LaGrange received some good news recently by being named the No. 1 small market of the decade by Southern Business and Development magazine.

Each year, the magazine ranks states and markets in the South based on projects and industries landed that include 200 or more jobs or $30 million or more in investments.

LaGrange has seen quite a few new industries pop up in the past few years.

“It relates to the success we had with Kia and the suppliers in the Troup County area, and, given recent announcements, we’re very fortunate to have that success,” said City Manager Tom Hall.

Points are earned based on notable projects brought to the area in the past decade and for the size of the project.

LaGrange received 150 points for Kia Motors, Powertech, Glovis, Sejong, Mobis, Sewon and American Home Shield.

“It’s just a good problem to have,” Hall said.

Hall attributed the award to the hard work of local development authorities in bringing Kia and its suppliers to the area, integrating the foreign groups with Troup County.

“It’s a tribute to the good work of the city of West Point and their development authority and the city of LaGrange and our development authority,” Hall said.

It wasn’t a competition, Hall said, but, “It’s a good thing.”

Second place went to Decatur, Ala., which had 105 points for landing industries like Boeing, 3M and Toray Carbon Fibers.

Southern Business and Development magazine is based in Birmingham, Ala., and was founded in 1992.

Trey Wood can be reached at twood @ lagrangenews. com or (706) 884-7311, Ext. 228.