November 2024 Chair's Column

What’s up? 

This is my final note to you all as your GEDA Chairman, and I first want to say thank you to all of GEDA’s membership, staff, leadership and board. What an honor it has been to serve in this role. I’m excited to pass the torch (and these articles) to Cal Wray. 

I can’t think of a better way to conclude my time as Chairman than with the annual GEDA Awards Gala. If you were there, you know that we changed things up and hosted a dinner this year rather than our typical lunch. I was glad to see so many people in attendance, and it looked like everyone enjoyed the evening. 

We honored some remarkable individuals and communities. I’d like to again give a shoutout to this year’s winners: DAS North America and the Candler County Industrial Authority; Solarcycle and the Development Authority of Polk County; GF Casting Solution and the Augusta Economic Development Authority; Savannah’s very own Cecilia Arango with Thomas & Hutton; and Grant Buckley, CEO of the Cordele Crisp County Industrial Development Council. 

And finally, we honored Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner and my great friend Pat Wilson with the Rip Wiley Award for Professional Excellence. I can’t think of an individual more deserving of this award than Pat. When I think back on my career in economic development, it wouldn’t be nearly what it has been without the support and guidance of Pat’s leadership. And I imagine many of you could say the same. 

To quote what Kia Georgia President and CEO Stuart Countess said at the gala, Pat is “Georgia-made and world-class category.” No matter what you’ve learned from Pat during your time in economic development, we can all agree that he embodies excellence in everything he does and that if we bring that same spirit of greatness to our jobs every day, our communities are sure to see change in the months and years to come. 

So that’s my final charge to you all: to go above and beyond in everything you do from completing a RFI to showcasing the beauty of your community to a prospect and everything in between. And with this group, you’re sure to have a good time while doing it.

Finally, I want to thank Liz Ely and the rest of Team SEDA for helping me with my GEDA responsibilities this year.  There is no way I could have served as your chair without Liz and the team.  I will always be grateful for the folks I get to work with every day – they are the best in the business!!

And with that, I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year. Thank you for making my time as Chairman a truly fun and memorable year.  

See you soon, 
Trip Tollison