August 2026 Chair's Column

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

As we move toward the close of summer, I continue to be encouraged by the momentum we are seeing across Georgia. From new business investment and expansions to infrastructure improvements and workforce initiatives, communities throughout our state are positioning themselves for the opportunities ahead. But as I reflected on last month’s message about partnership, I was reminded that Georgia’s success is not simply the result of the projects we announce—it is the result of the people behind them. Economic development remains a relationship business, and GEDA provides us with an invaluable opportunity to strengthen those relationships, exchange ideas, learn from one another, and collectively make Georgia more competitive.

That is one of the reasons I am particularly excited about our GEDA Annual Conference in Savannah, September 16–18. As someone who has spent much of my career working in and around the Savannah region, I am especially proud to welcome our GEDA family to a community that provides a remarkable example of economic development in action. Savannah and coastal Georgia offer a unique intersection of global commerce, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, education, and quality of life—all supported by partnerships that extend throughout the state. More importantly, our annual conference gives us a chance to step away from the demands of our individual organizations and spend meaningful time together as colleagues. I encourage you to come ready to learn, reconnect with longtime friends, build new relationships, and share the ideas and experiences that make our profession stronger. I look forward to seeing you in Savannah and, as always, thank you for everything you do to create opportunity and prosperity across Georgia.

Stacy Watson
Director, Economic & Industrial Development
Georgia Ports Authority