QUINCY, FL (WTXL) -- Gadsden County welcomed its second new business in less than a month, as more companies are choosing to start or relocate to the county.
David Bell is making a major move.
The owner of Capital Hydraulics is relocating from Tallahassee to Quincy after 50 years.
"I really am excited," he said. "I think it's going to be a big growth opportunity for us."
Local officials celebrated the opening of yet another business in Gadsden County. The development council says about half a dozen more are on the way.
"[It's] results of the fruit that we've sown," said council chair Lee Garner, "and we have some positive, tangible things you can put your hands on."
After getting a grant from the county commission two years ago, the council has been able to boost economic growth by drawing companies to come to Gadsden.
While Capital Hydraulics says it's looking forward to a successful relocation, things are also looking up at Armada Ammunition, which set up shop in the county in April.
"We wanted to welcome other companies to Gadsden county, say, 'Hey, we're new, too, and I'm telling you this is all going to work, and we're happy that you're here,'" said CEO John Coffman, who was at Wednesday's opening ceremony for Capital Hydraulics.
He says the community has been welcoming since he opened his business in Greensboro.
"The support was amazing," Coffman said. "It really was, and that's what I really enjoyed. There was no negativity about it."
As the new kid on the block, Bell says moving to Gadsden was due in part to its small business appeal.
"I met with everyone from city managers, county commissioners. Everybody's been great, welcoming arms all the way," he said. "I'm really impressed."
The company expects to double the size of its staff in five years, hiring at least two employees per year.
The development council says it's working with another new business to open in about a month.
