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 GEDA is partnering with the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government to present the Innovating Georgia's Workforce Pipeline 2021 Webinar Series. Join us June 24 for the Leveraging YouScience in your Talent Development Strategy free webinar. Click here to learn more about YouScience. More info/registration for the webinar: https://t.co/qrvzzDjezc?amp=1 |
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GEDA August Monthly Meeting
GEDA will meet at The Mill on Etowah in Canton on Monday, August 9th for a lunch meeting. The Mill on Etowah is a 250,000 square foot redeveloped textile mill and was a deal of the year award-winner in 2019. Plans are to have lunch in The Mill at 12:00 Noon, with registration and networking beginning at 11:00 AM. Plans are still being finalized. Misti Martin and Heath Tippens of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development are working with GEDA staff to provide an informative and fun day including a VIP tour of the adaptive re-use redevelopment and optional recreation of tubing the Etowah. The day will close with an optional beer and Cali-Fino tequila tasting from Reformation Brewery. For those who would like to stay overnight, the Hampton Inn in Canton is close by and offers quality accommodations. |
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GEDA 2021 Spring Workshop – GEDA Family Reunion
The 2021 Spring Workshop (SW21), held on May 19-21 at the beautiful Legacy Lodge at Lanier Islands, was a tremendous success! The theme of GEDA- Family Reunion was “spot on” with a large crowd to attest that everyone had a good time. Trip Tollison, President & CEO of SEDA, GEDA Secretary-Treasurer and Chair of SW21, and his committee, put on a fantastic show, both for those attending in person and virtually. Thank you to all those involved, from Trip and his committee members, especially Angela Hendrix and Liz Ely from the SEDA staff, to Missy Kendrick, GEDA Sponsorship Chair and President & CEO, Rome-Floyd County Development Authority, to lots of unnamed volunteers who made this such a memorable event! Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Georgia Realtors, and to all of the SW21 sponsors! Your support enabled us to have a great event. We couldn't have done it without you! Take a look at the photos here. |
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June 2021 Chair's Letter
Hello GEDA Friends,
It was so great to see many of you at our GEDA Spring Workshop at Lake Lanier. Thank you to Trip and his team at SEDA for a great program and to Kevin and Kelly for pulling off another successful workshop. Several members enjoyed a Family Feud night so many thanks to Jessica and Dorie for putting this together.
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Josh Jacob, International Trade Manager in the International Trade Division of GDEcD for the last four years, is leaving to go to law school at Columbia University in New York this fall. We wish Josh well.
GDEcD employees to return to the office three days a week in June. |
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 Director of Life Sciences for Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) EJane Caraway was recognized with a coveted Industry Growth Award from Georgia Bio (GaBio), the state’s Life Science trade association, for the incredible impact she has made in growing Georgia’s Life Sciences industry. Read more…
 Camila Knowles, Principal and Director with Cornerstone Government Affairs (CGA), is leaving to go to Chick-fil-A and lead their government relations efforts. Camila has been our main contact with CGA, GEDA’s government affairs representatives, over the last four years. Camila’s last day with Cornerstone will be June 30, 2021, and she will begin her duties at Chick-fil-A on August 2nd.
 Brad Campbell has left JM Williams and joined the Pattillo Construction Company as Business Development | Industrial + Commercial.
 Marty Jones announced plans to retire in the spring from Conyers Rockdale County Economic Development Council. Read More
 Donna Armstrong Lackey, former Director of Public Service & Outreach, University of West Georgia, has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners, effective June 1st. |
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Award Nominations Accepted
GEDA is ready to receive Award Nominations for Deal of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
Deal of the Year
The Deal of the Year Awards recognize outstanding achievement in the location or expansion of new businesses in the state of Georgia that meet community economic development goals and involve significant community program support, such as financial or permitting assistance, workforce development, state financial support, etc.
Nominate a Deal for the 2021 Deal of the Year by clicking here.
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual economic development volunteer for outstanding service to an economic development organization or community. Nominations are solicited from all GEDA members. One statewide recipient is selected by the Board of Directors annually.
Nominate a Volunteer of the Year for 2021 by clicking here
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MAX Solutions for Workforce Development
The Metro Atlanta eXchange for Workforce Solutions (MAX) serves as a convener and connector for the workforce development community. Its mission is to advance economic competitiveness by strengthening connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development. The group that founded MAX started meeting together in 2013 and during the past year, pandemic notwithstanding, formed a membership association for workforce developers. MAX now has 380+ members. Members represent public and private workforce providers, including nonprofits, educational entities, intermediaries and employers that are involved with recruitment, training, job placement, etc. MAX, by its name seems to be focused on metro Atlanta. However, its services are available throughout the State of Georgia and can provide benefit to organizations outside of Metro Atlanta too. Take a look at the MAX website. You can list information about your organization or those organizations in your community that are in the workforce development field by joining the MAX Provider Portal. Click here to join the portal. You can submit your events to appear on the MAX Calendar of Events. For more information, please contact MAX’s facilitator, Joy Wilkins at joy@servingcommunities.net.
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U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million to Establish a Water Treatment Facility to Support Business Growth in Waynesboro, Georgia
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the city of Waynesboro, Georgia, to establish a water well and water treatment facility needed to accommodate local business needs. This EDA project, to be matched with $1.5 million in local funds, is expected to create nearly 200 jobs and generate $60 million in private investment.
“The Biden Administration is committed to ensuring that American communities are provided with the resources they need to diversify and grow their economies,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support a new dairy processing and packaging plant in the Waynesboro-Burke County Industrial Park and future business needs to create economic opportunity and jobs for local citizens.”
“This EDA investment will upgrade critical public infrastructure in Waynesboro,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “These improvements will ensure that Waynesboro has the capacity to provide reliable water and sanitation service to businesses and the ability to spur economic growth.”
“This massive investment in Waynesboro will help create nearly 200 new jobs, stimulate the local economy, and help us recover from the pandemic,” said Senator Jon Ossoff. “I'm proud to work with Secretary Raimondo to deliver this funding to Georgia.”
“When we invest in our state’s infrastructure, we help protect the dignity of work by creating more good-paying jobs that will help Georgians thrive,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. “I am grateful to see these federal investments flow to strengthen our economy here in Georgia and help foster economic growth that is here to stay. Waynesboro’s new water treatment facility will have a positive, tangible impact on our coastal communities and provide a safer water supply for this important Georgia community.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Central Savannah River Area Regional Commission, which EDA funds to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs. |
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The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation: Advancing Innovation, Opportunity & Shared Economic Success Across Georgia
 The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN) is a public-private partnership that launched in 2020 to lead coordinated, statewide efforts to position Georgia as the Technology Capital of the East Coast. Dedicated to advancing innovation, opportunity, and shared economic success across the state, the organization’s focus on community research, student engagement, and pilot programs is a powerful combination that establishes Georgia as a living lab for inclusive innovation. Under the guidance of board Chairman G.P. Bud Peterson and Executive Director Debra Lam, the Partnership seeks to help foster access, growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation throughout the state.
What do we mean by inclusive innovation?
The Partnership believes that great ideas and new businesses can come from anywhere and everywhere, but that the opportunity to innovate has not been shared equally. By democratizing access to innovation, the Partnership leverages resources across business, research universities and government to advance innovation for a better Georgia tomorrow. The Partnership makes an extra effort to identify those who don’t necessarily identify as stereotypical entrepreneurs. These dreamers and doers who have great ideas, strategies and capabilities but just need an extra boost to seize opportunity and achieve their aspirations.
How are we advancing inclusive innovation?
The Partnership unites three programs that share this same goal:
- The Pilot Program awards innovators of all kinds financial and networking support to create new services and products that will build a stronger Georgia.
- The Georgia Smart Cities Community Challenge supports community initiatives that advance “smart” technology to create a safer and more sustainable future for citizens.
- The Community Corps program helps university and graduate students pursue their interest in community service, with summer placements that provide hands on engagement.
Collaboration among the next generation of innovative leaders located in urban, suburban, and rural communities will help assure that access to progress is available equally to all. While we’re tremendously excited by what we see in the metro Atlanta area, we’re even more inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit and acumen we discover in places where it has not been previously championed. Over time this continuum of innovation across geographies will enable Georgia to emerge as the tech capital of the East Coast and beyond.
Visit our new website at PINGeorgia.org and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date on inclusive innovation across our state and learn how your community can get involved.
We look forward to working with you as we create a more innovative and prosperous Georgia, together. |
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| ** Names highlighted in orange below are GEDA members with hyperlinks to their email addresses.** |
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Gov. Kemp Announces Korean Automotive Manufacturer Duckyang to Open Company's First U.S. Facility in Jackson County
May 20, 2021 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Duckyang, an electric mobility parts supplier of automotive battery modules and energy storage systems to SK Battery America (SKBA), will invest $10 million in opening its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Jackson County. The new facility will create 285 jobs in Braselton, Georgia.
A shout out to John Scott, Vice President & Director of Economic Development, Jackson County Industrial Development Authority; Yoonie Kim, Director of Korean Investment, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Georgia Quick Start; and Bradley Harris, Manager, Economic Development, Georgia EMC; who assisted Duckyang to get to this announcement! Read more… |
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Gov. Kemp Announces IC Biomedical to Open Cryo Freezer Manufacturing Facility in Bartow County
May 19, 2021 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that IC Biomedical, a producer of cryogenic freezers, will make a multi-million-dollar investment in opening an advanced manufacturing facility near Cartersville. As demand for medical-grade freezers continues to surge, the facility will deliver more than 80 jobs to Bartow County.
Congrats to the following team members, who worked on this project: Melinda Lemmon, Executive Director, Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development; EJane Caraway, Director of Life Sciences, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Georgia BIO; Rebecca Jordan, Senior Project Manager, and Ben Harris, Director of Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Bioscience, Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Brenda Robbins, Business Recruitment Director, Georgia Power! Read more… |
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Gov. Kemp Announces FanDuel Group to Open Atlanta Technology Campus, Creating 900+ Jobs
May 18, 2021 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that FanDuel Group, a leading sports-tech entertainment company, will invest more than $15 million in opening a technology campus in Atlanta, creating more than 900 jobs over the next five years. This new state-of-the-art facility will primarily focus on supporting the company’s product development, tech, and IT operations.
Kudos to the following team members: Taylor Kielty, Senior Project Manager, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Gregg Simon, Senior Vice President, Project and Partner Development, Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber; Samir Abdullahi, Deputy Director of Economic Development, Select Fulton; Avery Hart, Director of Economic Development, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia; Greg King, Associate Vice President for Economic Development, Georgia Tech; Rodger Brown, Director of Strategic Communications, Georgia Quick Start; Nathan Regan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, Invest Atlanta; and MaryBeth Flournoy, Business Recruitment Manager, Georgia Power; who worked together to locate the FanDuel Group! Read more… |
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Gov. Kemp Announces Domtar Corporation to Expand Wayne County Manufacturing Facility, Creating 75 Jobs
May 17, 2021 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Domtar Corporation will invest more than $60 million to expand their Engineered Absorbent Materials (EAM) manufacturing operations in Jesup, delivering 75 additional jobs to Wayne County.
Commendations to Dell Keith, Executive Director, Wayne County Industrial Development Authority, the City of Jesup; Elizabeth McLean, Region 9 Project Manager, Existing Industry And Regional Recruitment Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Georgia Ports Authority; Georgia Quick Start; Georgia Power; and Atlanta Gas Light. Read more… |
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Gov. Kemp Announces WebstaurantStore to Expand Georgia Presence, Create 100+ Jobs in Chatham County
May 11, 2021 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that WebstaurantStore, a supplier to food service professionals around the world, will open a distribution center in Chatham County, creating more than 100 jobs. The company also currently has two facilities in Albany, Georgia, which employ more than 350 Georgians.
Way to go, Trip Tollison, President & CEO, Jesse Dillon, Project Manager, and Jennifer Collins, Business Development Project Manager, Savannah Economic Development Authority; Alyce Thornhill, Assistant Director of the Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; and Stacy Watson, Director of Economic & Industrial Development, Georgia Ports Authority; for their tremendous efforts in securing this new distribution center! Read more…
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Interfor Invests $30 Million in Expanding Sawmill in Perry
May 10, 2021 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Interfor, a forest products company and the largest lumber producer in the state, will invest $30 million in expanding their sawmill operations in Perry, Georgia.
A shout out to Angie Gheesling, Executive Director, Development Authority of Houston County; Candice Scott, Region 6 Senior Project Manager, Existing Industry And Regional Recruitment Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; and Jim Lovett, Community Development Manager, Georgia Power; for their excellent work to win this expansion! Read more… |
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Gov. Kemp Announces Amazon Fulfillment Center in Savannah
May 7, 2021 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Amazon will expand its significant presence in Georgia with a new fulfillment center planned in Savannah, Georgia. The new facility will feature innovative Amazon robotics technology and create 1,000 full-time jobs.
Congratulations to Trip Tollison, President & CEO, Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA); Brittany Young, Chief Operating Officer, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Georgia Department of Transportation; Georgia Ports Authority; and Georgia Power; who worked collaboratively to locate this significant project! The proceeds from the purchase at the Chatham County Development Site will allow the state to invest in future mega-sites. Read more…
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Ammeraal Beltech to Open Manufacturing Plant in Buford, Create 83 Jobs
May 5, 2021 — The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced that Ammeraal Beltech, a member of the Ammega Group and a leading global manufacturer of lightweight conveyor belting, will invest more than $19 million in opening a new production plant in Buford, Georgia. The company’s expansion to Buford will create 83 jobs in Hall County.
Kudos to the large and very involved cast who worked on this project expansion: Tim Evans, Vice President – Economic Development, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce; Taylor Walden and Fernanda Kirchner, Project Managers, Automotive, Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Brenda Robbins, Business Recruitment Director, Georgia Power; Blaine Kelly III, Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain Practice at CBRE; Carol Henderson, Deloitte; Tate O’Rouke, Business Development Manager, and Jennifer Fennell, Senior Business Development Manager at Jackson EMC; and Walker Welford, Taylor & Mathis who assisted in the location of this competitive project! Read more... |
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| Committee & Shared Interest Group (SIG) News |
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To sign up for a Committee or Shared Interest Group (SIG) click here.
Professional Development - Scholarship - Grants
Apply today for scholarship grants from GEDA in 2021. Scholarships can deepen your job understanding and enhance your career! They can be used for many things, including attending the 2021 Annual Conference, Georgia Tech’s Basic Economic Development Course, the University of Georgia’s Certified Economic Developer (GCED) courses, as well as ones sponsored by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) or the OU Economic Development Institute. They can also be used for the Penn Worden Grant and the International Missions Grant. For additional information on the Professional Development scholarships, look on the GEDA website or contact Kevin Shea, President, GEDA at 404-962-4109.
Professional Development Committee
The Committee has successfully held two virtual Professional Development webinars in the series. Looking forward, the next two webinars are scheduled in July and September. We’ll be releasing additional information closer to the registration dates.
Workforce Development Committee
Innovating Georgia’s Workforce Pipeline 2021 Webinar Series by the Workforce Development Committee and UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government
Our first webinar of our 2021 series, Successful K-12 Workforce Development Engagement Strategies was an outstanding success! The webinar had over 175 people present for the one hour event. If you joined, we hope that the event was helpful as you work to implement effective strategies to develop the next generation of talent for your community. Please see the full recording here, in case you missed it.
Thank you to Misti Martin and Heath Tippens from the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, Vanessa Wagner from the Golden Isles Development Authority & Greg Wilson from Carl Vinson Institute of Government for outstanding presentations & partnerships by way of GEDA.
The next Innovating Georgia’s Workforce Pipeline 2021 Webinar Series event will be on June 24th at 1pm. This webinar will focus on leveraging YouScience as part of your community or business talent development strategy. Click here to register. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Serra P. Hall for more information.
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MARKETING MANAGER - SELECT FULTON - FULTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT
This position will be posted until June 16, 2021
Location: Atlanta, Georgia Category: Local Government Position Type: Full Time Education...
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT MANAGER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - HENRY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
This job will be posted until July 1, 2021
Location, McDonough, Georgia Category: Development Authority Education Requirement: Bachelor's...
PRESIDENT - DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF MONROE COUNTY
This job will be posted until June 11, 2021.
Location: Forsyth, Georgia Category: Development Authority Position Type: Full Time Education...
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