Monday, October 7, 2013

October 2013 Newsletter

Featured Articles

The Value of the Right Connections: Thrush Aircraft

Thrush Aircraft is a global leader in the aviation sector, producing aircraft for agricultural spray operations. Through the help of the Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace, they were able to create their newest model, the 510G and added over 40 jobs to their manufacturing facility in Albany, Georgia. This video is the perfect example of the support the Center of Innovation for Aerospace provides Georgia-based businesses. Learn more of their story here.

CMAA-SAC Economic Breakfast Panel

CMAA-SAC welcomes GEDA member panelists Bill Dobbs, Brian Dill and Misti Martin on October 15 at the Buckhead Club. In an economy making a brisk recovery, state and local Economic Development Agencies are playing a more pivotal role in attracting business from around the world. The evolution of project delivery models speak to this as do accelerated development models being employed throughout the industry.

What are the State of Georgia and local economic development authorities doing in an effort to streamline industry and job creation? This breakfast panel made up of state and local developers from areas attracting global business will discuss their role in the creation of opportunities for their communities and the connection to the construction industry.  Click here for more information and to register.

Annual Conference was a Huge Success

GEDA's 50th Anniversary Conference was the biggest and best in years- rave reviews and record attendance!  We truly enjoyed seeing everyone gathered to celebrate with us for such a monumental occasion.   Thank you to all those involved in making it a huge success!  Go to the conference page for access to photos, videos, presentations, the attendee list and a list of our generous sponsors.

UGA Course for Economic Development Professionals

Successful economic development professionals understand how financial packages are structured and the importance of financing options in attracting and retaining companies. The University of Georgia is offering a new training course about just that targeted to economic development professionals. The course will be a one-day session held on December 5, 2013 here in Athens. A reception will be held on the evening of December 4 for anyone staying overnight. Breakfast, lunch and the training materials are included in the fee. The next course will be held on February 5, 2014 in Tifton. Click here for more details. 

Brooke Lucas, Georgia Trend's "Forty Under Forty"

Brooke Lucas of Atlanta, chief of staff for the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL), has been named one of Georgia Trend magazine’s “Forty Under Forty.” Each year, the magazine recognizes outstanding Georgians under the age of 40 representing business, government, politics, nonprofits, science, conservation and education.

Lucas, 33, joined the GDOL in January 2011, when newly elected State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler appointed her deputy commissioner for workforce development. In January 2012, Butler promoted her to chief of staff.

“Brooke has brought innovation, leadership, and her vast knowledge of economic development to this organization and is one of the architects of change for this department,” said Butler. “Through my years in public service, I have met many people from all walks of life across Georgia, and I can tell you that Brooke ranks in the very top.”

In her role as chief of staff, Lucas manages the day-to-day operations of the GDOL and acts as liaison between the labor commissioner’s office, the Governor’s Office, and the Georgia General Assembly. Also, she consults with state agencies and businesses on a myriad of labor and workforce issues. 

Butler says Lucas has worked extensively to broaden the department’s focus on providing enhanced services to employers, who are vital to economic development and job creation.

She has helped lead the development of two units that are central to the way the GDOL provides services to jobseekers and employers – the Special Workforce Assistance Team (SWAT) and the Business Services Unit (BSU).  Click here for the full press release.

2013 Events Calendar

October 21. Awards Luncheon. Museum of Aviation, Warner Robins

November 18. Monthly Luncheon.  Renaissance Midtown Atlanta.

December 14-15. CEcD Exam by IEDC. Renaissance Atlanta Midtown

Welcome New Members!

Tim Fenbert, Southern States Regional Center
Marie Garrett, City of Brookhaven
Catherine Mary Jennings, Gas South
Marc Jerome Litt, Building and Earth Science, Inc.
Bates Mattison, City of Brookhaven
Molly Olson
Andrea Rimer, Troutman Sanders

App of the Month

Pocket has been called the “DVR for the web” by The New York Times, Businessweek, and TechCrunch. When you find an interesting article, video or web page that you want to read, watch or view later, put it in Pocket. Once it’s in Pocket, it automatically syncs across to your phone, tablet and computer so you can view it anytime on any device, even without an internet connection. Free for iPad and iPhone. 

Back in Time

Fifty years ago no one had heard of USB or iPhones/Pads/etc.  Here's a list of inventions and the "hottest" tech toys in 1963:

  • Nov 18th - Bell Telephone introduces push button telephone
  • Jul 1st - US postal service institutes (Zone Improvement Plan) zip code
  • Sep 16th - WVAN TV channel 9 in Savannah, GA (PBS) begins broadcasting
  • Laser is first used for eye surgery
  • Roche labs introduces Valium
  • Oral Polio Vaccine (with lump of sugar)
  • Measles vaccine – John Enders
  • Easy-Bake Oven
  • Lava Lamp (Astro Light)
  • Cassette Tape
  • Computer mouse – Douglas Engelbart