Georgia Economic Developers Association Logo

November 2020 GEDA Newsletter

Date postedNovember 7, 2020
GEDA News,

GEDA November 2020 Newsletter

Latest News from GEDA
 

Georgia Economic Developers Association

GEDA NEWSLETTER

LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | #IAMGEDA
GEDA/GDEcD News / Chair's Column / GEDA Member News / Projects / Other Announcements / Committee & SIG News / Events / Job / Sponsors 

Upcoming Events - GEDA 2020 Annual Awards

Get ready to celebrate… Our GEDA Annual Award winners, that is!  On Monday, November 16, we will recognize those members and volunteers who deserve special service recognition, including Deal of the Year Awards, Rip Wiley Award, Honorary Life Member Awards and more.   Register today to attend, either in-person or virtually.  Thank you to our sponsor, Macon-Bibb Industrial Development Authority! 
 


Recent Events

The last call of the GEDA 2020 Virtual Annual Conference (AC20) was held on   Thursday, October 8th, and featured Governor Brian Kemp, who shared about Georgia’s battle against the Coronavirus and keeping our state open for business.   Several business leaders from around Georgia also joined us:  Tracy McConnell of King & Prince Seafood in Brunswick; Ryan Adolphson of RWDC Industries LLC in Athens; and Mike Rhoads, Vice President of Sales, TSG Resolute, Inc. in Americus; whose businesses navigated COVID successfully.  Sean McMillan, GEDA AC20 Chair, and his committee, provided us with tremendous virtual programming for AC20.  Thank you to all of you who registered and participated in the calls and to all of our sponsors, who contributed greatly to the success of this vastly different event!
 

October Monthly Meeting


Christopher Lloyd, Senior Vice President & Director, Infrastructure & Economic Development of Maguire Woods, was fantastic in his presentation to GEDA members on our October monthly call.  Charlie Moseley, GEDA Chair of the Business Recruitment Committee, and Business Recruitment Director with Georgia Power, along with Sean McMillan, invited Chris to speak to us and share about the site selection process during COVID.    Thanks again to Ryan Moore and Vanessa Wagner of the Golden Isles Development Authority, our sponsor for the event!

GEDA/GDEcD News
Sign up for the Georgia Safety Promise!  GEDA has and you can, too.  Click here to get additional information and also read the press release below.



Congrats to Bert Brantley, COO of GDEcD for the past four years, who left for Governor Kemp’s Office on November 2nd to be the Deputy Chief of Staff for External Affairs!

 
Congratulations to Yumiko Nakazono, Managing Director of Georgia’s Tokyo Office, who has served Georgia faithfully for 31 years.  Yumiko-san announced that she will retire at the end of February!


Congratulations also to Joseph Huntemann, GDEcD Senior Project Manager, who will assume his duties as Managing Director in Tokyo on March 1st.


Welcome back Alyce Thornhill!  Alyce recently returned to GDEcD as Assistant Director, Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment Team, Global Commerce Division, after a stint with the Georgia Lottery Corporation, where she served as the Director of Community Relations in the Southern Region.

Congratulations to Brittany Holtzclaw Young, Division Director, Global Commerce, Georgia Department of Economic Development, who has been selected for the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for GDEcD.  Upon the recommendation by Pat Wilson, Commissioner, Governor Kemp approved this promotion of Brittany!  She will officially transition to the COO position on November 16.
 

GEDA Compensation & Benefits Survey

GEDA conducted a compensation and benefits survey of its members, primarily with members of development authorities, chambers of commerce, cities and counties in late 2019 and concluded it in early 2020.  One hundred and twenty-six individuals completed the surveys out of the 255 that were distributed.  The results of this survey were distributed free of charge to participants in the survey earlier this year.  It has some good data on salaries for a number of positions and extensive benefit information.  An infographic, which highlights some of the summary responses, can be viewed by clicking here.  The survey is now being made available to members for the low price of $125.  If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Shea, President, GEDA.

Chair's Column

How 20/20 has Cleared My View

Happy November GEDA Family,

This will be my final column to you all. This year has brought so much to light for me personally and professionally.  20/20 is the highest measurement of clear vision, and I have decided to share what has become clear for me this year. 

No matter how much you say, “we have to be prepared for the worst,” most of us do not do it. But even then, preparing for the worst, you will still have some curveballs that will cause you to readjust.  The best you can do is to focus on you and your team and understand your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Read More

GEDA Member News
Congratulations to Jana Dyke, Executive Director, Waycross-Ware County Development Authority, who was just announced as the new President & CEO of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission. READ MORE...

Congratulations to Ashley Hardin, CEcD, Economic Development Manager for the City of Perry on receiving the Certified Economic Developer designation after passing the exam on Friday, October 9th!


Congratulations to Tim Martin, CEcD, EDFP, Executive Director, Stephens County Development Authority, who has announced that he is retiring on November 30th, or when a replacement is hired.  Tim has served GEDA faithfully for many years as a member, Past Chair and Rip Wiley Award recipient.  Tim, enjoy your time in retirement with your grandkids, your children and especially Esther!  Good luck and Godspeed!  The Chason Group has been retained to lead an executive search for Martin's replacement.

Project Announcements
** Names highlighted in green below are GEDA members with hyperlinks to their email addresses.**

Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council Member Rushion McDonald’s 3815 Media, Inc. Production Company Expanding with New Headquarters

October 30, 2020 — The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced that content development, production, marketing and distribution company 3815 Media, Inc. is expanding with a new headquarters in Peachtree Corners. Founded by two-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council member Rushion McDonald, 3815 Media’s focus is identifying and promoting positive values for the Black community through diverse content creation.
 
A shout out to Asante Bradford, Project Manager, Corporate Solutions and Cyber Security Team, who represented GDEcD’s Global Commerce Division on this project! Read more…

Ken’s Foods Invests $103 Million to Expand McDonough, Henry County Operations

October 29, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that family-owned and operated Ken’s Foods will invest $103 million and create 70 new jobs as they expand their manufacturing and distribution operations in Henry County.
 
Congrats to F. J. “Josh” Fenn, Executive Director, Henry County Development Authority; Emily Poole, Region 3 Project Manager, Existing Industry And Regional Recruitment Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Rodger Brown, Director of Strategic Communications, Georgia Quick Start; and Brian Green, Community Development Manager, Georgia Power; who worked collaboratively to land this project!  Read more…

Toyota Industries Compressor Parts America Announces Jackson County Expansion

October 27, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Toyota Industries Compressor Parts America (TICA) will expand its Pendergrass, Georgia, production facility to meet growing demand for its onboard power electronics. The company will invest $5.5 million in the project and create at least 27 new jobs in Jackson County over the next 18 months.
 
Way to go, John Scott, Director of Economic Development, Jackson County Development Authority; and Joseph Huntemann, Project Manager, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; who were team members on this competitive project!  Read more…

Outdoor Network Announces Headquarters Expansion, New Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Albany

October 21, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that family-owned and operated marine and power sports company Outdoor Network (ODN) will invest nearly $22 million in two projects in Albany, Georgia. The company’s new advanced manufacturing facility and expansion of their distribution center headquarters will deliver 92 jobs to southwest Georgia.
 
Kudos to Matt Reed, Interim President, and Reedi Hawkins, Director of Marketing and Research, Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission; Tina Herring, Region 10 Senior Project Manager, Existing Industry And Regional Recruitment Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; and Scott Purvis, Community Development Manager, Georgia Power; who worked together to get to this project announcement!  Read more…

BandD Foods to Open Eastern U.S. Headquarters in Americus, Create 100+ Jobs

October 19, 2020 — The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced that BandD Foods, a supplier of steak, beef, pork and chicken products, will invest $15 million in opening a food processing and packaging facility in Sumter County, bringing more than 100 jobs to Americus, Georgia. This facility will serve as the company’s eastern U.S. headquarters and marks the company’s first location outside of Idaho.
 
A shout out to Rusty Warner, Executive Director, Sumter County Development Authority; Sandra Yang, Project Manager, Logistics, Energy, Agribusiness & Food Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; MaryBeth Flournoy, Business Recruitment Manager, and Jim Lovett, Community Development Manager, Georgia Power; who worked on this competitive project!  Read more…

Hooker Furniture Corporation’s Home Meridian International to Open Distribution Facility in Liberty County

October 14, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Home Meridian International (HMI), a division of Hooker Furniture Corporation, will open a new distribution facility in Liberty County’s Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certified Tradeport East Business Center. The $23.5 million investment will deliver 50 new jobs to the area.
 
Congrats to the team of Ron Tolley, CEO, Liberty County Development Authority; The was represented in this competitive project by Hank Evans, Director, Logistics, Energy, Agribusiness and Food Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; Stacy Watson, Director of Economic and Industrial Development, Georgia Ports Authority;  and Charles Stallworth, Business Recruitment Director, Georgia Power; who worked on this project!  Read more…

La Regina Atlantica to Open First U.S. Processing Facility for Famous Tomato Sauce in Bacon County

October 9, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that La Regina Atlantica, a U.S. subsidiary of Italian producer of homemade pasta sauces La Regina di San Marzano, will invest $20 million in a new food processing facility in Bacon County, delivering 250 jobs to Alma, Georgia. La Regina Atlantica will source carrots, peppers, basil, onions, and meats from farmers locally. The company’s freshly grown tomatoes will be imported from Italy through the Port of Savannah, where they will then be transported to Alma to be processed into the brand’s world-famous sauces.
 
Congratulations to the following team: Kevin Ellis, Executive Director, Bacon County Development Authority; Elizabeth McLean, Region 9 Project Manager, Existing Industry And Regional Recruitment Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; and Rodger Brown, Director of Strategic Communications, Georgia Quick Start; who worked on this competitive project!  Read more…

Kysor Warren Epta US Invests $27 Million in Columbus North American Headquarters, Creates 200 Jobs

October 8, 2020 – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Kysor Warren Epta US, a subsidiary of Epta and leading provider of commercial refrigeration products, will invest more than $27 million in expanding its operations in Columbus, delivering 200 jobs to the local community.
 
Kudos to Brian Sillitto, Executive Vice President of Economic Development, Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce; and Anna Hurt, Region 8 Project Manager, Existing Industry And Regional Recruitment Team, Global Commerce Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development; who worked together to secure this expansion project!  Read more…
Read all GDEcD Press Releases

Other Announcements

Georgia Celebrates Success with Japan, Announces New Managing Director for Tokyo Office

October 28, 2020 — Following recent Japanese investment announcements, including expansions of Toyota Compressor Parts America in Jackson County and F&P Georgia in Floyd County, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today celebrated the success of the long-term partnerships between the State of Georgia and Japan with a recommitment to GDEcD’s Tokyo office, which was established in 1973.  Read more…

 

Georgia International Trade Office Earns Unprecedented Fourth U.S. Department of Commerce Award for Export Services

October 23, 2020 — The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced that its International Trade division has earned a President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service from the U.S. Department of Commerce in recognition of “continuing significant contributions to an increase in U.S. exports.” The award is the highest honor given to providers of services to U.S. exporters. GDEcD is the first entity in the nation to earn a fourth “E” Award.  Read more…

Georgia Council for the Arts awards 77 organizations more than $585,000 in grant funding - Grant investment will support art programs and facilities in 58 counties

October 21, 2020—Georgia Council for the Arts, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, today announced the recipients of the Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grant awards for fiscal year 2021. The Vibrant Communities Grant supports a variety of arts programming opportunities in communities, and the Cultural Facilities Grant supports the restoration or renovation of a building to be used for arts programming. Seventy-seven entities in 58 counties will receive more than $585,000 in funding as part of this year’s awards.  Read more…

2020 Georgia ‘GEAR Award’ Winners Announced by Georgia Department of Economic Development

October 15, 2020 —The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced the five companies who earned 2020 Georgia Emerging Automotive Recognition (GEAR) Awards after holding presentations in the winners’ communities throughout the week in accordance with state executive orders and public health guidelines. Previously known as the Georgia Automotive Awards, the updated GEAR Awards, for 2020 and beyond, are designed to recognize forward movement in the state’s automotive and mobility industries through innovation and emerging technologies.  Read more…

Georgia International Trade Office Earns U.S. Small Business Administration Award, Launches New Export Assistance Grant

October 5, 2020 — The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today proudly announced it has been awarded a grant of more than $162,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration under the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) to bolster export assistance to small businesses. These funds will officially launch the International Trade division’s “Go Global Georgia” initiative to help small business exporters in the state stretch their international marketing budgets and develop global markets. Eligibility and application guidelines can be found at georgia.org/go-global-ga.  Read more…

Committee & SIG News
Professional Development - Scholarships & Grants 
Last chance to apply for scholarship grants from GEDA for 2020.  Scholarships can be used to attend the University of Georgia’s Certified Economic Developer courses, as well as ones sponsored by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).   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.
Get involved in GEDA's Committees and SIGs to learn about projects and meet fellow members - visit your profile on GEDA.org to join. 

Job Postings
OCT 15: MAIN STREET COORDINATOR 1 - CITY OF PERRY

Position to be filled by: November 2, 2020 Location: Perry, Georgia Category: Local Government Position Type: Full Time Education Requirement:...

OCT 16: ECONOMIC RESILIENCE COORDINATOR - NE GEORGIA REGIONAL COMMISSION

Position to be filled by November 13, 2020 Location: Athens, Georgia Category: Regional Commission Position Type: Full Time Education...

NOV 3: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - CITY OF AUSTELL

Position to be filled by December 1, 2020 Location: Austell, Georgia Category: Local Government Position Type: Full Time Education Requirement:...

Upcoming Events
November 12: UGA GCED Program - Creative Economies

November 16: GEDA 2020 Awards Luncheon

December 10: UGA GCED Program - Collaborative Leadership

See the full GEDA calendar of events here.

Sponsors

Champions Circle Sponsors

Winner's Circle Sponsors

2020 Luncheon Sponsors
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Copyright © 2020 Georgia Economic Developers Association, All rights reserved.


unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences 

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp

Categories

Most Recent Posts