July 2010 Newsletter

Featured Articles August Luncheon Registration Available GEDA Awards Nomination Deadline Two New IEDC-Approved Courses Closed for the Holiday  Link to Us Campaign  New State Laws Take Effect TODAY!  GEDA Offices Closed for Holiday Just a reminder ... GEDA Global Headquarters will be closed on Monday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day.  Also, we'll be mourning USA's loss to Ghana in the World Cup.   Link to Us!! Show Off Your Affiliation with GEDA Have you ever wanted to announce to the world that you were part of the world's greatest economic developers association, but tattoos seemed too painful and bumper stickers didn't seem strong enough?  Well, we have a great opportunity for you!  You can place the GEDA logo on your website (active members only, please) and let everyone know that you are a proud member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association.  Email us and ask for the logo - all we ask is that you place our web link, www.geda.org, on the site as well.  Thanks! New State Laws From Our Friends at Mathews & Maxwell I'm sure we all know about the new texting while driving ban that begins today.  But what about all of the other new laws that begin July 1?  Click here for a quick rundown!  New laws!

August Registration is Now Available And you thought the June luncheon was spectacular ... just wait until you see what we have in store for August.  (Yes, that means we will not have a program in July.)  Projects today come from all directions and GEDA understands the unique challenges that can present.  Where do you market?  To whom do you market?  Companies do their own searches; some hire consultants (like we saw at our June luncheon); and now real estate brokers are getting more and more involved in economic development.  That is why we are hosting a "Meet the Brokers" event in August.  Some of our members may not be as familiar with the brokerage community as with some others.  And quite frankly, some brokers may not be as familiar with all of the communities in Georgia.  GEDA Leadership felt that this was the right time to bring everyone together for a "Get to Know Ya" luncheon.  So, mark your calendars for August 23rd - and register online today! But wait, there's more!  Because it will probably be very hot in August and because football season is right around the corner, we would like to invite everyone to lose the suits and ties and wear your favorite team's colors to the luncheon!  High school, college, professional, arena ... pick a favorite team and wear their colors to the luncheon.  And to further that great, laid-back atmosphere, our luncheon will be catered by The Varsity!  (Note: this is a BYOA event.  Bring Your Own Antacid.)  We look forward to seeing you in August! This event is sponsored by the Development Authority of Fulton County. Last Chance for GEDA Award Nominations! Have you had a project location in the last 12 months?  Want to be the envy of all of your friends and colleagues and impress your bosses with a trophy?  If you answered yes to both of those questions, apply for a GEDA Deal of the Year Award TODAY!!  We will present awards to winners in three categories: Metro, Rural and Regional.  Apply today!  Contact Andrea Schruijer for more details. We are soliciting nominations for our Volunteer of the Year and Zell Miller Public Policy Award.  Information about all of our awards, as well as nomination information can be found at the Special Service Awards Committee page. Two NEW IEDC-Approved Courses for You! Georgia Tech is pleased to announce two new course offerings For more than 40 years, Georgia Tech has provided professional development courses to serve economic development leaders throughout Georgia.  This year, Georgia Tech is excited to offer two NEW "Tools of the Trade" short courses; How to Conduct Business Intelligence to Gain a Competitive Advantage (Atlanta - July 20) and How to Conduct Performance Tracking to Demonstrate ROI (Atlanta - July 21.) As an added bonus, participation in two "Tools of the Trade" courses will qualify for Level Two recertification points with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC.)  For all of you Certified Economic Developers, here's a great way to pick up a few extra points toward recertification! If you have questions, please contact Hortense Jackson at 229-430-4327 or Joy Wilkins at 404-895-6115.

Upcoming Events REGISTER TODAY! for GEDA's August Luncheon. August 23 - Piedmont Park (Greystone Building.)  It's a "Meet the Brokers" event catered by The Varsity!  (Sponsored by the Development Authority of Fulton County.) September 22-24 - 47th ANNUAL CONFERENCE!  Hotel rooms are available at the Savannah Riverfront Marriott.  (Mention GEDA to get our special low rate.) Welcome New Members Lillian Easterlin, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Sean Mikula, Power 10: Accelerated Fundraising for Non-Profits Jessica Brown, Evans General Contractors Vernae Martin, City of Norcross Roger Boatright, Bacon County Commissioner Nancy Galewski, Enterprise Innovation Institute John D'Anrea, Georgia Power Christopher Nairne, Wells Fargo International Banking & Trade Solutions Felicia Taylor, Georgia Power Ayana Knowles, Generation Mortgage Justice, Center of Innovation for Aerospace Amy Hudnall, Center of Innovation for Aerospace Update Your Profile Say Cheese! Did you know that you can add a picture to your GEDA Membership Directory profile?  It just takes a few seconds to show the world what you look like!  On the other hand, if you prefer, GEDA Management can add a picture for you - but you may not like which picture we choose! Just go to Edit Your Profile and scroll about half way down the page to "Personal Image."  Pick one you'd like to display and you're ready to go!