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.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:10:38 GMT
On a day filled with nasty storms and heavy rains, there is a bright spot. A Suwanee police officer is being credited with saving the life of a baby bunny that was swept away by flood waters.
On a day filled with nasty storms and heavy rains, there is a bright spot. A Suwanee police officer is being credited with saving the life of a baby bunny that was swept away by flood waters during Sunday's downpour.
Sunday, May 19 2013 2:00 PM EDT2013-05-19 18:00:39 GMT
President Barack Obama addressed a crowd of soggy graduates and guests at Morehouse College's spring commencement ceremony on Sunday.
President Barack Obama addressed a crowd of soggy graduates and guests at Morehouse College's spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, telling graduates to take the power of their example-- as black men graduating from college-- and use it to improve people's lives.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:53 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:53:40 GMT
President Barack Obama addressed graduates at Morehouse College's commencement ceremony in Atlanta on Sunday.
President Barack Obama addressed graduates at Morehouse College's commencement ceremony in Atlanta on Sunday, marking the first time a sitting president has made a commencement address in Georgia since 1938. See photos from his visit to Atlanta here!
Saturday, May 18 2013 10:09 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:09:05 GMT
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
Thousands of fans flocked to Coahulla Creek High School to watch the Falcons face off against the Tennessee Titans.
