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 GEDA 2021 Spring Workshop – GEDA Family Reunion
Time is running out to register for the 2021 Spring Workshop (SW21) scheduled for May 19-21 at the beautiful Legacy Lodge at Lanier Islands. With the theme of GEDA- Family Reunion, Trip Tollison, President & CEO of SEDA, GEDA Secretary-Treasurer and Chair of SW21, and his committee, are looking forward to welcoming you in just over two week's time. We will offer a value-packed agenda, so register today either in-person or virtually! For those interested in sponsorship information, contact Missy Kendrick (770-584-5234), GEDA Sponsorship Chair and President & CEO, Rome-Floyd County Development Authority. Thank you to our SW21 sponsors-to-date! |
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April Monthly Meeting
 GEDA hosted its April 2021 monthly meeting virtually on a Zoom-call on Monday, April 29th from 10-11 AM. Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, was our featured speaker. Pat updated us on all of the developments in GDEcD. GEDA hosted a networking component at the beginning of the call and Commissioner Wilson's comments comprised the second half of the session. Thank you to our program sponsor Melinda Lemmon and the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development!
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Georgia and GEDA… Open for Business
As Governor Kemp has often said “Georgia is open for business.” The Governor’s most recent executive order lifted several restrictions, including the limit on the size of a gathering. Staff, board of directors and myself are looking forward to being together again for the remainder of 2021.
It is Spring Workshop time and boy I am ready to be in person again! Trip Tollison and the Spring Workshop committee have put together a great program at the Legacy Lodge at Lanier Islands this month, and what better theme than GEDA – A Family Reunion. If you haven’t done so already, please make sure to register today for the GEDA 2021 Spring Workshop. We will still have a virtual option for those that cannot attend in person, but we hope that you will be able to join us at Lanier Islands.
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Board Nominations Accepted
GEDA 2021 Chair Andrea Schruijer has appointed three members to the Nominating Committee this year: Misti Martin, Sean McMillan and Pat Topping. These three members will join the GEDA Executive Committee members (Andrea Schruijer, Benjy Thompson, Dorie Bacon, Trip Tollison and Chris Pumphrey), along with the Nominating Committee Chair, Pat Merritt, GEDA Immediate Past, Past Chair, to make recommendations to the membership at this year’s GEDA Annual Business Meeting during the GEDA 2021 Annual Conference. This is your opportunity to nominate qualified members to be considered as GEDA Board Members and Secretary-Treasurer for next year. Linked here are position descriptions to review for Board Members and Secretary-Treasurer and a nomination form for you to submit names for consideration by the Nominating Committee. Thank you for your participation and suggestions!
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Award Nominations Accepted
GEDA is ready to receive Award Nominations for Deal of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. To nominate a deal or a volunteer please click the appropriate link below for further details and nomination forms.
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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Door Prizes for you and you and you...
GEDA is in need of door prizes for the Spring Workshop 2021. They are $50 a piece and your company, organization or authority will receive credit for sponsoring a door prize at the Spring Workshop in just a couple of weeks. If you are interested in sponsoring a door prize please email kmclendon@georgia.org, and Kelly will invoice you for the number of door prizes you choose to sponsor. If you would like to provide a gift to donate as a door prize we will accept those too. Please let Missy Kendrick, GEDA Sponsorship Chair, know what you would like to donate, and you and Missy will coordinate where and how that donation might be made. You can contact Missy at Missy Kendrick (770-584-5234).
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Georgia Celebrates State’s 2021 ‘Small Business ROCK STARS’
ATLANTA, May 3, 2021 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced its six 2021 Small Business ROCK STARS as part of the state’s celebration of Georgia Small Business Week, recognized Monday, May 3, through Saturday, May 8. A small businessman himself, Governor Brian P. Kemp made the official designation through a proclamation highlighting the importance of small businesses to Georgia’s economy and the critical role they play in their communities, available here.
Six Georgia Small Business ROCK STARS were recognized by GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce Scott McMurray for their unique and impactful work across their communities and the state through recorded videos. The state’s Small Business ROCK STARS will also be featured on GDEcD’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter platforms throughout Georgia Small Business Week and highlighted by the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA). To view all of the videos, please click here. READ MORE...
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| ** Names highlighted in orange below are GEDA members with hyperlinks to their email addresses.** |
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Gov. Kemp Applauds Bimbo QSR for Establishing Valdosta Food Processing Facility
April 27, 2021 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Bimbo QSR, a subsidiary of Mexican multinational company Grupo Bimbo, will invest more than $25 million in opening a food processing facility in Valdosta, delivering 74 jobs to Lowndes County.
Congratulations to Andrea Schruijer, Executive Director, and Stan Crance, Existing Industry Coordinator/Project Manager, Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority; Hank Evans, Director, Logistics, Energy, Agribusiness and Food Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Charlie Moseley, Business Recruitment Director, Georgia Power; and Rodger Brown, Director of Strategic Communications, Georgia Quick Start; who worked together to land this project! Read more…
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Gov. Kemp Announces GreyOrange Global Headquarters in Georgia
April 26, 2021 — Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that GreyOrange, a global leader in AI-enabled software and robotics for fulfillment automation, is investing more than $1 million in relocating its global headquarters to metro Atlanta. This move will create 200 additional jobs in the area.
A shout out to Emily Poole, Region 3 Project Manager, Existing Industry And Regional Recruitment Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Steve Stroud and Kimberly Allred, Roswell Inc; Rebecca Jordan, Senior Project Manager, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Ben Harris, Director, Supply Chain, Advanced Manufacturing and Bioscience, Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Brooke Perez, Community Development Manager, Georgia Power; for these team members in working to locate this project! Read more…
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TeamViewer to Open Atlanta Office to Support Enterprise Software Customer Growth
April 15, 2021 — Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that TeamViewer, a global provider of secure remote connectivity solutions and workplace digitalization technology, will invest significantly in opening a sales and business development office in Atlanta, creating more than 100 jobs in the metro area over the next four years. The new office will be used to support customer growth in Georgia and across North America.
A shout out to the following: Barton Lowrey, Project Manager, Corporate Solutions and Cyber Security Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia , Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD); Michael Theisen-Jones, Director, Global Business Development, and Ellie Tsuchiya, Project Manager, Metro Atlanta Chamber; and MaryBeth Flournoy, Business Recruitment Manager, Georgia Power; who assisted in the location of TeamViewer! Colm Reilly and Ellen Kraft, who represent the State of Georgia in GDEcD’s UK office in London and Europe Office in Germany, also provided TeamViewer with information and specific insights regarding the international company’s potential expansion to Georgia! Read more…
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Indoor Greens Company Pete's to Open First Eastern U.S. Indoor Farming Facility, Invest $18Million in Peach County
April 8, 2021 — Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Pete’s, a long-time, California-based greenhouse grower, will invest $18 million in opening their first eastern U.S. indoor, controlled environment agriculture facility in Warner Robins in Peach County, Georgia.
Way to go B.J. Walker, former Executive Director, Peach County Development Authority; Alex Jones, Project Manager, Logistics, Energy, Agribusiness & Food Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; and Lonnie Smallwood, Senior Project Manager, Georgia EMC; who worked collaboratively to land this deal! Read more…
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Hyundai TRANSYS Georgia Seating System, LLC Expands Manufactuing Operations in Georgia
April 5, 2021 —Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Hyundai TRANSYS Georgia Seating System, LLC, a world-renowned producer of automotive parts, will invest $9 million in expanding their seating manufacturing operations in West Point, Georgia. This expansion will create more than 150 jobs in Troup County.
Kudos to the team of Meghan Duke, Economic Development Director, West Point Development Authority; Amanda Fields, Region 4 Senior Project Manager, Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Georgia Power; and Steve Daniel, Georgia Quick Start; who teamed up to win this competitive project! Read more…
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GCP Applied Technologies Selects Metro Atlanta as Global Headquarters, Creates 80 Jobs
March 31, 2021 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development today announced that GCP Applied Technologies Inc., an international provider of construction products and technologies, will open their global headquarters in metro Atlanta, delivering 80 jobs to the region. GCP Applied Technologies currently operates multiple manufacturing facilities in Georgia.
Commendations to Matthew Thomas, Economic Development Manager, City of Alpharetta; Barton Lowrey, Project Manager, Corporate Solutions and Cyber Security Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; on this competitive project in partnership with Rebecca Jordan, Senior Project Manager, Metro Atlanta Chamber; Avery Hart, Interim Director of Economic Development, University System of Georgia; and Sarah Carnes, Business Recruitment Associate, Georgia Power; for their great work on this project! Read more…
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Gov. Kemp: $8.43 Billion, 24,000+ Jobs from Economic Development Projects During First Three Quarters of Fiscal Year
April 13, 2021 — Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), announced that more than 24,000 jobs were created across all regions of the state by economic development projects in Georgia during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2021. These projects total over $8.43 billion in new investments, representing a 67% increase in new investments compared to the first nine months of the previous fiscal year. Likewise, job creation is up 49% over the same period during fiscal year 2020. Read more…
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Georgia Department of Economic Development Applauds SK Innovation, LG Energy Solutions Settlement Agreement
April 11, 2021 — Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Pat Wilson issued the following statement regarding the news that SK Innovation and LG Energy Solution have reached a settlement agreement, which will enable SK Innovation to continue development on its battery manufacturing plant in Jackson County, Georgia. Read more… |
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Explore Georgia: State Ready to Safely Host Meetings and Conventions - Joins organizations across the globe to support the annual Global Meetings Industry Day
April 8, 2021 – On Global Meetings Industry Day, Explore Georgia, the tourism division within the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), is proud to showcase the state’s leading-edge conference centers and destinations. Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) is led by the industry advocacy coalition Meetings Mean Business, and this year’s theme, “Meet Safe,” recognizes the industry’s top priority of operating meetings and events with health and safety top-of-mind. Read more… |
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In Time for 2021 Masters Tournament,, Bridgestone Golf Officially Certified as Georgia Made
April 7, 2021 — The Georgia Department of Economic Development announced that Bridgestone Golf, represented by the Masters tournament winners and the world’s top golf talent, is officially a Georgia Made-certified company. Georgia-manufactured Bridgestone Golf products, such as golf balls, clubs, bags, and other accessories, are represented by world-class players like Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Georgia’s own Matt Kuchar, Lexi Thompson, and Bryson DeChambeau. The company set a new record for sales during the first quarter of 2021. Read more…
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Gov. Kemp: Explore Georgia Launches Marketing Campaign and Travel Guide To Support Tourism Recovery
May 3, 2021 – To celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, Governor Brian P. Kemp in conjunction with Explore Georgia, the state tourism office within the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), announced several new initiatives to increase visitation and support tourism recovery in the state. During a virtual event held at the Georgia Aquarium, Explore Georgia launched a new marketing campaign, Ready. Set. Georgia., unveiled the latest 2021 Explore Georgia Official State Travel Guide, and highlighted $1 million in new grant and co-op opportunities for the tourism industry made possible by Governor Kemp’s amended FY21 budget. 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 upcoming GEDA 2021 Spring Workshop or 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.
The next GEDA Professional Development webinar will be on May 27, 2021 at 10 a.m. “Virtual Engagement and Virtual Etiquette” will be our topic and will be instructed by Ashley Cooper with Valdosta State University. For more information and to register click here.
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 & Heath Tippens from the Cherokee County Economic Development Office, Vanessa Wagner from the Golden Isles Development Authority & Greg Wilson from Carl Vinson 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. Additional details on the speakers will be provided later this month. Click here to register.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Serra P. Hall for more information.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS
Posted On: APR28
This job will be posted until June 1, 2021 Location: Sandy Springs, Georgia Category: Local Government Position Type: Full Time Education...
SENIOR MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS - GREATER COLUMBUS GEORGIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Posted On: APR23
This position will be posted until 7/31/2021 Location: Columbus, Georgia Category: Chamber of Commerce Position Type: Full Time Education...
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - GWINNETT COUNTY
Posted On: APR22
This position will be posted until 5/28/2021 Location: Lawrenceville, Georgia Category: Local Government Position Type: Full Time Education...
REGIONAL PLANNER - RIVER VALLEY REGIONAL COMMISSION
Posted On: APR13
This position will be posted until May 13, 2021 Location: Columbus or Americus, Georgia Category: Local Government Position Type: Full...
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