International Paper Resources and Assistance

As you know, International Paper informed the public and members of the Georgia House last week of its plans to permanently close the Savannah, Ga. containerboard mill, the Savannah, Ga. packaging facility, Riceboro containerboard mill, and Riceboro Timber and Lumber.

The Georgia Department of Labor currently estimates that three to four indirect job losses could occur for every direct job lost at the International Paper facilities. These estimates do not account for the farmers and timber growers throughout the region who are facing the loss of their livelihoods due to this unforeseen and devastating blow to Georgia’s timber industry.

This Thursday, I hosted a conference call with seventeen members of the House’s Southeast delegation to gather resources for those directly impacted, discuss short-term solutions for Georgia’s timber producers, and engage key stakeholders who will work alongside the General Assembly to secure the long-term well-being and strength of Georgia’s forestry industry.

Despite these challenges ahead of us, the House remains fully committed to providing every possible resource, option, and opportunity for those impacted to move forward and get back on their feet.

Please see a list of currently available resources from the Georgia Department of Labor, the Technical College System of Georgia, and local development authorities below:

Georgia Department of Labor - Unemployment Assistance
https://dol.georgia.gov/get-unemployment-assistance

Technical College System of Georgia Rapid Response Resources
https://www.tcsg.edu/worksource/rapid-response/

Liberty County Job Fair
Location: Riceboro Youth Center, 5649 S Coastal Hwy, Riceboro, GA 31323
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

RISE Savannah Jobpalooza
https://risesavannah.com/jobpalooza/
Location: EnMarket Arena, 620 Stiles Ave, Savannah, GA 31415
Dates: Thursday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Discussing resources and long-term solutions for the families, businesses, and citizens impacted by the International Paper closures with members of the House’s Southeast Georgia delegation

As always, please reach out to me directly if you need assistance navigating resources. You can contact my office at (404) 656-5020, or by emailing jon.burns@house.ga.gov.

My best,
Speaker Jon Burns