EVANS, Ga. - Columbia County has been coined one of the fastest growing counties in the state but leaders say that growth may be changing course.

There's still a lot going on in Columbia County as far as growth, but the question is what “kind” of growth?

NBC Augusta 26 News spoke with the Chamber of Commerce to find out and they say it's not new businesses.

"We're probably at a stand still with minimum growth right now," said President of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Jim Tingen.

Blame it on a slow economy, says Tingen when it comes to business development within the county.

"The economy has been good as possible to Columbia County but we're still having some hurts. There are businesses that may be going out, moving or down sizing," said Tingen.

You may see buildings popping up all over the county but looks can be deceiving. The Chamber of Commerce says they're having a hard time getting businesses to fill them.

"If you go to some of the anchor stores, they're still trying to fill the ones next to them, they'll be filled one day but they're not filling up fast," said Tingen.

While business growth may be at a stand still, one thing isn't and that's residential development.

"There are a lot of people investing in Columbia County. Good schools and industries, so it's a good place to live," said Tingen.

Keith Lawrence with Meybohm Reality says he has the numbers to prove it.

"Last year we had an eight percent growth--the residential side has seen a lot of pick up--we've had a huge increase with first time home buyers," said Lawrence.

As far as the business outlook...

“When the economy turns around we have a lot of places for people to open their businesses," said Tingen.

As far as those empty buildings, the Chamber of Commerce says some of the places they're still trying to get businesses are next to the Gateway Walmart in Grovetown and the new Publix shopping center off Washington Road in Evans.

There are also some empty buildings along Washington Road in Evans.

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