City officials hope an Atlanta Falcons scrimmage in Dalton will generate some positive press for the economically depressed area.
Thousands of fans flocked to Coahulla Creek High School to watch the Falcons face off against the Tennessee Titans. Local leaders anticipated around 8,000 football fans to pack the Stadium for Monday's showdown.
The region is long overdue for a morale booster.
Dalton's preliminary unemployment rate rose to 12.3 percent. That's 3 percent above the state unemployment rate of 9 percent.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released sobering jobs numbers last week showing Dalton has lost more jobs, than any metropolitan city this past year. The region, once known for its thriving carpeting, flooring and manufacturing hub, was hit hard when the economy tanked losing thousands of jobs.
"When you see that big 12.3 percent unemployment, it paints a very negative picture. What I would sell people on – we are not shut down for business. There are not tumbleweeds going down Main Street. We're a very vibrant community," said Brian Anderson of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce.
While city officials told FOX 5 that they don't anticipate that the scrimmage will generate an immediate economic windfall, they're banking on the positive press the game will generate for Dalton to payoff in the long run.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:42:27 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
Thousands of fans flocked to Coahulla Creek High School to watch the Falcons face off against the Tennessee Titans.
