If you have not renewed by the end of the month, your membership will expire. We'd hate for you to lose contact with GEDA and all its benefits.
You have a 90-day grace period (ending March 31st) in which to renew, and you will still have member benefits and access to your profile during this period. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Kelly McLendon if you have any questions at kmclendon@georgia.org or 404-962-4110.
Click here for detailed instruction for the renewal process.
Register today to attend the March Small Business ROCKS STARS Awards Luncheon on Monday, March 13th at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta-Midtown Hotel. GEDA and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) will honor winners of the Small Business Rock Star Awards. Thanks to our sponsor, Matt Reed, President & CEO of Georgia CEO.
Please join us for the April 17, 2017 luncheon at The Studio Cafe at Pinewood Atlanta Studios Production Centre in Fayetteville, Georgia. Thank you to our sponsor the Fayette County Development Authority.
Throughout last year, many of you, Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) members, provided input into a new strategic plan. With formal approval at the February 6th GEDA board meeting, we now have the 2017-2021 GEDA Strategic Plan (the Plan), a living, breathing document that will guide our efforts over the next five-years.
The GEDA Vision and Mission Statements were tweaked and a set of Values were established. Our new Vision Statement is that GEDA is “The nation’s premier economic development association dedicated to driving Georgia’s prosperity.” The new Mission Statement is that GEDA will “Serve as the resource for networking, professional development and public policy for Georgia’s Economic Development community.” A new set of Values, reflective of our organization, include “Leadership | Relationships | Collaboration | Education | Integrity.”
We appreciate your feedback through the GEDA evaluation surveys and want to respond, as well as provide some additional information for your consideration. Last month we had our February monthly luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Midtown Hotel, as we have on a couple of occasions in the past year. There were a number of problems that we experienced at this meeting and many of you shared your concerns with us, from the food quality to the room temperature to the parking. We have let the Crowne Plaza staff know that we were not pleased with a number of things, including some of these items mentioned. We have met with them in person and have asked them to “up their game” significantly for our future GEDA luncheons.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) produces a bi-annual Salary Survey. The 2017 version was just released. It is an important tool for both employers and job seekers. A digital version of the IEDC Salary Survey has been made available to GEDA. You are welcome to come by the GEDA office to review the document or contact Kevin Shea, President, GEDA, (404-962-4109) with any questions. For those wishing to purchase the survey, click HERE; the prices are:
Survey participant price: $100
IEDC member price: $150
Non-member price: $250
GEDA Member News
Bert Brantley came back to GDEcD in January to be the Chief Operating Officer, after having served as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
Kerry Norton Barnett, formerly Project Manager on the Life Sciences, Technology, and Corporate Solutions team in Global Commerce, is now an International Trade Manager in the International Trade Division with GDEcD.
Molly Olson, formerly Business Development Coordinator with the Savannah Economic Development Authority, is now the Executive Director at the Candler County Industrial Authority in Metter.
Kathy Oxford, CEcD has moved from being a Senior International Trade Manager with GDEcD “back to her roots” and is now Executive Director, Barnesville-Lamar Industrial Development Authority.
Scott Poag, CEcD, a Project Manager with Augusta Economic Development Authority, is moving to Williams & Associates in Business Development and will be based in Augusta.
In memoriam - Lewis C. Horne, Jr.
We were saddened to learn of the death of Lew Horne, a Partner in the Corporate and Securities Practice and the Government and Regulatory Practice at Arnall Golden & Gregory, Attorneys at Law. Read Lew’s obituary HERE. While Lew was a fairly recent member of GEDA, he was very active and assisted us with learning about and responding to the new GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) Standard 77. Bob Shaw, Chairman, Development Authority of Fulton County, wrote that “Lew has been the counsel to the Development Authority of Fulton County for the past 20 Years. I have been Chairman since 2002 and have relied on his wisdom and advice every day since. We will miss him greatly.” Please keep Lew’s family, colleagues and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
If you are moving, changing jobs or getting a promotion, please let us know by emailing us at Info@GEDA.org, and we’ll publicize this in the GEDA newsletter.
Project Announcements
ASI Southeast to Complete Fourth Expansion in Stephens County
February 23, 2017 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced that ASI Southeast Inc., a manufacturer of washroom accessories, toilet partitions and lockers, will create 50 jobs and invest $16 million in a new manufacturing facility in Toccoa.
Congratulations to Tim Martin, Executive Director, Stephens County Development Authority; and Tammy Caudell, Senior Project Manager, Region 2, Existing Industry And Regional Recruitment (EIRR) Team, GDEcD Global Commerce Division on this project announcement. Read more…
Sports Warehouse to Create More than 300 Jobs in Forsyth County - E-Commerce leader to invest more than $14 million in new facility
February 22, 2017 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced today that Sports Warehouse, a global retail supplier of sports and outdoor equipment, will create more than 300 jobs and invest more than $14 million into an East Coast e-commerce fulfillment and distribution center in Forsyth County. The facility is expected to be operational by July 2017.
Kudos to the team of Robert Long, Vice President of Economic Development, Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Joshua Stephens, Project Manager, GDEcD Global Commerce Division; Bradley Harris, Senior Project Manager, Georgia EMC; and Rodger Brown, Executive Director, Marketing and Strategic Media, Georgia Quick Start. Read more…
Committee & SIG News
Business Recruitment Committee
The Business Recruitment Committee convened on February 22nd to discuss the details around the Annual Brokers Reception this summer and the Consultants Panel in the Fall (11 committee members were in attendance). Missy Kendrick sat in on the meeting and also discussed with the group additional monthly meeting ideas. Two ideas around innovation/incubation and workforce emerged and Missy and Kevin agreed to dive deeper into those as possible meeting topics.
If you have any questions about the Business Recruitment Committee contact Walt Farrell at wffarrel@southernco.com.
Education and Workforce Development SIG
The Education and Workforce Development Shared Interest Group is actively recruiting members. You can join the group by clicking here.
Please join our group to learn about some of the great things that are happening in Georgia. Or, if you have a best practice we would like to celebrate your success! Contact us at info@geda.org.
If you have any questions about the Education and Workforce Development SIG contact Jan Melcher at jmelcher@georgiaquickstart.org.
Marketing and Communications Committee
John Scott recently sent out a survey to the committee members so he could get an idea of what skills sets they have and how much they’d like to contribute. John had 8 respondents who said they’re willing to help with projects (which seems about right). By the end of this week, John is going to follow up with those who responded and make some assignments.
If you have any questions about the Marketing and Communications Committee contact John Scott at johnscott@bwkeda.com.
Professional Development Committee
The SEDC (Southern Economic Development Council) Educational Foundation annually awards professional development scholarships of up to $500 each. To be considered, this application must be filled by Wednesday, April 12, 2017. The scholarship is given on a reimbursement basis, after the grantee has completed their program of interest. Award winners will need to provide SEDC with proof of attendance/payment and will be reimbursed as soon as possible. Scholarship recipients will be announced mid-April. For criteria and to access the form, please visit the website today.
Interested in attending UGA / IEDC educational courses, the GEDA Spring Workshop or Annual Conference, training, trade missions, etc., then apply for a Professional Development grant. Apply for these GEDA Professional Development Grants by clicking here. Or, contact Scott Poag, CEcD, GEDA Professional Development Chair; and Business Development at Williams & Associates, with any questions.
Public Policy Committee
The Legislature completed Week 7 of the 2017 session at the close of business on Friday, March 3; Day 28 of the legislative calendar. The Legislature was in session Monday, March 6; in adjournment Tuesday and Wednesday and will be back in session on Thursday, March 9; Day 30. Day 28 was ‘crossover day’ when most bills must pass from one chamber to the other on or before that day to be eligible for passage in the other chamber and receive approval by the Governor.
Key Economic Development Legislation
SB 79-Destination casino resorts will not get a vote by the House and Senate as Senator Beach could not get the bill out of a Senate Committee. The latest version of the bill provided for two casinos to be located in the state.
SB 233-The first of several possible religious freedom bills was introduced by Senator Harbin of the 16th. The Bill proposes to preserve religious freedom by applying the provisions of 42 U.S.C. Chapter 21B to this state.
SB 232-Senator Gooch of the 51st introduced SB 232 to provide for broadband service planning, deployment, and incentives. The bill is the ‘Facilitating Internet Broadband Rural Expansion Act’. The bill proposes to create the Georgia Gigabit Ready Community Site designation by the Department of Economic Development. It also removes barriers to the completion of broadband networks in rural Georgia.
SB 195- Introduced by Senator Albers of the 56th proposed to require companies, or more specifically call centers to notify state and local officials if they receive state or local incentives to locate and then create jobs overseas rather than in the state. The bill did not receive a vote in the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee and appears to be dead for the session.
HB 495- by Representative Gilligan of the 24th proposes similar reporting requirements as does SB 195 for call centers that intend to relocate all or part of the call center representing at least 30 percent of the call centers total volume. This bill has not received a hearing in committee.
Rural Development SIG
Rural Development SIG will host a session in the ECG Board Room following the March 13th GEDA Luncheon. Panelists will include Corinne Thornton (DCA), Ashley Morris (GDEcD) and Daryl Ingram (ECG). We invite any economic developer who is interested in learning about specific strategies to recruiting and retaining industry.
Remember that there will be a Coffee with the Commissioner on Monday, March 13th from 8:45am to 10:00am with Camila Knowles, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. This event will again be at the ECG Conference Room. Contact Meghan Duke, GEDA YP Committee Chair & City of West Point Economic Development Director.
Join GEDA in recognizing Young Professionals throughout 2017 by nominating a young emerging leader in the economic development profession for GEDA’s YP Spotlight. Nominations should provide a detailed application of significant career achievements to date and the impact of those achievements on their economic development organization and the community as a whole, and also explain how these achievements contribute to the advancement of economic development as a profession.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) produces a bi-annual Salary Survey. The 2017 version was just released. It is an important tool for both employers and job seekers. A digital version of the IEDC Salary Survey has been made available to GEDA. You are welcome to come by the GEDA office to review the document or contact 
Bert Brantley came back to GDEcD in January to be the Chief Operating Officer, after having served as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
Kerry Norton Barnett, formerly Project Manager on the Life Sciences, Technology, and Corporate Solutions team in Global Commerce, is now an International Trade Manager in the International Trade Division with GDEcD.
Molly Olson, formerly Business Development Coordinator with the Savannah Economic Development Authority, is now the Executive Director at the Candler County Industrial Authority in Metter.
Kathy Oxford, CEcD has moved from being a Senior International Trade Manager with GDEcD “back to her roots” and is now Executive Director, Barnesville-Lamar Industrial Development Authority.
Scott Poag, CEcD, a Project Manager with Augusta Economic Development Authority, is moving to Williams & Associates in Business Development and will be based in Augusta.
In memoriam - Lewis C. Horne, Jr.
