In the midst of a lingering recession, Fannin County has reason for optimism. Two new businesses will open in the coming months in Blue Ridge ~ creating dozens of new jobs.

Pulse Medical Inc. will open a 10,000 square foot office in September, creating about 25 to 30 new jobs. The Florida-based company specializes in the manufacturing of radiation protection and x-ray accessories. The new office will be located in the Blue Ridge Textile building on Ada Street. Pulse Medical brings over 20 years of operational experience to the Fannin County area.

RaceTrac also intends to open a gas station in Blue Ridge. The petroleum company operates more than 500 stores in five states across the Southeast. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Racetrac has an annual revenue of over $3 billion. The company is awaiting approval on its building permit. As such, the opening date of the gas station is yet to be determined. A typical RaceTrac store, according to the company’s website, features two dozen fuel pumps, coupled with a 5,000 square foot convenience store.

Earlier this month, Georgia State Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) commented on the difficulty of bringing new businesses to the county in this economic climate. He said government officials are trying to offer new incentives to lure businesses to locate here.