With major manufacturing projects underway and new industries eyeing the region, Effingham County is experiencing rapid growth — and facing big decisions. We sat down with Industrial Development Authority CEO Brandt Herndon and Vice President Jessica Hood to explore what’s driving the expansion, how infrastructure is being addressed, and what’s next for one of Georgia’s fastest-growing counties.

1. How would you describe where Effingham County stands right now in terms of growth and development?

 Effingham County is clearly in a growth and development mode. With our proximity to both the Port of Savannah and the Hyundai plant, we’re definitely in a growth and development mode.

2. What are the biggest drivers of that growth?

  A big reason people are drawn here is our top-notch school system, but they also love the quality of life — from plenty of outdoor activities to a slower, more relaxed pace that makes this place feel like home.  Beyond that, we’re seeing significant expansion in warehouse distribution, manufacturing, and of course, the impact of the Hyundai plant can’t be overstated.

3. What industries are moving into the area most rapidly, and what’s attracting them here?

  Logistics and distribution are growing fast due to our proximity to the port — just 10 miles away. The port continues to grow, even during tariff uncertainties. Sewon has hired 375 people and plans to ramp up to 740, so we’re seeing strong manufacturing growth. At the same time, our existing industries continue to grow — like Silver Lake Automation and Edwards Interiors. So when you factor in residential growth, the Port of Savannah, manufacturing, and Hyundai — it all adds to a steady growth pattern.

4. What’s the current strain on infrastructure, housing, or schools — and how is it being managed?

  The board of education is doing a great job forecasting growth and making sure the right schools are in place. The county handles infrastructure, and with the passage of the TSPLOST and continued tax digest growth, the commission is planning well — not only for transportation, but for water and sewer infrastructure. Housing is probably the biggest question right now, since no single entity controls it. Population growth has put pressure on the system, which is why the county implemented a residential moratorium — to better understand zoning, permitting, and what’s appropriate in terms of pricing and density. Housing is evolving day to day.

5. What is the number one public misconception about the IDA?

  There are two big ones.
  First, that we offer property tax abatements to every company we’re marketing to — that’s just not true. In fact, 86% of the industrial property in the county is not under abatement.  Misconception No. 2 is that we control all industrial development. We manage and market the parks we own — like Grande View industrial park and Savannah Portside International Park — but we don’t control privately owned industrial parks. If a private developer builds a warehouse or brings in a trucking company, that’s their decision, as long as it fits the zoning on their property.
  I want to make this perfectly clear: We 100% support our private developers and work with them. But we don’t handle zoning — we’re on the marketing side. We don’t have the power to rezone or permit. And when development partners ask, “Hey, what about this type of company?” — and we feel it’s not the right fit — we will advise them that it’s not the right business for the community.

6. What is the IDA’s role in shaping growth, and what does your day-to-day work look like?

  Our focus is on recruiting manufacturing and assembly companies — not warehouse distribution. We work closely with private developers, but our role is to attract quality employers and manage infrastructure within our properties. Day to day, we’re also supporting existing industries, workforce development, and partnerships with local schools and governments.

7. How do you balance economic development with preserving the rural character and quality of life in Effingham?

  That’s a fair concern — and a delicate balance. But it’s important to note that much of Effingham is still rural. North of Georgia SR 119 — which makes up more than half the acreage of the county — is rural and likely to remain that way due to lack of infrastructure. Development follows infrastructure.
  So what you’re seeing is industrial development clustered along key corridors like I-16 and Old Augusta Road, which is a designated truck route. That’s where development should be.
  We support clustering industrial development in appropriate areas — not spreading it across the county. At the same time, we respect private property rights. Landowners have the right to sell and develop their land within zoning laws. Our job is to make sure what comes in is a good fit.

8. Are there any major projects or announcements coming soon?

  Let’s just say we’re on the third yard line. We’re close to announcing some significant projects — possibly within 30 days. These aren’t necessarily mega-deals, but a diverse mix of manufacturing and assembly that will create career opportunities across different skill sets. Some involve expansions of companies already here, which is just as important as recruiting new ones.
  We’re not only focused on big projects — we’re looking to build a diverse pipeline. Not everyone wants to work at the same kind of plant, and not everyone has the same skill set. We want to create more employment options for local residents.

9. What’s your message to residents who are concerned about rapid growth?

  Everyone has a different definition of “too fast.” Growth is coming — it’s part of being in a desirable, strategically located area. But here, we’re working hard to manage growth wisely and preserve what makes Effingham special.

10. What do you wish more residents understood about the work the IDA is doing behind the scenes?

  That we’re taking a measured, intentional approach. Our goal isn’t just to land deals — it’s to attract employers we can be proud of. Everything we’ve helped locate over the past seven or eight years is something we can stand behind.
  We’re not chasing every opportunity. We’re focused on the right fit — for today and for the next generation.