about it. In fact, providing “for the birds” has become her life’s work as well...
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Campground Exemplifies KOA Standards
August 27, 2025 - Sponsored Content Fannin Co. Development Authority After camping for 30 years, John and Beth Kieffer always envisioned opening a campground. While working in Blue Ridge, John found a beautiful piece of property on the Toccoa River, and knew it was the perfect place. “We fell in love with the area...
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Panel Built thrives on dedicated employees, value
August 19, 2025 - If the free movie nights or company-wide bowling outings aren’t enough, Mike Kiernan believes there are other incentives for employees to remain with Panel Built, Inc. “They sometimes laugh when I say it,” says the company CEO. “But I tell them that if someone joins...
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Leadership Fannin Graduates a Class of 30
June 4, 2025 - It is considered the gold standard of effective marketing: word of mouth. Whether seeking a great restaurant, good movie or trustworthy auto mechanic, few advertising campaigns could ever match the power of a personal testimony. When it comes to seeking a desirable place to live, visit or start a business,...
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