There is still time to register for the 2018 GEDA Spring Workshop, “GEDA – The Real World of Economic Development – Jekyll Island,” from May 9-11. Andrea Schruijer, GEDA Secretary-Treasurer, and Executive Director, Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority, and her committee members have put together a fabulous program. Make your reservations at our headquarters hotel, The Westin Jekyll Island. Events will take place at both the Westin and the Jekyll Island Convention Center.
Click HERE to see the program. Click HERE for a list of attendees. Thank you to all of our 2018 Spring Workshop Sponsors; click HERE to see our sponsors.
GEDA April Luncheon: Corporate Tourism & Training Centers
We had a very nice luncheon at the Yanmar Evo Center in Cherokee County on April 16th. A very informative panel of guests provided information and insight into the background and operations of the location of the Yanmar Evo Center as an example of Corporate Tourism and Training Centers. Thanks go to Arne Irwin, Division Manager, Yanmar America Corporation and Tim Miller, Senior Manager, Learning & Development, EVO//Center, Yanmar America Corporation for participating and hosting our GEDA April event. We also appreciate our other panelists: Elyse Davis, Georgia Power Northwest Georgia Community & Economic Development Manager; Misti Martin, President, Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED); and Janet Cochran, Georgia Department of Economic Development Region 1 Director. We are very grateful to Misti Martin and the COED for their sponsorship of this event.
Click HERE for photographs. Click HERE for a list of attendees.
GEDA News
Spring Musings
It is finally getting to feel like spring weather, with an early morning chill and warmer afternoons and staying light later into the evening. As I think about spring and the new birth of grass, shrubs, trees and baby birds, I am reminded of the renewal of the organization we hold dear, the Georgia Economic Developers Association. We have younger people joining this organization on a regular basis who make it new, again and again. We truly appreciate all you millennials, and generation X, Y & Zers. However, in order to truly appreciate and respect our current organization, it is important to look back and see who and what has brought us to this point.
In last month’s GEDA newsletter, Randy Cardoza penned an insightful and inspiring article about a great “Economic Development” Governor, the late, Zell Miller. Governor Miller was very good for Georgia. Among other things, he established the HOPE Scholarship that allowed many Georgians to attend college, university or technical or community college, without the financial constraints that burdened many students before HOPE. He loved Georgia and was always interested in what it would take to “seal the deal.” Because of his significant impact on Georgia’s positive economic development, GEDA established the Governor Zell Miller Public Policy Leadership Award in his honor, and now in his memory. Henry M. “Hank” Huckaby, who worked for and with Governor Miller is our latest honoree. Click HERE to see a list of all of the recipients of this award. GEDA made a contribution to the Miller Center in memory of Governor Miller.
Cornerstone Government Affairs has provided us with its last Legislative Report after the General Assembly. It was sent to all of you via email this past Monday.
GEDA Member News
The Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority have selected John A. Henry as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the two organizations. He starts on May 14th.
Johnna Robinson, former Community Development Manager at Georgia Power, is now the Land Sales Manager at Georgia Power’s headquarters.
Amanda Shailendra has become an affiliate of the Pendleton Group. Amanda founded PATH Consulting, LLC to provide economic development planning and community development services that provide a direct PATH to success for her clients.
Bob White, formerly with the Henry County Development Authority, is now Director of Business Development with ViziTech USA.
Sad news: Miles Greer, a longtime member of GIDA/GEDA in the 80’s and 90’s, passed away in Huntsville, Alabama on Friday, April 20th. Miles had worked at Georgia Tech, Savannah Port Authority (SEDA’s predecessor,) Savannah Electric and Power Company and Georgia Power/Southern Company. May God rest his soul and comfort Ann, his wife, and his family. He will be missed. Click HERE to see his obituary.
May 2018 GEDA Young Professionals Spotlight of the Month - Dr. Raven Payne, South GA Technical College
Serving as an English instructor at South GA Technical College, Raven has the firsthand opportunity to shape the lives of those looking to take advantage of retooling their knowledge and skills and those looking to gain experience as they learn and train for a certain profession needed to participate in today’s workforce. She plays a valuable role in not just providing them with fundamental communication skills (written, verbal, and critical thinking) but also in developing these individuals into well-rounded, productive employees and citizens as she demonstrates how these skills are essential to their ability to articulate ideas, collaborate with others, solve problems and create new initiatives.
Within the last year, outside of her community involvement with several boards and organizations, Raven’s vested interest in seeing the community improve and prosper led to her founding, twenty40 Young Professionals Group for the purpose of bringing individuals ages 25-45 in the Americus-Sumter County, GA area together to network and increase their involvement in community outreach initiatives. Additionally, the organization hosts educational workshops that aim to increase the professional and leadership skills of young professionals in the community. Raven founded twenty40 with hopes that it will energize, engage, and empower the young professionals in the Americus-Sumter County community as they come together collectively to actively participate in efforts to continue to help their community prosper and flourish.
Raven is a member of the planning committee for GADE (Georgia Association for Developmental Education), a member of GAWHE (Georgia Association of Women in Higher Education) and state advisor for the National Technical Honor Society, an organization that supports and recognizes students for their achievements at career and technical institutions.
In addition, Raven serves as a board member of the Americus Sumter High School CTAE (Career, Technical, Agricultural and Education) Advisory Committee, was recognized as one of Rural Leader magazine’s 2016 Top Four of Forty under 40, is an honorary council member for the City of Americus, and serves on several other boards throughout the community.
Raven’s commitment to educating and preparing others for their own professional journeys, has rewarded her with the honor of serving as an instructor of the year at South Georgia Technical College and the Georgia Economic Development Association’s Young Professional of the Month.
GEDA New Members
William Lindsey, Johnson County Board of Commissioners Jessica Carter, Michigan State University Linda Shaw, Berrien County Chamber & Development Authority Amy Carter, Georgia Department of Economic Development Donna Gayden, City of Fairburn Ronald Conley, Tiernan & Patrylo, Inc. Christopher Nunn, Georgia Department of Community Affairs Jon Dangar, Stonehenge Growth Capital Kristy Rachal, Georgia Power Company
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
Instacart to create more than 400 jobs in Atlanta area Technology-based grocery service to invest $40 million in Customer Experience Center
May 1, 2018 - Governor Nathan Deal announced that Instacart, a technology-driven, nationwide on-demand grocery delivery service, will create more than 400 jobs and invest $40 million in a Customer Experience Center (CEC) in the Atlanta area throughout the next 24 months.
Congratulations to the partners, who were responsible for this announcement: Laura Pemberton, Project Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce Division; Bob Kosek, Project Manager, Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Doug Coffey, Business Recruitment Director, Georgia Power. Read more…
Pandora to create 250 jobs in Fulton County - Music streaming giant expanding presence and workforce in Atlanta
April 25, 2018 - Governor Nathan Deal announced that Pandora, the largest music streaming service in the U.S., will expand its presence and create 250 jobs in Atlanta over the next three years.
A job well done by those who to locate this project, including: Samir Abdullahi, Economic Development Manager, Select Fulton; Al Nash, Executive Director, Development Authority of Fulton County; Laura Pemberton, Project Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce Division; Gregg Simon, Vice President, Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Brenda Robbins, Business Recruitment Director, Georgia Power. Read more…
InComm expansion to create more than 150 jobs in Georgia - Technology company to invest $20 million in capital developments in metro Atlanta and Columbus
April 24, 2018 - Governor Nathan Deal announced that InComm, a leading prepaid product and payment technology company based in Atlanta, will create more than 150 jobs and invest over $20 million in capital developments in metro Atlanta and Columbus.
Kudos to the large and effective team that worked this project, including; Brian Sillitto, Executive Vice President, Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce; Sarah LaDart, Economic Development Manager, City of Milton; Mary Ellen McClanahan, Director of Entrepreneur and Small Business Development and Project Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce Division; Brenda Robbins, Business Recruitment Director, Georgia Power; Kent Spencer, Manager Business Retention & Expansion, Invest Atlanta; David Hartnett, Chief Economic Development Officer, Metro Atlanta Chamber; Greg King, Associate Vice President for Economic Development, University System of Georgia / Georgia Tech; and West Richards, Executive Director, American Transaction Processors Coalition. Read more…
Gulfstream to create 200 jobs, invest $55 million in Chatham County expansion
April 24, 2018 - Governor Nathan Deal announced that Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., the world’s leading business jet manufacturer, will create 200 jobs and invest $55 million in an expansion of its service center operations in Savannah. New jobs will include positions in Gulfstream’s service and support organization.
Way to go Trip Tollison, President & CEO, and Brandt Herndon, Business Development, Savannah Economic Development Authority; Alyce Thornhill, Senior Project Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Global Commerce Division; and Georgia Quick Start; on their partnership in assisting Gulfstream on this project. Read more…
Manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomer to invest $15 million in Walton County - Top Polymer Enterprise to create 70 jobs in Social Circle
April 20, 2018 - Governor Nathan Deal announced that Top Polymer Enterprise, a Chinese manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), will create 70 jobs and invest $15 million in a facility in Social Circle. New jobs will include positions in manufacturing and production.
Congratulations to: Shane Short, Executive Director, Development Authority of Walton County; Nikki Yu, Project Manager; Stella Xu, Director of China Initiatives; John Ling, Managing Director of Chinese Investment; Jassy Ji, Project Manager; and Sandra Yang, International Relations Coordinator; Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce Division; Kevin Lovelace, former Project Manager, Georgia Power; and Danette Smith, Regional Coordinator, Georgia Department of Labor. Read more…
Taurus Firearms to locate plant in Bainbridge
April 13, 2018 — Governor Nathan Deal announced that Taurus USA, a leading firearms manufacturer, will create 300 jobs and invest more than $22.5 million in infrastructure and operations to establish a firearms manufacturing plant in Bainbridge.
Congratulations to the team of Rick McCaskill, Executive Director, and Keith Lyle, Chairman, Development Authority of Bainbridge and Decatur County; Chris Hobby, City Manager, City of Bainbridge; Alan Thomas, County Administrator, Decatur County; Tim Smith, Owner, SouthWind Plantation; Tony Greene, Project Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Global Commerce Division; Doug Coffey, Business Recruitment Director, Georgia Power; Daryl Ingram, Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Economic Development, Electric Cities of Georgia; and Georgia Quick Start; who helped to located this project! An interesting note: Tim Smith started the whole process by calling Rick McCaskill, saying there was someone at SouthWind that Rick needed to meet and have lunch with. Turns out, it was a representative of Taurus. Read more…
Loloi Inc. to create more than 190 jobs in Bartow County
April 12, 2018 - The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced that Loloi Inc., a wholesaler of rugs and other home furnishing, will create 198 jobs in a Cartersville distribution facility to support its recent growth.
Kudos to the players who worked this project, including: Melinda Lemmon, Executive Director, Cartersville-Bartow Department of Economic Development; Hank Evans, Project Manager, GDEcD Global Commerce Division; Doug Coffey, Business Recruitment Director, Georgia Power; Rebecca Jordan, Associate Project Manager, Metro Atlanta Chamber; Nathan Anderson, NAI Brannen Goddard; and Kevin Casteel, Panattoni Development Company, Inc. Read more…
Perdue Farms to create 125 jobs, invest $42 million in Houston County
April 10, 2018 - Governor Nathan Deal announced that Perdue Farms will create 125 new jobs and invest $42 million to expand its cooking operation in Houston County. Perdue Farms’ cooking operation in Perry produces a variety of frozen, cooked chicken products for consumers and restaurants.
Way to go Angie Gheesling, Executive Director, Development Authority of Houston County; Candice Scott, Senior Regional Project Manager, Pat Wilson, Commissioner, Tom Croteau, Deputy Commissioner, Global Commerce, Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce Division; Jim Lovett, Community Development Manager, Georgia Power; Andrea Griner, Vice President for Economic Development, Central Georgia Technical College; and the Georgia Department of Agriculture; in winning the company’s decision to expand in Georgia. Read more…
KL Outdoor to create more than 100 jobs in Stockbridge
April 5, 2018 - The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced that KL Outdoor, a manufacturer of outdoor equipment, will create more than 100 jobs and invest $8.3 million in Henry County. Newly created jobs include positions in manufacturing and distribution.
A shout out to Henry Sledge, Executive Director, and Leah Brown, Director of Existing Industry and Marketing, Henry County Development Authority; Hank Evans, Project Manager, GDEcD Global Commerce Division; MaryBeth Flournoy, Business Recruitment Associate, Georgia Power; and Charlie Moseley, Director of Project Management, Metro Atlanta Chamber; for their work on this project. Read more…
Other Announcements
Governor Nathan Deal Honors Poet Laureate Prize Winner and Finalists at the State Capitol
May 1, 2018 – Georgia’s Poet Laureate, Judson Mitcham, in collaboration with Georgia Council for the Arts, is pleased to announce the winner and finalists of the fifth annual Poet Laureate’s Prize.
“Writing poetry plays a crucial role in educating Georgia’s students, advancing literacy through meaningful connections to reading, writing, and language arts,” said Karen Paty, executive director of Georgia Council for the Arts. “The work of these young poets is incredible. We are extremely proud to honor their talent and efforts, and we look forward to seeing them succeed in the future.” Read more…
Professional Development – Would you like to attend the GEDA Spring Workshop at Jekyll or the Annual Conference in Savannah? Apply today for a GEDA Professional Development grant. Also, you can attend one of the University of Georgia’s Certified Economic Developer courses or one of the courses sponsored by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)! Check out the Professional Development Committee on the GEDA website, or contact Saralyn Stafford, GEDA Chair, Professional Development; & Division Director, Community Development, Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Young Professionals Committee
Do you know an outstanding young professional in economic development? If so, nominate them for the GEDA Young Professional of the Month award. The GEDA YP Committee needs your help in nominating outstanding young professionals. The nomination committee will review nominations and the award will be announced in the May 2018 newsletter and via social media. You may nominate a young professional via the link HERE. We look forward to receiving your nominations!
Get involved in GEDA's Committees and SIGs to learn about projects and meet fellow members - visit your profile on GEDA.org to join. View the Committee and SIG 2018 Action Plans
Upcoming Events
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Serving as an English instructor at South GA Technical College, Raven has the firsthand opportunity to shape the lives of those looking to take advantage of retooling their knowledge and skills and those looking to gain experience as they learn and train for a certain profession needed to participate in today’s workforce. She plays a valuable role in not just providing them with fundamental communication skills (written, verbal, and critical thinking) but also in developing these individuals into well-rounded, productive employees and citizens as she demonstrates how these skills are essential to their ability to articulate ideas, collaborate with others, solve problems and create new initiatives.
