ATLANTA – Today, following Georgia-Pacific’s announcement that it will permanently close its Cedar Springs Containerboard Mill later this year, State Representative Gerald Greene (R- Cuthbert), chairman of the House State Properties Committee, pledged to do everything in his power to support the more than 500 employees affected by the closure and to fight for new economic opportunities for Early County.
“While I’m disappointed in the loss of jobs, tax revenue and investment in our community, I am absolutely committed to using every tool at my disposal to connect these employees with new job opportunities and resources to get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” said Chairman Greene. “At the same time, I will be laser-focused on working around the clock with the Governor, Speaker of the House, Commissioner Holmes and stakeholders at the federal, state and local level to bring more investment, jobs and opportunities to Early County. Early County will rebound better than ever before, and I am committed to supporting these workers, the community and the entire district to make it a reality.”
Georgia-Pacific’s announcement indicates that production will continue for a limited time as the site works to fulfill remaining customer commitments. Most jobs will be eliminated by August 1, 2025, with all 535 positions eventually impacted. The company has emphasized that the decision is not a reflection on employee performance, but rather the result of long-term business challenges. Georgia-Pacific has committed to supporting impacted employees by providing access to local support agencies, job placement resources, and potential job opportunities within Georgia-Pacific or other Koch companies.
Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington) reiterated his steadfast support for Chairman Greene, saying, “Gerald Greene—the Dean of the Georgia House— has been a tireless advocate for job creation and economic development across his district for more than 30 years. Time and time again, Gerald has delivered for his constituents—and I know he will use every single resource at his disposal to connect these employees to new job opportunities and help Early County rebound better than ever before. Gerald Greene has Early County’s back—and the Georgia House of Representatives has Gerald’s back to help get these folks back on their feet.”
Georgia’s Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes echoed Chairman Greene’s commitment to supporting the affected workforce: “The Georgia Department of Labor delivers responsive and accessible services that provide stability for workers impacted by business closures,” said Georgia’s Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “By working closely with our partners — including the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) Office of Workforce Development; the Office of Gov. Brian Kemp; legislative leaders and local leadership — we are ensuring that every affected employee has access to unemployment insurance benefits, comprehensive workforce development services and the hands-on assistance needed to navigate career changes and secure new opportunities.”
State Senator Freddie Powell Sims (D-Dawson) shared her commitment to partnering with Chairman Greene: “Representative Greene and I have been unwavering in our commitment to serving the people of Southwest Georgia, and although we are disappointed with this news, we are more committed than ever to stepping up to the plate to help those affected by this closure get back on their feet as quickly as possible. We have already held discussions with Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and federal officials regarding future job opportunities for those affected, as well as long-term economic development plans for the area. Representative Greene and I have worked together in a bipartisan manner to create jobs and opportunities in Early County, and we will do everything in our power to support this community and deliver better than ever before.”
In the coming days, Chairman Greene and Commissioner Holmes will be on the ground to support the community and those impacted and coordinate closely with Georgia-Pacific, local elected officials and community stakeholders to activate a comprehensive response plan for impacted workers. Additionally, House Rural Development Chairwoman Leesa Hagan (R-Lyons) and House Economic Development and Tourism Chairman Ron Stephens (R-Savannah) will be activating a task force to assist those impacted, connect them with resources and opportunities and facilitate opportunities for them to get back on their feet.
RESOURCES FOR AFFECTED WORKERS
State Representative Gerald Greene
Georgia House District 154
Phone: (404) 656-9210
Email: gerald.greene@house.ga.gov
Website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/members/house/42?session=1031
Georgia Department of Labor
Rapid Response Team & Unemployment Assistance
Phone: (877) 709-8185
Email: rapidresponse@gdol.ga.gov
Website: https://dol.georgia.gov
Georgia-Pacific Employee Transition Support
Contact your HR representative for direct support or visit:
https://gp.com/careers
Representative Gerald Greene represents the citizens of District 154, which includes Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Early, Miller, Quitman, Randolph and Seminole counties, as well as a portion of Dougherty County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1982 and currently serves as Chairman of the State Properties Committee and Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Retirement, Rules and Rural Development committees.
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