GEDA Newsletter: 2014

Sunday, December 7, 2014

December 2014 Newsletter

Featured Articles

2015 Sponsorship Opportunities

October Consultants Panel Luncheon Summary

November Annual Awards Luncheon Summary

Member News

Upcoming Events

New Members

2015 Sponsorship Opportunities

We introduced a new Champions Circle sponsorship level in 2014 to great success with inaugural sponsors, to whom we are extremely grateful: Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Power Company, Development Authority of Fulton County, and King & Spalding. For 2015, we are continuing the Champions Circle level with a goal of increasing it to five sponsors. We are also offering sponsorship opportunities for our monthly luncheons. Additionally, we have many sponsorship opportunities for the Spring Workshop at Callaway Gardens and the Annual Conference in Savannah. Click HERE to review the benefits of these sponsorship opportunities. If you have any leads, please contact Ricky McGee, Sponsorship Chair, at Ricky.Mcgee@GeorgiaEMC.com .

Click here for the complete list of 2015 Sponsorship Opportunities.

October Consultants Panel Luncheon

On October 20, we hosted the Site Selection Consultants Forum in Atlanta where our expert panelists discussed the site selection process, business incentives, and the site certification process to an audience of 275 people. Betty McIntosh of Cushman & Wakefield, Jeff Rossate of Deloitte and Charlie Gatlin of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) provided great commentary and Jonathan Sangster moderated this fine panel. Thank you to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for sponsoring this luncheon. Gretchen Corbin, Commissioner of DCA at the time, shared about the many great programs (and MONEY) available as well as new changes (little did she know) to provide better service to the economic development community. And thanks to Wylly Harrison of GDEcD for putting this program together. Click here for the October photo gallery.

November Annual Awards Luncheon

Governor Deal joined us for our annual Deal of the Year awards luncheon at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center. Deal of the Year winners were: the Development Authority of Bryan County for the Caesarstone project in the small community category; the Walker County Development Authority for the Audia International project in the mid-size community category; and the Development Authority of Douglas County for the Keurig Green Mountain project in the large community category.

Congratulations also to the Special Service Award winners. Francis Lott of Douglas-Coffee County was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for his unyielding and relentless efforts and support of his community. Senator Saxby Chambliss was presented with the Zell Miller Award for Public Policy. Senator Chambliss has been a supporter of Georgians for many years and is leaving our state in good shape as he retires from public service.

Peggy Jolley was awarded the Rip Wiley Award for Professional Excellence. Peggy is the Regional Manager of Community and Economic Development for Georgia Power Company in Southeast Georgia.

In appreciation to our monthly speakers this year, GEDA made a $1,000 contribution to the “Read Across Georgia” campaign in honor of Georgia’s First Lady, Sandra Deal, and presented this check to her. Thank you to our sponsor, the Southeast Georgia Joint Development Authority (SEGAJDA). Members of the SEGJDA were on hand to introduce themselves and a promotional video of their region. Members include: Dr. Richard Thornton, Executive Director, Brantley County Development Authority; James Coughlin, Executive Director, Camden County Joint Development Authority; Dawn Malin, Executive Director, Folkston / Charlton County Development Authority; Mel Baxter, Interim Director, Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority; Wally Orrel, Executive Director, McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority; and John Riddle, President & CEO, Wayne County Industrial Development Authority. Click here for the SEGAJDA website. Click here to see the November photo gallery.

Member News

In January, Page Siplon becomes CEO of TeamOne Logistics in Alpharetta. Gretchen Corbin Commissioner of DCA is moving to head the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), and the Governor has proposed changing its name to the Georgia Career College System. Also moving to TCSG are Niki Knox Vanderslice as the Executive Director, Business Development/External Affairs for QuickStart; Allison Tyrer, Executive Director of Communications; and Darlene Smith as Executive Assistant to Commissioner Corbin. Camila Knowles is the new Commissioner of DCA, coming to us from Sen. Chambliss’ office where she was Chief of Staff. Additionally, Brian Dill, formerly SVP of Global Commerce at Carroll Tomorrow, joins DCA as Chief Operating Officer.

Many changes have occurred at the GDEcD including: Ember Bishop as the new Deputy Commissioner of International Relations, who formerly served as First Lady Sandra Deal’s Chief of Staff; Scott McMurray adds the Division Director of Global Commerce positon to that of Director of the International Project Team ; Bill Dobbs moves from Project Director to Business Development; Charlie Moseley moves from Project Manager to be the new Executive Director of Henry County Development Authority; Lauren Salas Lambiase moves from Project Manager to the Georgia Power Company as Community Development Representative; and Jennifer Nelson joins the Carl Vinson Institute of Government as Economic Development Faculty. GDEcD said good-bye to Kathy Falls, former Deputy Commissioner of International Trade, after 30 years, who left to lead Louisiana’s economic development office; and Holly Holcombe left the Trade Division for First Performance.

Hans Gant, formerly with the Atlanta Metro Chamber recently joined Batson-Cook Construction Company. And Marisa (pronounced Mar-say) Simpson joined the Atlanta Gas Company.

If you are making news or know someone who is, please let us know. We would like to include changes in future newsletters.

Upcoming Events:

January 27: January Legislative Luncheon at the Georgia Freight Depot. Thanks to our sponsor, Douglas Coffee County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority! Click Here for their website.

February 16: Small Business Rock Star Awards at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center—Click here for details.

Click here for a complete list of 2015 events.

New Members: October—December

Andrea Daniel, Vice President for Economic Development, Athens Technical College

Shalin Jyotishi, Undergraduate Student, University of Georgia

Jean-Pierre Bourget, Graduate Student, Georgia Tech College of Architecture

Christopher Copenhaver, Director, Cushman & Wakefiedl of GA, Inc.

Robert Smith, Economic Development Director, City of Perry

Friday, November 7, 2014

November 2014 Newsletter

Annual Conference Wrap-Up

Our Annual Conference was a great opportunity for learning and networking thanks to the more than 425 attendees and nearly 30 sponsors. GEDA’s 2014 Annual Conference theme “Gateway to Greatness” provided a memorable venue for GEDA members to congregate at the Hyatt Regency Savannah. We heard from outstanding and insightful speakers, such as Captain Alan Price of Falcon Leadership (Leadership in Times of Crisis); Dr. Roger Tutterow, Economist with Kennesaw State University (Where Are We Headed?); and Dr. Charles Bullock, Professor of Political Science at the University of Georgia (The 2014 Campaign Trail).

Other significant programs included panel discussions by the ever-appreciated Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Project Directors (Annie Baxter, Mary Ellen McClanahan, Jennifer Nelson, and Amanda Shailendra) moderated by Pat Topping of the Macon Economic Development Commission; Georgia’s Workforce Advantage (Jamie Jordan, Kristin Laarhoven, and Brett Lacy of GDEcD Workforce Division); and Reshoring Opportunities Ahead (Alan Barfoot of Georgia Tech, Gary Bruce of PartnerTechAtlanta, Ashley Googe of McPherson Manufacturing, and John Scott of Brunswick-Glynn Development Authority).

The final, final Farewell Tour of the GEDA All Star Band, with our own GEDA members (Annie Baxter, Charlie Gatlin, David Luckie, Scott McMurray, and Bob White) performing provided a fun evening finale. Additionally, many of our members enjoyed playing golf at The Westin Harbor Golf Resort. We are very appreciative to Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. for hosting a group of GEDA aeronautic aficionados for a tour of its headquarters facility.

Thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, the Southeast Georgia Joint Development Authority, for your support! Click here to see our sponsors. Thanks to Greg Wright, President of the Coweta County Development Authority and Second Vice President of GEDA, for his tireless work in putting together the conference. Also, thanks to his right-hand woman, Brenda Washington, for keeping Greg straight—before, during and after the conference.

Other special thanks go to Ricky McGee for his stellar performance in sponsorship development; Mary Ellen McClanahan of GDEcD and Mike Worley, retired from Georgia Power, for their good humor and wit while distributing the door prize money; Gina McKinney and Danetha Belk of GDEcD for their help with nametags, ribbons & registration; and our staff of Colleen Boudreaux and Karen Ewing for their constant assistance.

Additionally,GEDA held its Business Meeting during the Annual Conference. Misti Martin, Chair of the Nominating Committee, presented the committee’s recommendations, which were elected with a unanimous vote. Click here to read the full document.

Click here to see the Annual Conference Photos.

GEDA Staff Updates

Many thanks to Jim Finch, who served as interim president and helped us throughout the year, and Rebecca McGee and Colleen Beaudreaux, who helped us throughout the summer and annual conference. We remain very grateful for your assistance, energy, and patience during our transition period. Big welcome to Karen Ewing, who joins GEDA as Manager of Member Services.

2015 Events Calendar

January Legislative Luncheon (Date and Time TBD)
February 16 - Small Business Rock Star Awards at Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
March 16 - Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
April 20 - Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
May 20-22- GEDA's Spring Workshop at Callaway Gardens
Click here for all calendar events.

Member News

Be sure to send us your new jobs, promotions, or retirements as well as any new business and expansion announcements from your companies and organizations. We want to share your good news!

New Members (April-September)

Carrie Barnes, Georgia EMC

Christy Bozeman, Cordele-Crisp County IDC

Michael Buhler, Stantec

Chris Carr, GDEcD

Regina Carter, City of East Point

Stacey Chapman, Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects

Frank Charles, III, Charles Family Properties LLC

James Coughlin, Camden County JDA

Jennifer Dees, Town of Braselton

Valerie Alana Duvall, Greene County

Debbie Etheridge, Manchester Development Authority

Tammy Finley, O’Neal, Inc.

Ralph Forbes, Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co.

William Gardner, Sr., Chesterfield.llc

Philip Gibson, Georgia Quick Start

M.A. Hall, Pulaski County

Serra Phillips Hall, Newton County Chamber of Commerce

Christopher Heard, Yates Construction

William Hearn, CBRE

Henry Hobbs, Georgia Institute of Technology

Meredith Hodges, GasSouth

Sharron Kelly, APD Solutions

Chanreaksmey Kim, GPTC

Maurice Lake, Student, ABAC

Kelly Lane, Georgia Department of Community Affairs

Brad Lofton, Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority

John David McLean, City of Hiram

Jade Morey, Houston County Development Authority

Storm Mull, Cobb Chamber of Commerce

Kerry Norton, GDEcD

Lisa Olens, Georgia Power

Ricardo Palacios, Georgia Power

Michelle Pfeffer, Economic Development Authority of Claxton & Evans County

Erin Phillips, Effingham County IAD

Crawford Powell, Impact Developmental Group

Ronald Roberts, HNTB

Johnna Robinson, Georgia Power

Erin Rodgers, Georgia Power

Holly Rollins, O’Brien & Gere

Beth Sessoms, City of Marietta

Crissy Staley, Berrien County Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority

Sabrena Straton, Development Authority of Douglas County

Sheila Thomas, Darton State College

Chapman Walsh, APD Solutions

Philip Weatherly, GasSouth

Joseph Weatherspoon, GVRA

Vernon D. Welch, Welch Contracting Alliance, LLC

Jody Whitt, AKTPeerless

GEDA Staff Updates

Many thanks to Jim Finch, Rebecca McGee, and Colleen Beaudreaux who helped us throughout the summer and annual conference. We remain very grateful for your assistance, energy, and patience during our transition period. Big welcome to Karen Ewing, who joins GEDA as Manager of Member Services.

GEDA Staff Updates

2015 Events Calendar

Monday, April 7, 2014

April 2014 Newsletter

Georgia Tech Forum

Recently, GEDA emailed Georgia Tech's survey conducted for the Innovation and Economic Prosperity Designation. Georgia Tech is applying for this designation with the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU).

You are invited to attend a feedback forum, during which they will present the survey findings and discuss ways for Georgia Tech to increase and improve engagement in economic development and regional development. It is their goal through these efforts to increase Georgia Tech’s economic impact and become a more responsive and strategic partner to economic development efforts across the state and region.

This forum will be held on Tuesday, April 8th, 2014 from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm (lunch will be provided), in the Hodges Room, Centergy Building, 3rd Floor, Technology Square.

Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, April 1, 2014 to Chris Downing at chris.downing@innovate.gatech.edu.

Let's Make a Deal

It's time to register for GEDA's Spring Conference! Join us May 14-16 at Brasstown Valley Resort in the scenic Young Harris, GA. The committee has put together fantastic expert speakers and fun optional activities including a wine tasting and horseback riding so make sure you have a seat. We can't pull off these conferences at the low rates we offer without our sponsors. There are sponsorship opportunities at every level so you can get involved no matter your budget. From door prizes to golf tournament sponsor to the exclusive PLATINUM sponsor level (there are only two spots for this!), we have something that fits everyone to get the exposure you want. Click here to sign up now or email us with any questions. All sponsorship opportunities are listed here.

Last Day for Early Bird Rate for April

The early bird rate ends today! Don't miss the next opportunity to get in front of your next client and network with your industry peers. President Morehead has committed to strengthening UGA’s role in economic development in Georgia. He will discuss some of the positive steps the University is taking to connect state, regional and local economic development programs with the resources of the state’s flagship institution. Join us April 21 luncheon meeting at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center. Click here to register while the early bird rate still applies!

2014 Events Calendar

April 21 - Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
May 14-16 - GEDA's Spring Workshop

New Members in March

Victoria Borges, GA Department of Economic Development

Carolyn Coburn, Georgia Electric Membership Corporation

Michael Stuart, Geoghagan TCDA

Stacey Haney, Evans General Contractors

Christopher Harden-McKinney, Huntley Partners

Trevor Hobbs, Webster Global Site Selectors

Bruce McCall, Miller & Martin, PLLC

Tashieka Moore, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

Stefanie Paupeck, GA Department of Economic Development

Demetrie Shavers, City of Savannah

Lisa M. Stevens, Catamount Constructors

Victoria Taffet, Reeves Construction Company

Paul Teague, Atlanta Gas Light

Valerie A Thompson, H.A. Sack Co., Inc.

Abby Turano, GA Department of Economic Development

Deja E Velasquez

Ashleigh Whitby, GA Department of Economic Development

Sue Yarborough, Retail-CRE, LLC

Friday, March 7, 2014

March 2014 Newsletter

Georgia's Manufacturing Appreciation Week: April 14-18

Georgia's Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW) is just around the corner – April 14-18, 2014. The GEDA Business Expansion and Retention Committee wants to encourage all members to start planning now and decide how you will recognize your community’s existing industries during MAW. A few easy ideas are below…

Highlight local industries on the Development Authority website, include video clip if available
Write a Letter-to-the-Editor recognizing the impact of local industries
Host industry tours for local leadership, providing opportunity to personally extend thanks
Ask local leaders to sign “Proclamation of Support” for existing industries
Host industry appreciation reception, bringing together industries, local leadership and partners
Send a letter to each industry thanking them for their continued impact on the community

Georgia's Manufacturing Appreciation Week was developed by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. For more information, please visit their website - www.georgiamaw.org.

Renew Before 3/31

Your 90-day grace period is almost up to renew your GEDA membership for 2014. Don't be left behind! We don't want you to miss a newsletter or event so click on the renew button below and log into your GEDA account and click the red renew button on that screen below your profile picture. From there you can select to pay by invoice or credit card.

Spring Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

We are referring of course to GEDA's Spring Conference that is being held on May 14-16 at Brasstown Valley Resort in the scenic Young Harris, GA. The committee is putting together some fantastic expert speakers and fun optional activities including a wine tasting and horseback riding but we need some help from you. We can't pull off these conferences at the low rates we offer without our sponsors. There are sponsorship opportunities at every level so you can get involved no matter your budget. From door prizes to golf tournament sponsor to the exclusive PLATINUM sponsor level (there are only two spots for this!), we have something that fits everyone to get the exposure you want. Click here to sign up now or email us with any questions. All sponsorship opportunities are listed here.

March 17 Luncheon: Featuring our State Partners

What site selection process is not influenced by time, money and risk? CEO and Site Selection Consultant consistently rate incentives, transportation access and a skilled workforce among their top considerations for new location and expansion decisions. Georgia’s top stewards for programs related to these issues will offer their perspective and answer questions in an informal panel at our March 17 luncheon meeting at the Renaissance Midtown. Click here to register while the early bird rate still applies!

Commissioner Keith Golden, Georgia Department of Transportation

Commissioner Gretchen Corbin, Georgia Department of Community Affairs

Commissioner Ron Jackson, Technical College System of Georgia

Moderated by:

Tom Croteau

Georgia Department of Economic Development

2014 Events Calendar

March 17 - Renaissance Midtown
April 17 - Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center

2014 Calendar is available too!

New Members in February

Stephen Albright, King & Spalding LLP

Camilo Andres Caballero

Shawn Gunn, Heart of Georgia RDC

Matt Mattila, Miller & Martin LLP

Darlene Lynch McLendon, Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce

William P. Murphy, Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce

James Pugsley, Gwinnett County Planning and Development

Mary T Root, Satilla Business Services

Gregg Simon, Metro Atlanta Chamber

Diane L'Hommedieu Southwood, J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development

Wilhelm J. Ziegler, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP

GEDA Welcomes Jim Finch

On behalf of the GEDA Officers and Board, I would like to introduce Jim Finch as GEDA’s Interim President. Jim will serve in the interim position until we identify the next GEDA President. Jim has been a member of GEDA for twenty-five years. He served as Chairman of the GEDA Board in 2006. Jim received the GEDA Rip Wiley Award for Professional Excellence in 2009, and the GEDA Honorary Life Member Award in 2010.

Jim retired from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs as Deputy Commissioner in 2010 after thirty-six years of public service. Since his retirement Jim has served as manager of Governor Deal’s 2010 Georgia Competitiveness Initiative; a public/private partnership lead by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. He has represented GEDA as legislative monitor for the past four years.

Jim can be reached at jfinch@georgia.org.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

January 2014 Newsletter

2014 Job Tax Credit Ranking

The annual rankings for the Job Tax Credit Program have been designated under the provisions of Georgia Code sections 48-7-40(b) and 48-7-40.1(b). The Military Zones have been reviewed for eligibility based on updated detail under the provision of Georgia Code section 48-7-40.1(c)(2). A detailed memo of the County Rankings, Less Developed Census Tract Listing, and Military Zones is now available and may be accessed at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/economic/TaxCredits/programs/documents/Current_JTC_Rankings.pdf

DCA ranking criteria for 2014 used data based on the 2010 Census Tract boundaries for the 2014 Census Tract designations. Please read the memo carefully for additional information on the Census Tract designations.

A map of the 2014 County Tier map may be accessed directly at:

http://www.dca.ga.gov/economic/TaxCredits/programs/documents/jobtax2014BEAc.pdf.

Additional information on the Job Tax Credit Program, including regulations and forms, may be found on DCA’s Job Tax Credit web page at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/economic/TaxCredits/programs/taxcredit.asp.

Please feel free to contact Gretchen Corbin at (404) 679-0585 or gcorbin@dca.ga.gov with any questions or for further information. You can also contact Brain Williamson at (404) 679-1587 or brian.williamson@dca.ga.gov, or Dawn Sturbaum at (404) 679-1585 or dawn.sturbaum@dca.ga.gov, with questions specific to the Job Tax Credit Program.

Legislative Day Update

We hope you are all safe and warm in your homes as you read this. We look forward to seeing everyone on February 5 for our rescheduled Legislative Day at Georgia Railroad Freight Depot to mingle with our old and new GEDA friends as well as the legislators that are now in session making decisions that will impact the future of economic development. Don't miss it! Click here to read more about the event and to register. Click here to read Jim Finch's report from the capitol.

Thank you to our generous sponsor:

Application Deadline is FRIDAY!

Since its very inception, a core part of GEDA’s mission has been to support the continual professional development of our members. One of the key ways we do this is through our professional development grant program. With more than $15,000 available in funds each year, our grant program is the largest of its kind among state economic development associations in the country!

Don’t miss out on Round 1 opportunities! The deadline for applications is January 31st.

Here is what some of our past awardees have shared with us:

“Having the opportunity to network and learn from some of the best economic developers in the state of Georgia is extremely hard to put a price on, but I know I couldn't have done it without GEDA's help.”

“When it comes to getting free money, I usually dread all of the time and work involved, but the GEDA application and reimbursement process was quick and easy. I was honored to receive and happy to participate in the opportunity.”

Award Opportunities Only Available During Round 1:

-THREE $1,000 grants for the Georgia Tech Basic Economic Development Course. More information about this course is at www.gt-bedc.org.

Other Funds Available During this Round

All of GEDA’s other grants will be available during each of the three rounds of grant offerings this year, until the funding has been expended. Here are some highlights:

Up to $2,000 in Penn Worden Professional Development Grant funds. (This grant can be used toward any accredited economic development program. Preference will be given toward supporting participation in programs not already supported by another GEDA grant.)
Two $600 grants for IEDC courses. More information can be found at www.iedconline.org.
One $1,000 grant for the Economic Development Institute (EDI). More information can be found at http://edi.ou.edu/.
One $750 grant for the Community Development Institute (CDI). More information can be found at http://www.cdcouncil.com/welcome.htm.

Two $1,000 grants for International Trade Missions. To learn more about upcoming trade missions led by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, please visit http://trade.georgia.org/.

Two $1,000 grants for the CEcD Exam. This grant can be used to sit for the CEcD exam held at locations around the country, usually in conjunction with IEDC conferences. More information on certification is available at http://www.iedconline.org/web-pages/professional-development/how-to-become-certified/.

ONLINE APPLICATIONS AND FURTHER INFORMATION ARE AVAILABLE at www.geda.org. Remember, the deadline is January 31st!

2014 Events Calendar

February 5. Legislative Day at the The Freight Room.
February 17. Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center.

2014 Calendar is available now too!

New Members in December and January

Jennie Agerton, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.

Stephanie Aylworth, City of Powder Springs

David Bernd, Covington/Newton County Chamber

Jim Eshleman, Yates Construction

Steven A. Gonzales

ReKasa Hart, Clinch County Development Authority

Laura K. Johnson, Savannah Economic Development Authority

James Johnson Jr., Covington Newton County Chamber

Marc Martin, Perry Area Chamber of Commerc

Kelsey Ann Pauxtis-Thomas, Camden County JDA

Joseph Peet, CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN

Christian Perry

Marion Phillips

Bill Price, Georgia Technology Authority

DCA's Community Development Institute

February 24-25 in Douglasville, GA

The Department of Community Affairs will be hosting NDC training on February 24 & 25 in Douglasville in coordination with their Community Development Institute. Click here for all the details on this training curriculum. In particular, this NDC training is ED512: Mixed Use Real Estate Finance. The course is normally $690 for the two days, but they are offering it for only $150. If you are looking for NDC continuing education courses close to home, look no further.

Click here to see the sponsorship opportunities available for 2014