2024 Award Winners
GEDA Hosts 2024 Annual Awards Gala at the Fox Theatre
Many individuals, community organizations, and companies honored for their economic development in the state of Georgia.
(Atlanta, GA, November 2024) The Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) hosted its 2024 Annual Awards Gala at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on November 18th. Member organizations, companies, and members of the community gathered to celebrate the economic achievements of 2024. GEDA presented multiple awards, including Small Community Deal of the Year, Mid-Size Community Deal of the Year, Large Community Deal of the Year, the Rip Wiley Award for Professional Excellence, Committee Chair of the Year, and Committee Member of the Year. The Savannah Economic Development Authority and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority generously sponsored the gala.
"Congratulations to my colleague Pat Wilson for your unwavering dedication to economic development in Georgia. We live in a better state because of you and I’m proud to call you a great friend,” said Savannah Economic Development Authority President and CEO Trip Tollison. "Congratulations also to all of the GEDA award winners. We have an incredible group of individuals in this industry and I’m excited to see what the future holds for our communities.”
Award winners were evaluated based on several factors, including economic impact, the degree of creativity and expertise required to complete the deal, and the obstacles and challenges that were overcome during negotiations and completion of the deal.
Congratulations to the 2024 GEDA Award Winners:
Small Community Deal of the Year: DAS North America, in partnership with the Candler County Industrial Authority
DAS North America is the single largest project to ever land in Metter, and their first advanced manufacturing facility to create quality, skilled labor positions. They are a key supplier for Hyundai Motor Group and plan to hire around 300 people to work in this new plant in Metter. DAS will pay wages of $20/hour starting pay, which is substantially higher than the average county wage. DAS Corporation is an automotive parts company that specializes in designing and manufacturing seating systems, safety seating components and seating structures. The project was announced by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s Office on September 6, 2023. Metter welcomed DAS North America to the city on August 13, 2024 at the official ribbon cutting ceremony of their Metter facility. The fastest project in the state of Georgia will begin full production in September 2024 and will house 100 employees by year end. “The speed at which DAS has progressed by bringing new jobs into the community so quickly has really created a lot of positive morale to the town. I have already had new employees stop me to thank me for bringing DAS to Metter, so they can have a good job. This is why I do what I do,” says Hannah Mullins, President/CEO of the Candler County Industrial Authority.
Mid-size Community Deal of the Year: Solarcycle, in partnership with the Development Authority of Polk County
Solarcycle chose Cedartown-Polk County, Georgia, for their new manufacturing opportunity. The community highly values quality jobs for their citizens and significant capital investments. To support Solarcycle, they offered community support based on several factors: 1. Creation of 617 quality jobs with wages above the average industry wage of local existing industries. 2. Investment of $355.4 million in the local tax base. 3. Commitment to being a good corporate citizen and environmental steward.
It is with great honor that we accept the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) 2024 Deal of the Year Award. We take pride in being recognized by our peers, organizations, and the State for our collaborative efforts to bring a quality business and quality jobs to our citizens. Solarcycle’s decision to choose Cedartown, Polk County, Georgia, is the result of progressive planning by community stakeholders, which will undoubtedly make a generational impact.
Large Community Deal of the Year: GF Casting Solutions, in partnership with the Augusta Economic Development Authority
GF Casting Solutions will bring 354 new jobs and $184,000,000 of new investment to the Augusta region. Georg Fischer is an international company located in Switzerland with a strong history. They currently have over 20k+ employees worldwide and locating a company with such an accomplished track record points towards stability and future growth. Additionally they will be located across from another metals producer, Aurubis Richmond, and ultimately furthers the community’s goal of creating an environmentally friendly and sustainable supply chain for the automotive industry as it continues to flourish in the state.
Rip Wiley Award for Professional Excellence: Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development
GEDA was honored to have three guest speakers to help present the Rip Wiley Award to Commissioner Pat Wilson: Jay Neely, Vice President, Law & Public Affairs for Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. Chairman for Georgia Department of Economic Development, Chris Smith, Chief Project Implementation Officer and General Counsel, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), and Stuart Countess, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kia Georgia.
Committee Chair of the Year: Cecilia Arango, Principal/Marketing Manager, Thomas & Hutton
Cecilia has served as Committee Chair for Sponsorship over the past few years and has exceeded her goal each year. GEDA is thankful for the support and the new standard she has set for this committee.
Committee Member of the Year: Grant Buckley, Executive Director, Cordele Crisp County Industrial Development Council
As GEDA gets more involved with our Public Policy efforts, we have formed a steering committee of local economic developers who would provide guidance throughout the legislative session. As a member of the Public Policy steering committee, Grant Buckley was responsive, professional, knowledgeable, and an advocate for development authorities and economic developers.
“Georgia would not be the economically prosperous state it is today without the drive, fortitude, and innovation of so many individuals, communities, and organizations,” states Grant Cagle, GEDA President & CEO. “GEDA is proud to honor the economic impact and gains made in 2024, and we look forward to a bright future in the years to come.”