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TIFTON, GA --
With a new Publix, TJ Maxx, restaurants, and introduction of the county's first food processing plant, it's easy to see why Tift County Officials say 2012 was a good year.

"Last year we added over 1,000 new jobs and a little over $28 million dollars in capital investment," said Randy Clements, Chairmen of the Tifton/Tift County Chamber of Commerce.

It wasn't just business that saw a growth, Tifton also saw an increase in the housing market.

"New housing starts have been better than they've been in 5-6 years, we've had some private assisted living facilities, a couple new apartment complexes," said Tifton City Clerk, Rona Martin.

Officials say some of their recent success has to do with their proximity to interstate 75, which allows them to serve 9 surrounding counties.

If you take a drive around Tifton and check out all the construction, you'll be able to tell that 2013 is shaping up to be quite nice as well.

"Growth feeds growth, and we're just very excited to have all of this opportunity in Tifton," said Clements.

That growth includes a new Olive Garden, and hotel.

Local officials are also looking into ways to expand tourism, to promote everything Tift County has to offer to people from all over.

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