Georgia manufacturing sector dropped in July

KENNESAW — Manufacturing activity in Georgia continued to decline in July, according to the Econometric Center at Kennesaw State University’s Michael J. Coles College of Business. Georgia’s Purchasing Managers Index — a reading of economic activity in the state’s manufacturing sector — was down 3.2 points from June, to 51.8, with employment and finished inventory accounting for the decline. Employment fell 9.4 points, to 47.7; finished inventory fell 11.2 points, to 47.7. Georgia’s PMI continues to outperform the national PMI reading of 49.8.

The Georgia PMI reading is a composite of five variables — new orders, production, employment, supply deliveries and finished inventory. A PMI reading above 50 indicates that manufacturing activity is expanding; a reading below 50 indicates it is contracting.

C.W. Matthews earns GDOT U.S. Highway 41/State Route 136 contract

MARIETTA — C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc., of Marietta was awarded a $15 million interchange widening and reconstruction in Gordon County on State Route 136 from Camp Creek to U.S. Highway 41/State Route 3 by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Village Podiatry clinic adds physician

CUMBERLAND — Dr. Stephanie Michael has joined Village Podiatry Centers, located at 900 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 900, Atlanta, 30339.

Ron Huffman joins United Community Bank

ATLANTA — United Community Bank is pleased to announce that Ron Huffman has joined the bank as senior vice president, commercial relationship manager. Huffman has more than 25 years of experience in banking in metro Atlanta.