Development Authority of Lumpkin County recognizes J.B. Jones

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners and the Development Authority of Lumpkin County Board of Directors recognized long standing Development Authority Board Member JB Jones for his 15 years of service to the Development Authority. He was honored at the Board of Commissioners meeting on April 20, at the Lumpkin County Administration Building. 

Jones has distinguished himself in military service with the U.S. Army and nearly 40 years of service to Lumpkin County, including 24 years as Lumpkin County sole commissioner. Jones said his two biggest takeaways from his years of service are to be persistent and maintain relationships. His connections with then North Georgia College classmates and alumni helped him establish connections across the state of Georgia to benefit Lumpkin County’s infrastructure, economy, and workforce.

Jones played an important role in helping bring more industries to Lumpkin County. Jones shared that Torrington Company, now Koyo Bearings North America, was the most rewarding industry that he and others worked to bring to Lumpkin County. Torrington was a “big boom” approximately 40 years ago and is now the number one private sector employer in Lumpkin County. 

Additionally, Jones was also an active supporter of Northeast Georgia Health System opening the Northeast Georgia Medical Center – Lumpkin facility in the former Chestatee Regional Hospital location. In the 2019 article “Northeast Georgia Medical Center Opens Lumpkin County Campus” by The Georgia Sun, Jones said, “Having Northeast Georgia Health System step in to protect our hometown hospital is a true blessing that will save lives in Lumpkin County.” 

“On behalf of the Development Authority Board of Directors and staff, I would like to thank J.B.  for his significant contributions to Lumpkin County,” said Executive Director Rebecca Mincey. “His wealth of knowledge, experience, and connections have brought invaluable insight to the Development Authority.” 

The Development Authority of Lumpkin County’s mission is to enrich local employment, the county tax base, and business opportunities while honoring the community’s history, natural beauty, and character. By Visiting, Acknowledging, Listening, Utilizing, and Engaging, the Authority’s VALUE Program connects businesses with resources designed to help grow operations, increase sales, identify new markets, and engage the community.