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.

This time last year, there were so many unanswered questions. When would we get back to normal? What will the economy look like in 2021 and beyond? When can I see family and friends safely again? Finally, we are seeing answers to those questions.  COVID cases are down in our great State by 90 percent. Many places are reporting no new cases for several days in a row. Schools and Universities are hosting in person graduations, conferences are being held again, unemployment rates are down and things are looking up!

There is great news from several of our colleagues around the State that took time in 2020 to be proactive and plan for future development. Governor Kemp in partnership with the Savannah Harbor Interstate 16 Corridor JDA announced last week the purchase of an industrial Mega Site in Bryan County, Georgia. Speculative Buildings were built and are now occupied. Broadband is being developed in rural counties. The list goes on.

With all of the great work that each of us are doing, I hope that you will take time this summer to relax and reenergize.

Have a great Summer!

Andrea