Janurary 2025 Chair's Column

I am writing this as your new GEDA Board of Directors Chairman, a position that I’m honored to hold and excited to begin. I want to recognize and thank my colleague and friend Tripp Tollison who has served as Chairman for the past year.  He had a tremendously busy schedule and made time for GEDA and all of the needs over the last year.  I am thankful for his efforts in a hugely successful 2024 for GEDA.  Further, I look forward to working with Grant in the coming year and to seeing his further growth and success in the position and assisting all of our members.  Hopefully, Grant and I will help find another growth year for the organization.
 
Georgia and our members experienced another record year for 2024 and continues to build on the last 10 years of success.  We appreciate all of the entities and economic developers who dedicate their time, resources, and passion to the growth of our state and the careers that are created for so many deserving Georgians.  Let’s continue to ensure this year that every person in Georgia, both young and old, has an opportunity to work in the state they call home.
 
January is always an exciting month for GEDA as the Legislative Session begins. It is extremely important that we focus on what is being considered under the gold dome and how certain legislative efforts can impact economic development. I encourage you to make sure that you keep strong relationships with your state elected officials. Please continue to interact with them during this critical time of the year and that you reach out to them should you see legislative bills that impact our ability to practice our professions.  Also remember to inform Grant or our Public Policy committee of any issues or developments that could impact GEDA or our economic development teams around the State.
 
Looking forward to 2025 and all of the successes that will become a reality this year.  Always feel free to call or message me anytime if I can be of assistance and make sure to reach our to Grant as well if GEDA to provide help or guidance to you or your organization.  Thank you for your support of GEDA and looking forward to seeing you all soon.
 
Happy New Year! 

Cal Wray
President
Development Authority of Augusta, Georgia