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We hate to say this, but the GEDA Annual Legislative Event will not take place this year, at least in January. The Georgia General Assembly is planning to start next week as planned, but we have not received any approval of large groups being able to visit the State Capitol. If anything changes on this front, we will let you know.
February Monthly Meeting
Tentatively, we are planning a virtual event for the February GEDA monthly meeting. Put Monday, February 8th at 10 AM on your calendar for a legislative report from Cornerstone Government Affairs. More to come soon. |
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Move over 2020, Here comes 2021!
Happy New Year!
First, I would like to start by saying Congratulations to Chris Pumphrey on his new position as past chair. He has done a tremendous job of leading the organization during a difficult year. Thank you for your leadership and I feel blessed to serve with you on the board. |
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Congratulations to the following GEDA members on their recognition in Georgia Trend Magazine’s listing of “100 Most Influential Georgians” in the January 2021 issue:
 Julie Brown, President & CEO, Georgia Foreign Trade Zone Atlanta
 Chris Clark, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber of Commerce
 Larry Hanson, Executive Director, Georgia Municipal Association
 Dave Wills, Executive Director, ACCG
 Jay Markwalter, Executive Director, Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus
 Nick Masino, President & CEO, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce
 Jerald Mitchell, President & CEO, The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce
 Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner, Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office, Georgia Department of Economic Development
 Trip Tollison, President & CEO, Savannah Economic Development Authority
 Pat Wilson, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Economic Development
Congratulations also to GEDA members listed in Georgia Trend’s “Notable Georgians,” including:
 Lisa Collins, Executive Director, Cook County Economic Development Commission
 Barbara Rivera Holmes, President & CEO, Albany Area Chamber of Commerce
 Andrea Schruijer, Executive Director, Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority
 Yvonne Williams, President & CEO, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce
 Rob Gordon, formerly the Director of the Archway Partnership, was named Director of the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Read more…
 Laura Meadows, former Director of the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, retired at the end of December. Laura, you have been a great GEDA member and a tremendous support and friend to many! Congratulations on your retirement! Best wishes and Godspeed! |
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| ** Names highlighted in orange below are GEDA members with hyperlinks to their email addresses.** |
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ByoPlanet® International Expands Operations in Athens, Creates 250 Jobs
December 18, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that ByoPlanet® International, a leading producer of electrostatic spray technology, is investing nearly $7 million in expanding its Georgia manufacturing operations, delivering 250 jobs to Athens-Clarke County.
Way to go Dr. Ilka McConnell, CEcD, Director, and Ryan Thornton, (who led the project) Industry & Manufacturing Specialist, Athens-Clarke County Unified Government Economic Development Department; Grant Whitworth – Whitworth Land Corporation; David Bradley, President/CEO, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce; Kristen Miller, Region 5 Senior Project Manager, Existing Industry And Regional Recruitment Team, Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce Division; and Rope Roberts, Community Development Manager, Georgia Power; who worked as partners on this project! Thanks also to Paul Cramer, President/CEO, The Classic Center, who provided ByoPlanet with production space during the pandemic, and ByoPlanet also hired some furloughed Classic Center staff. Read more… |
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Georgia-based Path-Tec to Expand Columbus Operations, Create 350 Jobs
December 17, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Georgia-based Path-Tec, a leading provider of health care logistics and supply chain solutions, will invest more than $5 million in expanding their operations in Columbus. Thanks to the type and quality of their services, Path-Tec has experienced accelerated growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and expects to create 350 jobs locally with their expansion.
Kudos to Brian Sillitto, Executive Vice President of Economic Development, the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce; and Anna Hurt, former Region 8 Project Manager, Existing Industry And Regional Recruitment Team, Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Global Commerce Division; for their successful work on this expansion project! GDEcD's International Trade Division has also provided services to Path-Tec to aid in their growth plans. Read more… |
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Wincore Window Company Expands Swainsboro Operations, Creating 100 Jobs
December 15, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Wincore Window Company LLC, a leading U.S. manufacturer of premium vinyl windows and fiberglass entry door systems, is expanding their Swainsboro operations, which will create an additional 100 jobs in Emanuel County.
A shout out to Ken Warnock, Chief Executive Officer, Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce and Jackson Bareford, Sr., President, Emanuel County Development Authority; Elizabeth McLean, Region 9 Project Manager, Existing Industry And Regional Recruitment Team, Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce Division; and Rodger Brown, Director of Strategic Communications, Georgia Quick Start; who worked together on this expansion project! Read more… |
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Leading Countertop Manufacturer VT Industries Announces $24 Million Expansion in Rome
December 14, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that VT Industries, a leading manufacturer of countertops and commercial doors, will invest $24 million in expanding their manufacturing operations in Rome. The expansion will increase VT Industries’ onsite employment by one-third, creating 42 new jobs in Floyd County.
Kudos to Missy Kendrick, President/CEO, Rome-Floyd County Development Authority; Tamara Brock, Region 1 Project Manager, Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment Team, Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce Division; and Elyse Davis, Community Development Manager, Georgia Power; on this competitive project! Read more… |
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Automotive Supplier JinTech America Opens First U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Facility in West Point, Creating 70 Jobs
December 14, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that JinTech America, a supplier of interior automobile parts, will invest nearly $4.5 million in opening their first U.S. advanced manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, creating 70 jobs in Harris County.
Commendations to Meghan Duke, EDFP, Economic Development Director, West Point Development Authority; the City of West Point; Kim Tharp, President & CEO, Harris County Chamber of Commerce; Yoonie Kim, Director of Korean Investment, Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce Division; and Bradley Harris, Manager, Economic Development, Georgia EMC; who worked collaboratively on this project! Read more… |
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UK Software Company Kainos to Open North American Sales, IT Office in Atlanta, Create 137 Jobs
December 11, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Kainos, a global digital technology company, will invest $1.2 million in opening a North American sales and IT hub in Buckhead, bringing 137 jobs to Fulton County.
Way to go Barton Lowrey, Project Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce Division; Gregg Simon, Senior Vice President, Project and Partner Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber; Bob Kosek, Jr., Assistant Director, Economic Development, Invest Atlanta; Samir Abdullahi, Deputy Director of Economic Development, Select Fulton; the British Consulate General; and MaryBeth Flournoy, Business Recruitment Manager, Georgia Power; for their successful collaboration on this competitive project! Read more… |
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Nestlé Purina Commits to $550 Million Expansion of Northeast Georgia Facility, Creating up to 130 Additional Jobs
December 8, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Nestlé Purina PetCare Company will invest $550 million to expand its Hartwell pet food manufacturing facility, creating up to 130 jobs in Hart County. The expansion comes just one year after the factory’s grand opening in November 2019.
Congratulations to the team of Dwayne Dye, Director of Economic Development, the Industrial Building Authority of Hart County; and Barbara Fiedor, Region 2 Senior Project Manager, Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment Team, Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce Division; Rodger Brown, Director of Strategic Communications, Quick Start; and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs; on their success in this competitive project! Read more… |
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IHG Hotels & Resorts and Explore Georgia invite visitors to go beyond the headlines, Where True Hospitality meets Southern Hospitality
December 14, 2020 — In 1960, the soulful, Georgia-born singer Ray Charles hit the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time with the song “Georgia On My Mind.” To this day, that iconic tune is one of his most-loved recordings. Fast forward to present day, and Georgia, it seems, is on everyone’s mind. That’s why IHG Hotels & Resorts is teaming up with Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, to promote that Georgia has much more to explore. Guests can book IHG’s Stay Longer and Save rate and save up to 20% when they stay three nights or more at select properties across the state through Feb. 28, 2021. With scenic mountains and tranquil beaches, big cities and small towns, places that shaped democracy and civil rights, majestic National Parks and State Parks, and Southern food that is good for the soul – it’s easy to see that there is so much more to Georgia than its peaches. Read more… |
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Thirty-one Georgia Companies Receive 2020 GLOBE Awards, Four Recognized as Exporters of the Year
December 3, 2020 — The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced its International Trade division’s 2020 GLOBE Award recipients. This state-led awards program highlights Georgia companies that entered new international markets in the previous year. During calendar year 2019, GLOBE winners from 17 counties across Georgia collectively entered 75 new international markets. Read more… |
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| Committee & Shared Interest Group (SIG) News |
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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 GEDA Spring Workshop or Annual Conference, the University of Georgia’s Certified Economic Developer 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.
Thank you to the GEDA 2020 Committee Chairs
Business Recruitment
Charlie Moseley, Georgia Power
Vice-Chair, Bob Kosek, Jr., Invest Atlanta
Existing Industry/Workforce
Serra Hall, Covington-Newton County Development Authority
Vice-Chair, Heath Tippens, Cherokee County Office of Economic Development
Development Authority Executives
Cal Wray, EDFP, Augusta Economic Development Authority
Vice Chair, Josh Fenn, Henry County Development Authority
Membership Engagement
Maceo Rogers, CEcD, City of East Point
Vice-Chair, Barbara Grogan, Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority
Annual Awards
Molly Olsen, Development Authority of Burke County
Nominating Committee
Missy Kendrick, EDFP, IOM, Rome-Floyd County Development Authority
Professional Development
Megan Baker, CEcD, Fayette County Development Authority
Public Policy
Dan McRae, Esq., Seyfarth
Vice-Chair, Grant Buckley, Esq., Cordele-Crisp County IDC
Sponsorship
Justin Farquhar, Development Authority of Bryan County
Vice-Chair, Rebecca Jordan, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
GEDA 2020 Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) Chairs
Education Pathways & Partnerships
Barbara Wall, EdD, Georgia Department of Education, CTAE
Marketing & Communications
J.R. Charles, Carroll Tomorrow
Vice-Chair, Tonya Jackson, Ra-Lin
Natural Resources
Ralph Forbes, PE, Thomas & Hutton
Vice-Chair, Ryan Moore, EDFP, Golden Isles Development Authority
Non-Traditional Economic Development
Christie Gribble, Fannin County Development Authority
Vice Chair, Keith Barclift, CEcD, Catoosa County
P3’s/Redevelopment
Travis Stegall, City of Brunswick
Vice-Chair, Stephanie Aylworth, Georgia Municipal Association
Research
Sarah Carnes, Georgia Power
Rural Development Strategies
Saralyn Stafford, CEcD, University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government
Vice-Chair, John Henry, Esq., Douglas-Coffee County Chamber and Development Authority
Young Professionals
David Denison, Georgia EMC
Welcome 2021 Committee and SIG Chairs
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Committee
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Chair
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| Existing Industry/Workforce |
Serra Hall, Covington-Newton County Development Authority |
| Business Recruitment |
Lonnie Smallwood, Georgia EMC |
| Development Authority Executives |
Robbie Bennett, CEcD, Development Authority of Columbia County |
| Special Services Awards |
Meghan Duke, EDFP, West Point Development Authority |
| Membership Engagement |
Barbara Grogan, Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority |
| Professional Development |
Jason Dunn, Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Development Authority |
| Public Policy |
Trip Tollison, Savannah Economic Development Authority |
| Sponsorship |
Missy Kendrick, EDFP, IOM, Rome-Floyd County Development Authority |
| Nominating Committee |
Pat Merritt, CEcD, IOM, Georgia EMC
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Shared Interest Group (SIG)
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Chair
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Education Pathways & Partnerships
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Matt Colvin, University of Georgia Economic Development
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| Public Private Partnerships/Redevelopment |
Travis Stegall, City of Brunswick |
| Natural Resources |
Ryan Moore, EDFP, Golden Isles Development Authority |
| Transportation/Infrastructure |
Stacy Watson, Georgia Ports Authority |
| Rural Development Strategies |
John Henry, Esq., Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority |
| Marketing & Communications |
Meghan Barwick, Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority |
| Young Professionals |
MaryBeth Flournoy, Georgia Power |
| Research |
Marion Phillips, Georgia Power |
Get involved in GEDA's Committees and SIGs to learn about projects and meet fellow members - visit your profile on GEDA.org to join. |
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PROJECT MANGER - DOUGLAS COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Posted On: DEC31
Position Filled by: January 22, 2021 Location: Douglasville, GA Category: Development Authority Position Type: Full Time Education Requirement:...
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF FULTON COUNTY
Posted On: DEC10
Job Posting closes January 20, 2021 The Development Authority of Fulton County, a development authority and public body corporate and politic of...
PRESIDENT AND CEO - STEPHENS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Posted On: DEC10
The Position will be filled by March 15, 2021. Location: Toccoa, Georgia Category: Development Authority Position Type: Full Time Education...
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February 8: GEDA Virtual Event
See the full GEDA calendar of events here. |
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