June 2011 Newsletter

Featured Articles Spring Workshop Wrap Update Your Building Info! SBA Disaster Recovery Assistance Annual Conference Hotel Available June Luncheon Registration 2011 Events Calendar New Members Georgia Competitiveness Initiative Annual Conference Hotels! Room Block is Now Available But we just finished with Spring Workshop!  I know, I know.  It feels like we're just now finished with laundry after the super-duper successful Spring Workshop.  But Annual Conference is just three months away! GEDA is pleased to announce that our room block at the Savannah Riverfront Marriott is now available!  Conference dates are from September 21-23, but you can start arriving at our discounted rate as early as Tuesday, the 20th. You can either click on this link which will bring up our dates and rates, or you can call (888-236-2427) and give "gedgeda" as the rate code.  (HINT - it's a lot easier to just click here.) June Luncheon Early Bird Deadline is This Friday June 20th is right around the corner, and that means that our Early Bird deadline for the luncheon registration is coming - this Friday!  Make sure to register today to get in at the lower rate. Our "program" is the 2nd Annual Broker's Event.  The feedback from members and brokers alike was that last year's event was a great idea and quite successful.  We were extremely pleased to have 23 brokers as our guests in 2010.  And we already have that number this year, with several more RSVPs to come.  This promises to be a great luncheon, yet again.   This is a fantastic opportunity to introduce yourself and your company/community to the major players in the brokerage community.  And major thank you to our sponsor - the Georgia Department of Labor. NOTE:  Make plans to stay for a bit after the luncheon.  GEDA is hosting a listening session to find out what you think about US!  We are in the midst of creating our next strategic plan and need to hear from you!

Spring Workshop Wrap!! We have closed the books on the 2011 Spring Workshop.  I think we all "survived" and were able to have a fabulous time on the coast!  Early reviews so far have said, "By far, this is the best overall conference in several years", "This was one of the best I remember", "Maybe the best I have attended in my four years in Georgia" and "This was the best conference yet."  The weather was picture perfect; the speakers were very well-received; the afternon and evening activities were well-attended and successful.  By all accounts, Angie Gheesling and her team did a tremendous job on this conference! "By far, this is the best overall conference in several years" Presentations are now all online.  We have fourteen presentations from the Conference that are now available online.  So, if you saw it, loved it and want to refresh your memory -click here.  If you MISSED a particular session or even the entire conference, you can still check out the slides here. For those of you who attended, there is still time to complete the survey.  We have about 25% of our attendees who have already done so (THANK YOU!)  If you have not yet had a chance to let us know what you thought, please take just a few minutes to give us your feedback.  Thanks!  And start watching the Gazette and email for information on Annual Conference - it's right around the corner! We have photos uploaded also.  HUGE thank you to Greg Mullis with Tri-County EMC!  Click here to view the photos. Don't Get Left Behind! Update Your Building Info! The Georgia Department of Economic Development is requesting your assistance.   Georgiafacts.net which houses a greatd eal of information about available buildings in Georgia has some information that may not be up-to-date.  We need YOU to create an account online and update the assets in your community.  Detailed instructions are available below. To Create a Login: Go to georgiafacts.net > My Account (on the top far right) > Sign In. Select "Create a New Account.:  Enter the requested information (name, email, phone) and click 'Continue.'  Select 'Continue' again and enter the rest of the information, including a username and password. Select 'Local Economic Developer' and click 'I agree.' Once you are logged into the system, you will be able to add new buildings, edit existing listings and delete buildings that are no longer available.  After saving the changes, they will be live immediately.  For detailed instructions on how to add, edit and delete buildings, click here. SBA Special Assistance For Communities Affected by Tornados The Presidential disaster declaration in Georgia as a result of the recent tornadoes automatically activated the U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan program. This financial assistance is available to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes. The interest rates are fixed and are as low as 2.688% for homeowners and renters, 3% for non-profit organizations and 4% for businesses with terms up to 30 years.  For more information, click on the attached flyer.

2011 Events Calendar June 20.  June Luncheon.  Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center.  2nd Annual Broker's Event, sponsored by the Georgia Department of Labor.  (Stick around afterwards for a GEDA Listening Session.  Help us help you by making GEDA stronger than ever.) JULY - NO PROGRAM. August 15.  Luncheon program.  Marriott Renaissance Midtown (formerly the Hotel Palomar.) Welcome New Members Dorie Bacon, Screven County Development Authority Parker Bray, Student Scott Cooper, TVA Oliver Dallas, AGL Resources Alan Pryor, Fulton County Angela Steedley, The Steedley Firm Theo Stone, Wolverton & Associates Eric Van Otteren, City of Snellville   Georgia Competitiveness Initiative 12 Regional Listening Sessions The Georgia Competitiveness Initiative (GCI) was created by Governor Deal, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.  It is designed to bring government and business leaders together to craft a long-term economic growth strategy for the state.  There are several phases of the plan, but the next one is the most important one - regional listening sessions. GCI will host listening sessions in each of the twelve regions over the summer.  It is absolutlely VITAL that economic developers go to these meetings with ideas to improve Georgia's competitiveness.  The committee will use the results of these 12 meetings to formulate the recommendations for the legislature next year.  If you do not go, someone else will!  Economic developers must voice opinions on what should be done to make us the strongest state possible. Go to the GCI website to find dates/locations for your region.

May 2011 Newsletter

Featured Articles Spring Workshop Registration Professional Development Survey GEDA Celebrates 50 Years Preview of Spring Workshop Add Optional Activities at Spring  And More Finance Fun ... In Memoriam  2011 Events Calendar New Members Nomination Form Available Optional Activities at Spring Workshop EASY Way to Add, Plus New Options Need to add a Thursday activity?  Already done that, but need to add a guest or spouse?  It's easy - just click here and fill out the form! Also - we have an added program at Spring Workshop.  On Wendesday morning, from 8am until 12 noon, DCA is hosting a Finance Workshop.  Come and learn all about how to structure a deal, finance programs and much more.  You only have to pay for the materials, but the information you'll receive is absolutely priceless!  (You can use the same handy Add Optional Activities link above to register.) And More Finance Fun ... DCA Announces Major Discounts! The National Development Council administers a certification recognized by GEDA called the Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP.)  There are four week-long courses (that normally cost over $1,000 each) that are required to complete the program. DCA has announced that BB&T is subsidizing the cost to attend these courses for economic developers in Alabama and Georgia.  Through their generosity, the courses now only cost $150 each - a savings of over $4,000 over the four courses.   This is a truly remarkable opportunity! To learn more about this INCREDIBLE deal, click here!  In Memoriam GEDA Loses Two As previously mentioned on our website and via email, we lost Faye Amato to cancer in recent weeks.  Information about Faye is still available on the GEDA Home Page. We have also recently learned of the passing of Bill Darley.  Bill was a long time employee of Georgia Tech and was a major supporter of the EDI program through the University of Oklahoma and Georgia Tech.  Mr. Darley passed away on April 19.  You can read more about Bill at this website.  Information on contributions (to the First United Methodist Church in Pine Mountain or to Coumbus Hospice.)  Bill was 66 years old when he passed from this life.

Spring Workshop Registration!! GEDA Spring Workshop 2011, aka Survivor: St. Simons Island, is approaching.  The regular registration rate expires on Friday.  It's not too late to join us on the coast! Phenomenal programming, outstanding food, unrivaled networking, unforgettable entertainment, coastal setting, breathtaking scenery, and I haven't even mentioned the door prizes, sponsor booths and hula dancers!!  There is NO reason to miss this year's event!  Your peers will be there; your friends will be there; your neighbors will be there; your competitors will be there!  Make sure to register by Friday to lock in the regular conference rate of $250 (increases to $325 on Saturday.) CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!! We have everything planned and waiting on you - all we need is your registration! Professional Development Survey Tell Us Where to Send Our Money! You should have received an email in the last week regarding GEDA's Professional Development Committee.  The survey referenced in that email was created and sent to get a feel for what scholarships would be of the most interest to our membership.  Part of GEDA's mission is dedicated to enhancing the professional development of our membership.  This is partially managed by assisting members with attendance at GEDA and non-GEDA events, like IEDC, EDI, EDFP, etc.  However, we typically will have some scholarship money left over at the end of the year, due to lack of applications for all of our offerings. Skip Teaster, the GEDA Professional Development Committee and the UGA Fanning Institute have developed this survey in an effort to ask you directly which scholarships are most wanted/needed.  Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and help us better meet your needs. NOTE: The Survey will close at 12 noon on Monday, May 16.  Please make every effort to complete that survey as soon as you can.  It should not take more than just a few minutes to complete.   GEDA Celebrates 50 Years Planning Underway for 2013 As you may already be aware, the Georgia Industrial Developers Association began as a small, informal group of like-minded individuals that would meet and discuss topics of interest over lunch.  First housed at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the group quickly grew into a large and important voice in the world of industrial development.  Our name changed to GEDA in the early 1990s and we continue to be "the state's leading professional association dedicated to enhancing Georgia's economic vitality."  Chairman Bob White has named a top-tier pair of GEDA veterans to lead the planning for the year-long celebration.  Annie Hunt-Burriss and Jim Lenahan have already begun preparations for 2013 and will continue to do so until we reach that major milestone.  GEDA welcomes and values input from all of our members, both new and "experienced."  If you have ideas, thoughts, resources, etc for 2013, please send them to the GEDA Offices. Thanks!  (Don't worry - we'll still be working on making our 48, 49th and 51st years the best they can be, too!)   Survivor: St. Simons Island

2011 Events Calendar May 18-20  Spring Workshop.  Sea Palms at St. Simons Island.  Hotel reservations are totally booked.  Overflow is available at the Sea Palms Inn.   REGISTER TODAY!!  Regular rates expire on Friday and we will have to add a late fee.  June 20.  June Luncheon.  Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center.  Program TBD. Welcome New Members Hannah Bowles - Student David Dunagan - Georgia Department of Economic Development Eric Johnson - Hussey, Gay, Bell, DeYoung Dawn Malin - Development Authority of Folkston & Charlton County Gina Lee McKinney - Georgia Department of Labor Cindy Morley - Georgia Department of Labor Andrea Taylor - Douglas - Coffee County Chamber & Development Authority   Nomination Form is Available Nominating Committee Meeting in June The GEDA Nominating Committee will meet in June of this year to discuss Officers and Directors for the coming year.  Do you have what it takes?  Do you know someone who does?  The form will ask you who you are nominating, which position (Officer or Board Member) you see them as qualified for and your reasons for nominating them.  It's that simple! Well, GEDA wants YOU!  Fill out this simple form online to let us know who you think our next leaders should be!  We value your opinion and want to know what you think. Deadline for submissions is Friday, June 10th at 4PM.

April 2011 Newsletter

Featured Articles Technology Industry Report Georgia Logistics Summit Sponsor Spring Workshop Spring Registration is OPEN!  JOBS Available April Luncheon Deadline  2011 Events Calendar New Members Nominating Committee Spring Registration is OPEN May 18-20 at Sea Palms on St. Simons Island GEDA is very pleased to announce that REGISTRATION is now available for the 2011 Spring Workshop!  We are still tweaking some of the final details, but that will be taken care of shortly.  Angie Gheesling and her Committee have a STELLAR lineup waiting for you in St Simons.  Come and get the tools you'll need to SURVIVE today's economy and not get voted off the island. OUTSTANDING array of breakout sessions; OUTlandish entertainment on Wednesday night; ample OUTdoor networking opportunities; speakers to help you OUTmaneuver the competition - it's all right here a Spring Workshop 2011!!! JOBS JOBS JOBS  Seven Positions Available There are currently seven fantastic positions available on the GEDA Jobs Center.  They are all over the state and are seeking varied levels of experience and knowledge. Economic Development Research Intern, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (Duluth) Archway Professional, UGA Archway Partnership (Hawkinsville) CEO, Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber (Milledgeville) Membership Manager, Greater Macon Chamber (Macon) Senior Project Manager, Metro Atlanta Chamber (Atlanta) Asst. Dir. of Economic & Community Development, City of Macon (Macon) Executive Director, Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority (Valdosta)  April Luncheon Deadline  DOL Commissioner Mark Butler TODAY is the deadline to register for the April luncheon at the EARLY BIRD price.  Make sure to REGISTER TODAY to save money!

Technology State of the Industry Report The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), the state’s leading association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of Georgia’s technology industry, unveiled results from its 2011 State of the Industry: Technology in Georgia Report. The report was released at TAG’s 8th annual Georgia Technology Summit on March 23rd.    CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL REPORT.  With more than 13-thousand technology companies and close to 250-thousand technologists in our state, Georgia is truly emerging as a top state in the nation for technology. It is TAG’s hope that the State of the Industry Report and ‘Where Georgia Leads’ maps prove to be valuable resources for decision-makers as they look to expand or relocate their businesses in Georgia. For more information on the State or the Industry Report or TAG, contact Heather Miner, Director of Economic and Community Resources.       Click here to read the full article.    Georgia Logistics Summit May 10; 8am - 4pm at Cobb Galleria On May 9th & 10th the State of Georgia will hold its Third Annual Georgia Logistics Summit hosted by the Center of Innovation for Logistics.  In just three short years, the Georgia Logistics Summit has become a truly unique and highly anticipated event.  The Summit has doubled in size every year and hosted 950 participants from 12 states in 2010; most importantly, 85% came from private industry.  All indications are for this to continue and the 2011 Summit to attract even more participants from all over the World!    Themed as "Thriving in a Changing Ecosystem" the 2011 Summit will explore logistics business opportunity - and their requirements - across a set of six markets:  Agribusiness, Air Freight, Energy, Life-sciences, Manufacturing, and Ocean Freight.   Already confirmed for 2011 is a full agenda and speaker list of more than 30 industry leaders across six “Opportunity Sessions”, 3 keynote speakers and special guests. Summit attendees will have the chance to interact with these industry executives who will share their perspectives on what is desired from logistics providers, current gaps in service offerings, and specific industry trends that will impact logistics service delivery.  Click here to see the flyer.  Or go to this website to register.   It's Not too Late to Sponsor Spring! GEDA has a lot of scholarship options available for Spring Workshop.  And now, it's easier than ever to sponsor!  You can add it to your registration when you register for the Conference!  You can sponsor as a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze Conference Sponsor.  Or we have a lot of other options as well, like: Evening entertainment ($2,500.)  This is one our members will NOT soon forget!  Wouldn't you love to have your logo attached to this??? New members/Board luncheon ($750.)  Wednesday luncheon for the GEDA Board of Directors and new members. Refreshment Break ($1,000.)  Breaks with our sponsors - and you can be the one everyone thanks for the cookies and COKE products! Golf Tournament: Tournament sponsor - $500 Hole sponsor - $100 Beverage cart sponsor ($1,000).  EVERYONE loves seeing the beverage cart come! For more information, contact Sponsorship Committee Chair, Ricky McGee.

2011 Events Calendar April 18  Luncheon at Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center, featuring Dept. of Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. (Our last three programs have sold out.  Don't delay and be left out!) May 18-20  Spring Workshop.  Sea Palms at St. Simons Island.  Hotel reservations are totally booked.  Overflow is available at the Sea Palms Inn. Welcome New Members Georgia Department of Economic Development Ashlee Aurandt Chris Cummiskey Stacey Davis Craig Dominey Tony Greene LaRhonda Jackson Lee Thomas Faye Tripp Stella Xu Trusted Business Advisors Jeannine Brown Dalton Utilities Mark Buckner Integra Water, LLC John McDonald City of Douglasville Development Authority Cindy Pocali Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber Don Sims   Who's the Next GEDA Leader?  Nominating Committee Will Meet This Summer Start thinking.  Who will be the next person to lead GEDA?  Who are the next all-stars who are ready to shine on the Board of Directors or as Committee Chairs?  The GEDA Nominating Committee will meet this summer to develop of slate of Officers and Directors for the coming years.  We would like your feedback as to the people you feel are the right ones to lead this Association.  More information will be available soon.

March 2011 Newsletter

Featured Articles Legislative Updates Governor Deal at March Luncheon Membership Directory Purchase Scholarships Available IEDC Salary Survey 2011 Events Calendar New Members Survivor:St. Simons What's the Next Big Thing? GEDA Directory Purchase Exciting New Opportunity for You In response to what our members requested, GEDA has created a new purchase option for the membership directory.  As you know, the membership directory can be viewed online or in pdf form by any active member of GEDA.  We also have the ability for anyone to purchase an Excel spreadsheet version of the directory for $100.  However, this is a one-time purchase.  If someone's information changes, the spreadhseet could have some incorrect contact information on it.  (But realistically, does anyone EVER change jobs??) Because of feedback from our membership, we have added a new purchase option - the updatable purchase.  Now, for just an extra $50 ($150 total) members can purchase the same spreadsheet, but can request up to three updates to that spreadsheet throughout the calendar year!  This is the best way to keep in contact with all of your colleagues and peers throughout GEDA! Scholarships Available! Scholarship Application Deadline are Approaching GEDA Offers scholarships for GEDA and external professional development opportunities throughout the year.  Some of those courses (IEDC, GEDA Spring Workshop) are comign up soon, as are the deadlines to apply for the scholarships.  Go to the Professional Development Committee Page to find the applications. IEDC Salary Survey Georgia-specific results available online In 2010, GEDA partnered with the International Economic Development Council to collect data for their bi-annual salary survey.  The results have been finalized and GEDA has obtained the Georgia-specific results from this survey.  We have arranged to be able to provide these results to our members.  You can find the pdf document on the Membership Services Committee documents page.  ANOTHER great benefit of GEDA membership!

Legislative Updates In an effort to ensure that important updates from the Georgia General Assembly are at the forefront of our members' attention, GEDA has moved the Legislative Update section to the front and center portion of our home page.  Each week, we will post the most recent update from the Capitol in that location so that you always know where to go and what to do to find out about the latest happenings. Many people have begun discussing two bills in particular, SB 159 and HB 384. SB 159 was introduced by GEDA member, Senator Jeff Mullis.  This bill aims to protect economic development negotiations and discussions from being subject to open records requests while the project is still active.  This was posted as an ACTION ALERT for members to contact their elected officials to weigh in with their opinions on the legislation.  As a point of reference, GEDA's Public Policy Agenda has an item that specifically mentions this exact point.  We urge all GEDA members to contact Senators and Representatives with encouragement to vote in the way that best supports economic growth in Georgia. HB 384 is a bill created by the Department of Economic Development and is a substantive change to how incentives are calculated, particularly in three main areas: the Tier system, the Quality Jobs Tax Credit and the Investment Tax Credit.  (Click here to more detailed information about the bill.) The Tier System for calculating Job Tax Credits will cease to exist as it is currently known.  Under this bill, all communities would be able to offer a base credit of $1,750 per job.  The credit can grow to $3,250, provided that the community is a member of a Joint Development Authority ($250), the project is an existing industry OR the community is a Tier 1 community/Opportunity Zone ($500) and the company takes advantage of a Georgia Port Facility (identical to the current system, $1,250.)  In addition, companies that locate in one of the 71 Tier 1 communities or an Opportunity Zone will be able to use these credits against their payroll withholding. The Quality Job Tax Credit is being revised to make it more accessible for more companies.  The minimum threshold for this credit is now 15 jobs, instead of 50.  (Tier 1 communities and Opportunity Zones need only create 5 jobs at a minimum.)  Companies meeting the minimum job threshold and 110% of the county average will realize a $3,000 credit, 120% would equal $3,500 per job. Investment Tax Credits are being expanded to include new companies and recent relocations.  Previously, a company had to have been in business in Georgia for three years before taking advantage of this credit - that rule has been lifted in this proposed legislation.  The new guidelines are as follows: Investment of $1 million - $15 million equates to a 1% credit, $15 million - $50 million equals a 3% credit, $50 million - $100 million is a 5% credit, $100 million - $200 million brings a 7% credit, and Over $200 million would equal an 8% income tax credit. Please keep in mind that GEDA does not lobby and therefore does not take a position on any proposed legislation.  We urge our members to become informed on the bills and resolutions and contact their individual elected officials to voice their opinions. Governor Nathan Deal Nearly Sold Out! GEDA members must be enthusiastic about seeing Governor Deal.  In the first 24 hours after we opened the registration, we had nearly 150 registrants!  We still have room for a few more people to join us, but it is likely that we are heading to our second consecutive sellout for a monthly luncheon.  DO NOT DELAY!!  If you have not registered yet, drop everything and do so NOW!  This luncheon will see the largest crowd we have had in years. After the luncheon, make sure to go to one of our after-hours sessions: The Natrual Resources & Environment Committee is hosting a series of three mini-sessions after the luncheon ina speed-dating format.  You can get a twenty-minute primer on one of three areas and then "rotate" over to the next session!  Topics are: How to make a brownfield productive, Capturing the solar potential from your industrial roof, and What you need to know about LEED, the Green Movement in General and Sustainability. At 2:00PM, the Membership Services Committee will host a GEDA 101 session in the Georgia EMC offices (Centergy Building, 7th floor.)  Any new members, prospective members, first-time attendees or long-time members interested in learning more are invited.

2011 Events Calendar March 21  Luncheon at Hotel Palomar.  Governor Nathan Deal speaking. April 18  Luncheon at Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center (Registration will be available soon.) May 18-20  Spring Workshop.  Sea Palms at St. Simons Island.  Hotel reservations are available. Welcome New Members Dwana Coleman,  D Coleman Realty Group Melvin Everson, Governor's Office of Workforce Development David Lyons, Valley Partnership Alison Jo Pienta, Student Survivor: Saint Simons Island Spring Workshop Theme Announced The weather is getting warmer which means one thing ... Spring Workshop is right around the corner!  Angie Gheesling and the rest of her "Tribal Council" (aka Committee) are working on some daring programs, creative challenges and entertaining programming for the event.  The 32nd Annual Spring Workshop will be held May 18-20, 2011 at Sea Palms on St Simons Island. To make your hotel reservations, go to Sea Palms and click on the Reservations link.  Enter the dates of the event and Economic as the Group Code.  You will then be able to secure a room at our guaranteed group rate (anywhere from $139 to $189, depending on your room preferences.) What's the Newest, Biggest, Best Thing? What Are We Missing? GEDA is constantly striving to offer our members the best.  The best speakers, the best programs, the best professional development, the best networking, the best website. What are we missing?  What do you need from us?  Who should our next speaker be?  Who should it NOT be?  What topics should we cover at luncheons or Conferences?  What features should we add to the website? This is YOUR association.  We want to make it better than the best.  But we need your help!  Email us with ANY suggestions.  We're listening ...

February 2011 Newsletter

Featured Articles NEW www.geda.org Feb & March Luncheons Legislative Update GEDA Apparel Site Spring Workshop Rooms Available TAG: Innovative Companies Award 2011 Events Calendar New Members Legislative Day a Success Scholarships Available GEDA Apparel Site Valentine's Day Shopping Made Easy GEDA has partnered with ECS Promotions to bring you an exciting new feature - the GEDA Apparel Site.  Now you can order all of those hats, shirts and bags with GEDA logos.  There is no better Valentine's Day gift for your boo than something from the GEDA Store. Blankets, t-shirts, towels, robes, fleece, jackets, briefcases, coolers, backpacks, scarves, Spring Workshop Room Block is Available! GEDA Descends on St Simons Island, May 18-20 GEDA is very excited to take our Spring Workshop to the Sea Palms Resort on St. Simons Island.  The Conference runs from May 18-20, 2011 (but you can certainly come down on Tuesday the 17th!) To make sure you're in our room block and get our negotiated rate, use the Group Code "Economic" when making your reservation.  The BEST way to reserve your room is by going to Sea Palms and clicking on the RESERVATIONS tab.  Make sure to enter the word "Economic" in the Group Code box (not Promo/Corporate Code) and you'll get our rates.  Or, you can call 800.841.6268 and still use "Economic" as the group code. Don't delay - make that reservation today! Georgia's Top 40 Innovative Companies TAG is accepting applications for the award The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is encouraging companies across the state to apply for the Top 40 Innovative Companies in Georgia Award.   Recipients will receive special recognition at the Georgia Technology Summit on March 23rd, along with a host of other benefits: Recognition in the Summit program Invitation to special receptions Great media exposure and more! Click on the link above to apply for one of your local companies.  For more information contact Denniz Zakas, Barbara Martin or Melanie Brandt.

The NEW and Improved www.geda.org We have been leaking information for months about the new www.geda.org.  And now it's finally here!!  Hopefully many of you have had the chance to see the updates that we have for you.  If you have not had a chance to log in to the site in the past two weeks, you will need to go in and change your passwords.  Yes - in order to make this transition - we had to change everyone's password.  Your username has NOT changed.  Your password was changed back to GEDA (case-sensitive.)  You will be prompted to change that password to something else the first time you log in.  Please make sure to keep this password in a safe place so that you can continue to log in.  (Hint - some of our new features require members-only access.  It's super-secret James Bond sorta stuff!)  Everyone should have received two emails in the past two weeks outlining information about how to log in.  If you did not receive these emails, please contact us at 404-962-4110. Here are some features of the new Member Portal Page.  This has a great deal of vital information for you and many of the areas of the site that you typically view first anyway.   About You: includes your membership status, links to update your profile & change your password, etc. News:  Any news items that we add will be shown here.  We'll place timely, relevent items for easy access. Upcoming Events: This will display the next FIVE (5) GEDA events.  Those available for registration will have the word "Register" out to the right.  SUPER BIG NEW FEATURE - if you have already registered for the event, it will say "You are registered."  Now you can always know whether or not you've already taken care of it!! Committees: This shows hyperlinks to any Committees you're currently participating on.  Click on the linkc for a list of the Committee Members.  If you are not currently on any Committees, click here for an easy way to join! Directories: we have added Directories that are specifically tailored for YOU!  You should see three links here: Active members (our membership directory), Members in My County (will open an Excel Spreadsheet with all members in YOUR county) and Region __ Members.  This is a list of all members in your region. Invoices and Receipts: This section shows any open invoices that we have for you.  Or, if you have made recent payments, you can find receipts here!  Please keep in mind that we are still populating this area and may not have all membership dues invoices in here yet.   February and March Programs Registration is Now Available GEDA has finalized plans for the first two luncheons of 2011. Monday, February 21, 2011 - GEDA welcomes Georgia Chamber of Commerce President & CEO to the luncheon.  The program will be held at the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center.  Registration is now open!  Early bird deadline is THIS FRIDAY the 11th.  Register now to save $5. Monday, March 21, 2011 - GEDA will welcome Governor Nathan Deal to our program at the Hotel Palomar.  Registration will be available very soon.  Space will be limited, so make sure to registration early to ensure your spot. We are VERY pleased to announce that our Sponsorship Committee, chaired by RIcky McGee, has been able to secure a sponsor for both events - and it's the same company!!!  The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce will sponsor both the February and March programs!  Huge thank you to Hans Gant and the entire team at the Metro Atlanta Chamber! Legislative Update #4 Here is our fourth weekly Legislative Update from Jim Finch regarding the happenings under the Gold Dome.  Please remember that if you have particular thoughts, concerns, comments, opinions on any of the bills or resolutsions mentioned in these updates, it is very important to call your Senators and Representatives to let them know how you feel. As always, you can see all of our updates for 2011 by logging on and going to the Public Policy Committee documents page. And, for a refresher course on GEDA's Public Policy Agenda for 2011, please refer to our Public Policy Committee Page.

2011 Events Calendar February 21  Luncheon at Georgia Tech Hotel.  Chris Clark speaking.  March 21  Luncheon at Hotel Palomar.  Governor Nathan Deal speaking. Welcome New Members Emily Boness, UGA Fanning Institute Robert Crowe, Elkins Constructors Danielle Fernandes, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Kevin Gullette, Clayton County Office of Economic Development Melissa Hamby, Fannin County Board of Commissioners David Keating, Camden County Joint Development Authority Shannon Nettles, Camden County Joint Development Authority Paige Shiver, Mitchell County Development Authority Tom Turner, Meriwether County Development Authority GEDA Legislative Day a HUGE Success! January 26 was Economic Development Day in Georgia GEDA representatives and their guests had a great day at the Capitol on January 26th for GEDA Legislative Day.  After a photo with Governor Deal and lots of interaction with elected officials (including Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle and Secretary of State Brian Kemp), we hosted over 60 Legislators, not including their staff and guests!  That was a fantastic turnout and significantly higher than what we have seen in recent years with our evening reception.  Thank you to everyone who braved the cold and wind to come to Atlanta and help share our message with the Legislators.  We observed many more meaningful conversations about real issues this year, which means now is the time to follow up on that and encourage our elected officials to Scholarships Available We have money and we'd like to give it away! GEDA has over $10,000 in scholarship money to give this year.  In answer to your question, YES!  You are eligible.  If you are a dues paying member of GEDA, you qualify!  It cannot hurt to apply, so send us an application today! All of the forms can be found on the Professional Development Committee Page.  We offer scholarships for: Georgia Tech Basic Economic Development Course (3/29 - 4/1) IEDC Courses - throughout the year EDFP Training - throughout the year CEcD Exam GEDA Spring Workshop (May 18-20) GEDA Annual Conference (September 21-23) International Trade Missions