Marianna- As the nation continues to deal with a flat economy, the news in Jackson County appears to be getting better each day.

"It's stable and improving," said Jackson County Chamber of Commerce President Art Kimbrough.

Kimbrough said the local economy is bouncing back faster than most.

"If I look at the rural communities around our neighboring counties, we're definitely leading the charge I think in terms of growth," said Kimbrough.

Private firms appear to be investing in the future of Jackson County, fueling an estimated $22 million in construction and renovation in the past six months.

Tractor Supply will be moving into the old Walmart building in Marianna in the near future, and Gulf Coast Dermatology is building a new larger office downtown.

"We've got a pretty strong private sector here that is rebounding," said Chipola Regional Workforce Director Richard Williams.

Williams said the news on the jobs-front continues to improve as well, but he said there's still a long way to go.

"We need to understand there are going to be ups and downs. I mean it's kind of like a pendulum, it's going to swing back and forth, and we just need to be slow and steady," said Williams.

Kimbrough estimated it will take at least three more years for the economy in Jackson County and nationwide to return to where they were before the recession.