Featured Articles
Renew Your Membership!Avoid the Rush - Renew today!DID YOU KNOW that you can renew your membership any time between now and the end of the year and it will count for 2011? That's right! If you go online and renew, you won't have to worry about dues again until late 2011! This can be particularly helpful if you have some budget room remaining in 2010 and would like to go ahead and pay your dues for nest year now. Click on the link and the system will guide you through the process. As always, let us know if you have any questions! Economic Development Law in GeorgiaGEDA Partners with ICLE
IMPORTANT NOTE! This program qualifies for EIGHT HOURS of credit for Development Authority Board Member training. Click here to see the flyer for the program and to see the full agenda. Georgia Work Ready Summit2011 and BeyondGeorgia Work Ready Summit provides a look ahead at Georgia's plan for continued growth and innovation. It delivers information on the benefits of the Work Ready initiative to job seekers, businesses and communities. The summit also serves as an opportunity to honor Governor Sonny Perdue for his leadership in building one of the leading workforce development initiatives in the country. Summit attendees are automatically registered for the awards luncheon. Georgia Work Ready Awards Luncheon is the annual time for the Governor's Office of Workforce Development to honor the partners, businesses and individuals who have achieved success with the initiative. Click here to learn more about the event and to register. The event is on December 8-9 and will be held at the Atlanta Hilton. |
Election Day is Here!November 2nd is election day! There are so many big stories that could come out of these elections. The only way to make your voice heard is to get out there and vote! Federal, State, Local, Constitutional Amendments, First, the Georgia Secretary if State's Office has launched a new voter service called "MVP." My Voter Page is exactly that - it is a one-stop shop to know everything about your personal election day needs. Log in to this site and you will be directed to customized information for election day, including: - Your voter information You can't complain about the outcomes if you don't get out there and vote! There are five Constitutional Amendments and one referendum this year. Click here to read an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article about the different votes. (As a reminder, GEDA does not favor votes in either direction. We ask you to make informed decisions about what is best for business and growth in Georgia.) November Luncheon
The November Luncheon will take place on November 15th - just two weeks away! We will be at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, directly across the street from the Centergy Office Building. This month, we are very pleased to welcome Brad Bryant, Georgia State School Superintendent. Among other topics, Mr. Bryant will cover the progress Georgia has made in education recently (especially the recent announcement that high school graduation rates are at an all=-time high - over 80%!!) We can also learn more about Georgia receiving $400 million in the Race to the Top program and what we can expect those funds to go toward. There are a lot of exciting things going on in Georgia as relates to education, so you do not want to miss this luncheon. (And, it's the last time we'll get together as a group this year.) Thank you to the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority for sponsoring the November program! NOTE: For those of you wishing to pay by check, you can STILL register online. When you register online, on the payment screen, you can select "Pay By Check." This will do two things - it will tell the system that you plan on coming, and it will mark your payment as receivable. At that point, all you need to do is mail the check and you're done! No paper forms to fill out! GEDA Scholarship RecipientsGEDA has awarded 8 scholarships this year to help support the professional development and continuing education of its members. Please join us in congratulating the following scholarship recipients: Basic Economic Development Course Scholarship
GEDA Spring Workshop Scholarship
International Trade Missions Scholarship
GEDA Annual Meeting Scholarship
IEDC Training Course Scholarship
GEDA still has more scholarship opportunities available including scholarships for Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) courses, the CEcD Exam, International Trade Missions, and the Penn Worden Grant. *APPLICATIONS* for 2010 awards and scholarships can be found on the Professional Development Committee section of GEDA’s website. For more information, contact Committee Chair Leah Brown.
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Upcoming EventsNovember 15 - Monthly Luncheon at the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center. December 2 - ICLE "Economic Development Law in Georgia" seminar December 8-9 - Georgia Work Ready Summit Welcome New MembersJeremy Corbett, Evans General Contractors Shayla Harris, City of Union City Eric Nicholson, Filter Innovations New and Improved GEDA.ORG!Big Changes Coming in Early 2011Be on the lookout for more information about the new and improved GEDA.ORG. Our web services company is adding a great deal more functionality and YOU will be the beneficiary! The look will not change all that much for now, but we will add a lot more power, better search functions and some new pages that YOU have been asking for! We will add a "Member Portal" page that will have a great deal of your personal GEDA information it, including:
This page will be the place to go to answer many of your questions, saving you the time it takes to email or call GEDA. (Of course, we still welcome that contact from you!) We will also be adding a new store feature, where you can order GEDA-logo shirts, hats, bags - you can do all of your holiday and birthday shopping with us!I know your loved ones will be ecstatic to unwrap a GEDA shirt! All of this (and a great deal more) will be coming your way soon. Keep watching this space for more details. Have An Idea?Is there a topic you think we should cover in the Gazette? Is there something missing from our website? What can we do to make your membership experience better? Email us and let us know! |
Sunday, November 7, 2010
November 2010 Newsletter
GEDA is excited to announce that we will co-sponsor the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia's (ICLE) "Economic Development Law in Georgia seminar. On Thursday, December 2nd, ICLE will host this program at the State Bar of Georgia. Come and hear from industry experts like Brian Williamson, Dan McRae, John Gornall, Bob Simmons and MORE!
Statewide Referendum ... there is so much to decide!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
October 2010 Newsletter
Featured Articles
Renew Your Membership!Avoid the Rush - Renew today!DID YOU KNOW that you can renew your membership any time between now and the end of the year and it will count for 2011? That's right! If you go online and renew, you won't have to worry about dues again until late 2011! This can be particularly helpful if you have some budget room remaining in 2010 and would like to go ahead and pay your dues for nest year now. Click on the link and the system will guide you through the process. As always, let us know if you have any questions! IEDC Salary SurveyGEDA Partners with IEDCEvery two years, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) works with a group called Readex to conduct a nationwide salary survey of economic development You will soon receive an email from Readex/IEDC about the survey. Please go and complete the survey. After they are complete, we will be able to post the Georgia-specific results of the survey on our website!
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Annual Conference WrapWhat a great time we had in Savannah! Over 350 people attended GEDA's 47th Annual Conference in Savannah. Our breakout sessions on Wednesday were standing-room only in some cases; the Thursday sessions are receiving rave reviews; the GEDA All-Star Band was fantastic again; awards were given to our best and brightest on Wednesday evening and we heard from two gubernatorial candidates on Friday. By all accounts, this was a very successful conference!! Congratulations to Misti Martin and her committee! For all conference attendees, make sure you fill out our online SURVEY so we know what you loved and what we need to focus on for improvement. Friday morning of the Conference was also where we conducted our Annual Business Meeting. Officers & Directors were elected and all of the new Committee Chairs were announced. (Reminder: GEDA changed our terms of office to coincide with the calendar, so these names will take their new positions effective January 1, 2011.) Here is the new GEDA Leadership Team:
Click here to continue reading about GEDA's new leaders and the rest of the Annual Conference ... October Luncheon
The October Luncheon is almost upon us (it seems like we just left Annual Conference)! GEDA is very excited to announce that we will have DOT Director of Planning, Todd Long, to address the membership. We all In our continued response to your requests to try new and different properties for our luncheon meetings, we will yet again be at a new facility for us. GEDA is pleased to visit the Marriott Buckhead (this is the former Sheraton across the street from Lenox Mall). A map to the location is available on the Luncheon Registration Page. REGISTER TODAY! And we'll see you on October 18th. NOTE: For those of you wishing to pay by check, you can STILL register online. When you register online, on the payment screen, you can select "Pay By Check." This will do two things - it will tell the system that you plan on coming, and it will mark your payment as receivable. At that point, all you need to do is mail the check and you're done! No paper forms to fill out! |
Upcoming EventsOctober 18 - Monthly Luncheon at the Marriott Buckhead. November 15 - Monthly Luncheon at the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center. Welcome New MembersGary Sanchez, Atlanta Gas Light Cartter Fontaine, Athens Economic Development Foundation Courtney Bernardi, Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce Keith Colgan, Dabbs-Williams Victoria Lee, Georgia Tech Gina Morrison, Student Joshua Pendergrass, Processes Unlimited International Robert Shaw, Development Authority of Fulton County Corinne Thornton, Georgia Academy Consultant's Forum in SavannahGDEcD and others working with Area DevelopmentOn December 5-7 a Consultants Forum will visit Savannah, Georgia. The Forum is a "non-nonsense business conference with an outstanding program of topics and speakers." The Forum will examine different industry sectors and specific case studies, while focusing on best practices and strategies for attracting and retaining companies in this changing economic landscape. Please contact Annie Gregson at 212.579.4469 for more information or to register. |
practitioners. Once again, GEDA will work with IEDC and Readex to facilitate the process in Georgia.
know that transportation and logistics are vital to any economic development success. The new Regional Transportation Tax that was passed in the most recent Legislative Session holds much potential but also has created a host of questions. Some of them were answered at our breakout session at Annual Conference, but we know that many remain. Tuesday, September 7, 2010
September 2010 Newsletter
Featured Articles
Natural Resources GuideIt's here!! It's here!!After literally years of work, the Economic Developers Guide to Natural Resources is NOW AVAILABLE!!!! Big thanks to Natural Resources & Environment Committee Chair Andrew Welch with Georgia EMC. He logged tons of hours and enlisted the help of numerous groups to make sure the content was correct and thorough. If you are an economic developer and have questions related to natural resources and/or the environment, this is your source! Al Gore called it, "the single greatest resource I have ever seen - and that includes the internet I created." Okay, so I made up that quote, but the underlying concept is the same. The Guide can be found at the Natural Resources & Environment Committee page (password protected). Link to Us!!Show Off Your Affiliation with GEDAHave 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 |
Annual Conference UpdateGEDA's 47th Annual Conference is right around the corner. Are you registered yet? We are expecting our biggest crowd in years, thanks in large part to all of the great work put in by Misti Martin and her committee. The agenda is set; the food (and receptions) are being prepared; the award winners have been selected - it's time to head back to Savannah!! There is STILL time to register if you haven't done so already. Go to our Annual Conference page and register now. There are still a very small number of rooms available at the Savannah Riverfront Marriott, so contact them to stay right in the middle of the action. For those of you already registered, this is a reminder that, with the exception of the Chairman's Awards Ceremony, all session are BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIRE. For the opening night reception, awards ceremony and entertainment, the attire is COCKTAIL. (For those of you who are like me and don't know what that means, cocktail attire usually means a suit and tie for men and a cocktail-length dress for the ladies.) We look forward to seeing you in Savannah! State of the Ports Luncheon in Atlanta
The Georgia Chamber and the Georgia Ports Authority are hosting the second annual “State of the Ports” luncheon on September 17 at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center in Atlanta. Registration will open at 11:30 a.m. and the luncheon will start at 12 noon. * A year-in-review of the Georgia Ports. Click here to purchase tickets. Contact Margaret Bracey at 404/223-2478 with questions regarding this event. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rebecca Jones at 404/223-2473. Tax Reform Council MeetingUpdate on the Commission formed by HB 1405GEDA Chairman Pat Topping presented to the Tax Council on Thursday, September 2nd in Macon. GEDA will continue to present findings and comments to the Tax Council as they continue their fact-finding mission across the state. GEDA encourages members to attend these session if possible and even make comments to the Council members when appropriate. (Please keep in mind that any and all comments can be made public at any time.) We also encourage you to periodically go to the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians website to see other comments that have been submitted, support documentation and information on upcoming meetings. To read Chairman Topping's comments to the Tax Reform Council, click here. |
Upcoming EventsSeptember 22-24 - 47th ANNUAL CONFERENCE! October 18 - Monthly Luncheon at the Marriott Buckhead. November 15 - Monthly Luncheon at the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center. Welcome New MembersPat Wilson, Georgia Department of Economic Development John McKee, American Intercontinental University Greg O'Brien, Grubb & Ellis Brent Moye, Land Engineering & Development David McCulloch, Gwinnett Technical College Erica Rocker, College Park, GA Andrea Taylor, Douglas-Coffee Chamber/EDA Karen Fite, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute Steven Hendrix, Southern Crescent Technical College Jeff Scruggs, Middle Georgia Technical College Bill Rogers, Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Add a Photo!!!Say Cheese!We are now up to 92 of you with photos posted online. We're only 26% of the way to our goal of having 350 member photos online. 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!
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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. 
It's so easy to add a photo ...Saturday, August 7, 2010
August 2010 Newsletter
Featured Articles
Social Media UpdatesDid you know?GEDA currently has 202 fans of our Facebook Page; there are 243 members of our LinkedIn Group; we have 121 people following us on Twitter. Don't you think it's about time that you joined at least one of these??? Click any (or all!) of the following icons to go directly to our pages. This is the best way to get information from GEDA, as well as exchange information with each other! Show Off Your Affiliation with GEDAHave 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 Have an Idea for the Gazette?Help Us Help You!What items would you like to see featured in the Gazette? Email us and let us know what we should be covering. We |
Update from GDEcD Commissioner Heidi Green
Our department is moving forward into a new fiscal year after great success in FY10. With our jobs and investment numbers both coming in higher than FY09, we are proud to say that companies are investing in Georgia and bringing jobs to citizens across the state. As we begin the new fiscal year, the department is striving to continue our successes as we reach out to companies in Georgia and across the globe. Click here to read the rest of the article. Register Today for TWO Great Programs!GEDA has TWO fantastic programs coming in the next two months that you do not want to miss! First - our August luncheon is something new and different from GEDA (exactly what you have been asking for from us)! Our June luncheon brought us the perspective of site selection consultants in what one long-time GEDA member dubbed "the best GEDA luncheon in the past 10 years." Now it's time to spend more time with the state's brokerage community. While chomping on chili dogs, onion rings and fried apple pies, we can get to know each other in a laid-back, fun atmosphere. Make sure you register today for this UNIQUE opportunity to meet the major brokers in the state! And just a few weeks later will be the 47th GEDA Annual Conference at the Savannah Riverfront Marriott. Misti Martin and her committee have a great program lined up including: Dr. Jeffrey Rosensweig, Emory Professor, Global Guru and one of GEDA's favorite presenters; both Gubernatorial candidates; some fantastic breakout sessions and much more! Did I mention that we'll have our Annual Awards Ceremony and the FAREWELL performance by our own GEDA All-Star Band??? That alone should be reason enough to join us in Savannah! Register today to take advantage of Early Bird Prices. New Tax Reform Council MeetingUpdate on the Commission formed by HB 1405The state's new tax reform commission held its first meeting on August 28th. House Ways & Means Chair Larry O'Neal, Speaker of the House David Ralston and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle asked the commission to recommend a "flatter, fairer, The commission will be examining the tax code "from top to bottom - all 19 platforms" and explore every tax exemption and preference currently in the code to measure their effectiveness in accomplishing their supposed missions. A.D. Frazier, former chief operating officer for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, was elected commission chair. Frazier will lead the commission on fact-finding sessions over the summer and fall to gather input from across the state. Click here to read the rest of the report. Find Out Why That Company Didn't LocateYOU Can Help Create a Session at Annual Conference!There will be a workshop on Wednesday afternoon that will present the economic climate in different states and compare their effectiveness in attracting new businesses as well as retaining existing businesses. Specifically, the state of Georgia's strengths and weaknesses will be discussed and evaluated in an interactive and data driven approach. The discussions will be based on Droege & Co.'s Economic Climate Index which provides transparency to the development of labor cost, availability of labor and executives, closeness to customers and suppliers and much more. To broaden the qualitative aspect in these discussions we intend to execute a survey to investigate the reasons why companies have chosen to locate, and the reasons why companies not to locate to the state of Georgia. Now, for the purpose of this survey, we extend a request that you provide us with company names and contacts that fit into one of these two categories. If you know of a contact that you would like to suggest as a participant in this survey, please forward that information to Scott McMurray or Mike Pennington. |
Upcoming EventsREGISTER TODAY for GEDA's August Luncheon! August 23 - Piedmont Park (Greystone Building) September 22-24 - 47th ANNUAL CONFERENCE! Welcome New MembersKevin Hall, Williams & Associates David Childs, ADP Add a Photo!!!Say Cheese!Out of approximately 700 GEDA members, only 87 of 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!
Governor's Conference on TourismStay in tune with today's tourism trends, technology and topics at this annual conference held exclusively for the state's tourism industry. Year after year, the Governor's Tourism Conference is recognized as a must attend event for the tourism industry in Georgia. This year's conference will be held in Athens August 30-September 1 and features these keynote speakers: Roger Dow - US Travel Association, Horst Schultze - founding President of Ritz-Carlton and Bill Geist - Zeitgeist Consulting. Learn about new social media strategies, market segmentation, statewide research and legislative issues facing Georgia's tourism industry. GDEcD is offering GEDA members a $25 DISCOUNT on the registration fee!!! Register online at www.georgiagtc.com and use the code GATOURISM when prompted. Give It a Try!Visit our FAQ PageWe have answers for many of your questions about GEDA,
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want to make this newsletter as useful for you as possible. To borrow a line from the movie Jerry McGuire, "Help me help you!"
Greetings! As you may know, our department has undergone many changes in the recent past. I am thrilled to be serving as GDEcD Commissioner and I look forward to serving you in my new position. We are also excited to have Pat Wilson on board as the new Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce. Pat will bring great knowledge of state government and excellent relationship building skills to the Global Commerce team and I am certain you will enjoy getting to know him.
you have added a photo to your profile!!! It's so easy to add a photo ...
our website and other topics available at our Wednesday, July 7, 2010
July 2010 Newsletter
Featured Articles
GEDA Offices Closed for HolidayJust a re
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August Registration is Now Available
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 offeringsFor more tha 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 EventsREGISTER 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 MembersLillian 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 ProfileSay Cheese!
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minder ...
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. 
n 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; 
Monday, June 7, 2010
June 2010 Newsletter
Featured articles
GEDA Hosts Angel Investor Tax Credit WorkshopHouse Bill 1069 contains a measure will will deliver a critical boost to Georgia's high tech industry by providing an income tax credit of up to $50,000 for individuals who invest in innovative start-up companies in Georgia. This new legislation will assit Georgia in attracting a much-needed influx of angel investment and venture capital to spur business development for intellectual property constantly being generated out of world-renowned educational institutions and research organizations. Click here to learn more about this session, hosted by GEDA, the Technology Association of Georgia and the Gwinnett Chamber Technology Council. The program will take place on Friday, June 25th at the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce. Connect to GEDAEasiest Way to Receive Updates Real Simple Synidcation (RSS) feeds are now available for this new version of the Survey is Still Open!We are still collecting responses for the Spring Workshop Survey on SurveyMonkey. Let us know what you thought! Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/geda-spring-2010 to complete the quick, simple survey. |
Ink Publishing Offer to GEDA Members
Ink Publishing is a proud sponsor of the GEDA Spring Workshop and the publisher of 35 in-flight magazine titles worldwide including AirTran Airways, Go Magazine and United Airlines, Hemispheres Magazine. These publications are a direct source to CEO's of thousands of organizations, both nationally and internationally. The magazines are read regularly by the airline's frequent business travelers and have relevant business features in each issue. They offer an excellent opportunity to pitch the benefits of operating businesses in your area. Ink is offering all GEDA members and Conference attendees significant discounts in all their publications. Please contact Hope Levy at 678-553-8084 for more information. Click here to view all Ink Publishing Magazines Online. Click on any cover to review the magazine page by page.
Annual Conference Room Block!ROOMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE! GEDA has negotiated a special room rate of $169 per night at the Savannah Riverfront Marriott for Annual Conference. That's right - we'll be back at the Marriott this year from September Awards Time!Since Annual Conference is near, that must mean it's time to Nominate for the GEDA Awards!Each year at the GEDA Annual Confernce, we host an Awards Banquet to recognize some of our brightest stars and most amazing achievements. These awards include:
YOU get to submit the names and accomplishments that will be considered by the Board of Directors and Professional Development Committee. Click here to continue reading and learn what the awards are all about and how to submit information. Contact Andrea Schruijer to submit names and/or projects to be considered for the Awards. Scholarships AvailableGEDA can help three communities take an International Trade MissionDon’t allow lack of funding to prevent you from participating in international trade missions and trade shows. GEDA is here to assist. Three communities benefited from GEDA’s International Trade Mission Scholarships last year and this year, one of those communities could be yours. Visit the Professional Development Committee page to view applications and deadlines for GEDA’s International Trade Mission Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities that are available to promote continuing education and professional development. For more information on international trade missions and trades shows, please visit Upcoming Business Missions. For those who are already registered for the upcoming Farnborough International Air Show, it is not too late to take advantage of this scholarship opportunity. Please contact Leah Blasingame for more information. |
Upcoming EventsJune 21, 2010 - Monthly Luncheon in Macon. Early Bird Deadline is FRIDAY!!
SUMBIT YOUR QUESTIONS! - Click here to email us questions you would like the Consultants to answer at our luncheon. We will take brief comments from each presenter and then open the floor to questions from YOU! July - No Program August 23, 2010 - Monthly Luncheon, Piedmont Park. Catering by The Varsity! Welcome New MembersTroels Adrian, Georgia Tech Grant Buckley, The Jordan Firm Michael Chlopek, Whiting-Turner Jacqueline Connoe, Sylvania Manufactured Homes Brandt Herndon, Fayette County Development Authority Luke Howe, City of Doraville Leslie Kane, Crye-Leike Relocation Services Patrick McCarthy, Rabey Electric Company Lindsay Myers, Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development Christopher Park, Batson-Cook Company Jack Perry, Tift County Development Authority Molly Taylor, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Cerita Willie, Student Nicole Wright, Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development |
GEDA Gazette. At the very bottom of this screen, you will seen several words - one of them is "RSS." Click on 
22-24 for our 47th Annual Conference. Make sure to reserve your room TODAY at our headquarters hotel. Call 800-285-0398 to reserve your room. (We have some rooms available for Tuesday night as well, for all of you who would like to come down early.) This year's Annual Conference is already shaping up to be a great one. Scheduled (or invited) to speak are: our final two Gubernatorial candidates for 2010 (we'll know names once the primaries are over) and Dr. Jeffrey Rosensweig, "Global Guru" and one of GEDA's favorites presenters! There will be much more involved with the program, so make your hotel reservations now and keep watching your inbox for more Conference information.Friday, May 7, 2010
May 2010 Newsletter
Featured Articles
June Luncheon SpeakersGEDA is pleased to welcome three consultants.Each year for the past several years, GEDA has welcomed site selection consultants to a monthly luncheon, and that always seems to be one of our most popular programs. This year will be no different, as we are bringing three leaders to address our membership:
In response to your feedback on our most recent survey, GEDA will take our show on the road for this program. We will be meeting at the new Macon Marriott City Center. The program will be held on June 21. Watch next month's Gazette and your email for more details. Sine Die (Finally)2009-2010 Legislative Session Draws to a Close The 2009-2010 Georgia General Assembly finally dropped the final gavel on April 29, the latest adjournment date in modern history. Please see the attached legislative update. There, you can read about those bills and resolutions that have passed both legislative bodies and now sit on Governor Perdue's desk, awaiting a signature or veto. Campaign season is cranking up now, so we will have plenty to digest and process over the next several months. |
GEDA Bylaws RevisionAre major changes in store for GEDA? YOU help decide!
After months of review and study, the Bylaws Revision Task Force presented a document to the Board of Directors in January. Since then, there has been a greatd eal of discussion regarding those proposed changes and what should be submitted to the membership for the vote. Rest assured, GEDA members, the document you are seeing has been very well thought out and discussed at length. There are no changes included here that were put in here just for the sake of change. There is a meaning and story behind every change. There are a few documents for your review that are available on this special website. What we need from YOU is for you to review this document. Study it and, more importantly, let us know what you think! We have a Discussion Forum available for people to share their ideas, thoughts, comments, concerns and questions. You can go to the Discussion Forum and review all of the materials, read what others think and post your own thoughts and ideas. NOTE: We WILL have a vote on these proposed Bylaws changes at the 2010 Spring Workshop! We hope that everyone will come to the meeting informed and feeling as though they had input into the decisions. We want what is best for GEDA! So, make your voice heard! Spring Workshop RegistrationTODAY is the Spring Workshop Early Bird deadline! Make sure to get your reservation in today! Go to our registration page to learn more. JEKYLL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: Also, please be aware that Jekyll Island's lone gas station is no longer in service. They are busily working on building a new one in the same location. However, it will not be open until after we have departed. Please make sure to fill up your tanks BEFORE you get onto the island! Long-time GEDA supporter and a tireless advocate for rural economic development in Georgia, Johnny Clifton passed away last week. Mr. John F. “Johnny” Clifton, age 60 of Ailey, died Friday, April 30, 2010 at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Montgomery County, and a 1967 Graduate of Montgomery County High School. He was a farmer for many  years, and in 1981 was named “Man of the Year” in the Soil and Water Conservation Monthly. He was employed with Weyerhaeuser of Lyons for ten years, and was the Executive Director of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce for ten years. He was a member of the Higgston Baptist Church, and was preceded in death by his father, T.R. Clifton on April 9th 2010.Mr. Clifton is survived by his wife, Gloria Joseph Clifton of Ailey, three children, Candice Clifton and Derek Clifton of Savannah and Clay Clifton of Ailey, his mother, Mary C. Clifton of Ailey, his mother-in-law, Margaret Joseph, a sister-in-law, Darla Kicklighter of both of Glennville, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He loved and was loved by his friends and family.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, 1101 Northchase Parkway Suite 1 Marietta, GA 30067, or by visiting their website at www.americanheart.org.
Room Block for Spring WorkshopInformation about our rooms at the Hampton InnSpring Workshop is going to be a hit! At least, we can guess that based on the hotel room situation. We have only a few rooms left at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, so we have blocked rooms at the brand new Hampton Inn & Suites. Call 912-635-0668 and ask to speak with Claire Moody. Tell her you are with the Georgia Economic Developers Association for our special rate of only $119 a night. |
Upcoming EventsMay 19-21 GEDA Spring Workshop. Register today. (Early bird deadline is THIS FRIDAY, May 7!) June 21 Monthly Luncheon featuring three site selection consultants! Macon Marriott City Center. JULY NO PROGRAM IN JULY. New MembersPlease help us welcome our newest members! Molly Taylor, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Brandt Herndon, Fayette County Development Authority Luke Howe, City of Doraville Cerita Willie, Student Christopher Park, Batson Cook Construction Leslie Kane, Crye-Leike Relocation
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Over the past few years, the GEDA Executive Committee and Board of Directors have been approached with some potential tweaks to our Bylaws - some of them major and some minor. There were a few more requests that came forward last year. President Pat Topping took that as an opportunity to go through the entire document and see what revisions were needed and what changes could be made to make us a better Association for you. President Topping appointed a Task Force, co-chaired by Bob Simmons and Timothy Wang, to go through the entire document; compare against the Bylaws of like associations within Georgia AND outside the state; and to make recommendations on ways we could improve.