April 2014 Newsletter

Featured Articles

• Georgia Tech Forum
• Let's Make a Deal
• April Early Bird Rates
• Events Calendar
• New Members

Georgia Tech Forum

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Let's Make a Deal

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

Last Day for Early Bird Rate for April

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

 

2014 Events Calendar

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

 

New Members in March

Victoria Borges, GA Department of Economic Development

Carolyn Coburn, Georgia Electric Membership Corporation

Michael Stuart, Geoghagan TCDA

Stacey Haney, Evans General Contractors

Christopher Harden-McKinney, Huntley Partners

Trevor Hobbs, Webster Global Site Selectors

Bruce McCall, Miller & Martin, PLLC

Tashieka Moore, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

Stefanie Paupeck, GA Department of Economic Development

Demetrie Shavers, City of Savannah

Lisa M. Stevens, Catamount Constructors

Victoria Taffet, Reeves Construction Company

Paul Teague, Atlanta Gas Light

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

Abby Turano, GA Department of Economic Development

Deja E Velasquez

Ashleigh Whitby, GA Department of Economic Development

Sue Yarborough, Retail-CRE, LLC

 

March 2014 Newsletter

Featured Articles

• Manufacturers Appreciation Week
• Last Chance to Renew
• Spring Sponsorship Opportunities
• March GEDA Luncheon
• New Members
• GEDA Interim President

Georgia's Manufacturing Appreciation Week: April 14-18

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

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

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

 

Renew Before 3/31

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

 

Spring Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

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

 

March 17 Luncheon: Featuring our State Partners

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

 

Commissioner Keith Golden, Georgia Department of Transportation

Commissioner Gretchen Corbin, Georgia Department of Community Affairs

Commissioner Ron Jackson, Technical College System of Georgia

 

Moderated by:  

Tom Croteau

Georgia Department of Economic Development  

 

2014 Events Calendar

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

2014 Calendar is available too!

 

New Members in February

Stephen Albright, King & Spalding LLP

Camilo Andres Caballero

Shawn Gunn, Heart of Georgia RDC

Matt Mattila, Miller & Martin LLP

Darlene Lynch McLendon, Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce

William P. Murphy, Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce

James Pugsley, Gwinnett County Planning and Development

Mary T Root, Satilla Business Services

Gregg Simon, Metro Atlanta Chamber

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

Wilhelm J. Ziegler, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP

 

GEDA Welcomes Jim Finch

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

 

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

Jim can be reached at jfinch@georgia.org.

 

January 2014 Newsletter

Featured Articles

• 2014 Job Tax Credit Rankings
• Legislative Day Update
• Grant Deadline is Friday
• New Members
• DCA's Community Development Institute

 

2014 Job Tax Credit Ranking

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Legislative Day Update

 

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

 

Thank you to our generous sponsor:

 

 

Application Deadline is FRIDAY!

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

Award Opportunities Only Available During Round 1:

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

 

Other Funds Available During this Round

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

2014 Events Calendar

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

2014 Calendar is available now too!

 

New Members in December and January

Jennie Agerton, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.

Stephanie Aylworth, City of Powder Springs

David Bernd, Covington/Newton County Chamber

Jim Eshleman, Yates Construction

Steven A. Gonzales

ReKasa Hart, Clinch County Development Authority

Laura K. Johnson, Savannah Economic Development Authority

James Johnson Jr., Covington Newton County Chamber

Marc Martin, Perry Area Chamber of Commerc

Kelsey Ann Pauxtis-Thomas, Camden County JDA

Joseph Peet, CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN

Christian Perry

Marion Phillips

Bill Price, Georgia Technology Authority

 

DCA's Community Development Institute

February 24-25 in Douglasville, GA

 

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

 

Click here to see the sponsorship opportunities available for 2014

 

December 2013 Newsletter

Featured Articles Economic Development Research Program Happy Holidays from GEDA 2014 is the Year to Sponsor Tis the Season to Renew New Members 2014 Grants App of the Month Economic Development Research Program Between 1985 and 2000, Georgia Tech administered the Economic Development Research Program (EDRP) which provided research services to communities throughout the state. Through this program, state resources were leveraged with a small local match to provide needed research to local communities. With funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), that program was re-introduced on a limited basis last year. Two projects were awarded in Liberty County and Grady County, which are still on-going. However, there is a second-round of funding that is being made available for 2014 and it is time to submit your requests. If your community has a need for innovative research, is willing to become actively involved in the project during the study phase and follow-up implementation, and is willing to provide some level of cost match, Georgia Tech and EDA want to partner with you to conduct the research. For more information on this new resource, you can contact Dr. Alfie Meek, the Director of Innovation Strategy & Impact at Georgia Tech (alfie.meek@innovate.gatech.edu). You may fill out an application at http://communityinnovation.org/edrp/research-project-application/. The deadline to apply for the 2014 funding is December 31, 2013. The final projects will be chosen by the EDRP Board and awards will be announced by February 1. The goal is that the paperwork can be taken care of during the month of February and research can begin in March 2014. As before, there are limited funds available and projects will be chosen based on local commitment, likelihood of implementation, level of cost match, and obviously a match with the capabilities of the research team at Georgia Tech. We look forward to getting your applications and partnering with you to meet your community’s research needs. GEDA Holiday Hours The GEDA office will be open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day.  We will be closed on those three days in accordance with the state holiday calendar. Happy Holidays from GEDA   Thank you. You have made 2013 an unbelievable success in every way we could possibly imagine. While we certainly spent a great deal of time planning for a fantastic 50th Anniversary celebration, you responded in such a positive way that it is difficult to grasp. Attendance figures are through the roof, sponsorships set records in every category that we can measure, membership is now over 800, approaching pre-Great Recession numbers. GEDA proactively worked to get our name and purpose out in more public areas through a communications strategy. Starting with the 32-page publication that came with your January Georgia Trend and continuing through multiple placements in newspapers all over the state, more citizens know about economic development than ever before. Thank you. GEDA is moving forward into our 2nd 50 years and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.   2014 is the Year to Sponsor Calling all sponsors!  Now is the time to grab your spot on GEDAs 2014 calendar.  With an event almost every month, there's something for everyone no matter your budget.  Some changes to note for the upcoming sponsorship season: There are three sponsorships available for each of these luncheons: Legislative, Meet the Brokers & Consultants Panel. There is only one spot left for Champions Circle. Sponsorships range from $200-10,000 Our sponsorships always sell out so don't be left behind.  Click here for the full sponsorship prospectus.  For availalility and to lock in your event or program of preference, email mgworley@southernco.com. Tis the Season to Renew! It's time to renew your membership to the organization that you can't live without.  What better gift can you give yourself and/or your employees this season than the gift of education and networking to further your careers?  Don't miss all that we have in store for you in 2014.  Renew your membership now by click here, log in and then click the red button that says "RENEW". 2014 Events Calendar January 29.  Legislative Day at the The Freight Room. 2014 Calendar is available now too! New Members in November! Jennie Allison, CSRA Regional Commission Allen Bernhardt, Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development Ashley M Brown, Macon Economic Development Commission Brion Fitzpatrick, Inman Solar Colin Martin, Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce Nathan Mize, Mize & Mize Michael Eugene Mizell, Millennium Security Services, LLC Summer Nix, Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce Be On the Lookout for GEDA Grants Available in January! Each year, GEDA awards thousands of dollars in grants to support the professional development of our members. These funds cover a significant portion of the expenses associated with many of the programs you value. In 2013, more than $15,000 were awarded through three rounds of applications and we are doing it again in 2014. Round 1 applications will be due in early February. Programs which may be eligible for support during Round 1 will include: Basic Economic Development Course in Atlanta, GA CEcD Exam Community Development Institute Economic Development Institute IEDC courses International Missions Penn Worden (general purpose professional development grant) In these tight fiscal times, let GEDA help you continue your professional development journey. Apply for a grant today! To download an application, please go to the Professional Development Committee documents page. For further information on GEDA’s scholarship program, please contact Justin Strickland, 2014 Professional Development Committee chair. App of the Month "From Dec. 26 to Jan. 6, Apple will offer a free gift every day from the App Store or iTunes. That means free books, movies, apps, songs right after you've opened that brand new iPad or iPhone. Each deal is only available for 24 hours. But in order to find out about those giveaways you'll need to download Apple's "12 Days of Gifts" app, which is available now in the App Store." -ABC News Have an app to recommend to us?   Fill out this simple form.

November 2013 Newsletter

Featured Articles Pushing the Boundary on Innovation: Center of Innovation for Life Sciences & IT State of the Ports Exercise your Leadership by Serving as a Grader Georgia Named No. 1 by Site Selection November Luncheon and GDEcD Open House Renew Your Membership In Memory of Walt Bellamy New Members Back in Time Pushing the Boundary on Innovation: Center of Innovation for Life Sciences & IT As the fifth largest IT employer in the nation and with more than 165,000 technology employees, Georgia is a hub for innovation. The Center of Innovation for Life Sciences & IT is a leader when it comes to helping these businesses and industries thrive. The Center’s industry experience and insight provides companies with essential resources to solve problems, grow quickly and compete globally. Let us help you find the right solutions to meet your company’s unique needs. Are you our next success story? Visit  Tech.GeorgiaInnovation.org to learn more. State of the Ports Luncheon and Conference on 11/13 at the Westin Buckhead The Georgia Chamber invites you to attend the 2013 State of the Ports Luncheon and Transportation Conference on November 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The event will be held at the Westin Buckhead Atlanta and feature speakers Governor Nathan Deal, Mayor Kasim Reed (invited) and Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Curtis Foltz.  Click here for more details and to register. Exercise your Leadership by Serving as a Grader Calling all CEcDs!! IEDC is requesting your participation in the CEcD grading process for the Atlanta, GA CEcD Exam for two credits towards your recertification. The exam is a two-day process on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 2013.  The grading process will begin at 12:30 pm local time on Saturday, December 14. Please make travel and accommodation arrangements to arrive on Friday, December 13 or early Saturday, December 14.  Interested?  Fill out this form and email it to rthomas@iedconline.org. Georgia Named No. 1 by Site Selection “Making Georgia the premiere state in the nation for business has been a strategic goal from Day One of my administration. We have worked hard to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate business needs not only today, but in the future. Achieving this national recognition means we are on the right track and reminds us of the importance of continuing to strive for excellence in all we do.” - Governor Nathan Deal Click here to read the full article in Site Selection Magazine. Consultants Panel and GDEcD Open House on November 18 Our annual Consultants Panel just got better with the addition of the Open House at the Georgia Department of Economic Development before and after the luncheon!  Our Partnerships are here to maximize your membership value so don't miss out on this opportunity. If you haven't registered for this month's luncheon, now is the time.  Click here to register for the November 18th luncheon at the Renaissance Midtown Atlanta.  We will be hearing from Jeff Forsythe, McCallum Sweeney Consulting, William Hearn, Site Dynamics, and Gary Yates, Jones Lang LaSalle with Jonathan Sangster, Georgia Power as our panel moderator.    2014 is Right Around the Corner! The holiday season is upon us and it will be time to renew your GEDA membership dues.  What better gift to give yourself than another year in this organization that you love so much?  Click here to renew your dues if you haven't done so already. We also want to get on your calendar in advance so here's a list of the event dates for 2014: January 29 - Legislative Day February 17  March 17  April 21  May 14-16 - Spring Workshop at Brasstown Valley Resort June 16  August 18 September 17-19 - Annual Conference at Hyatt Savannah Riverfront October 20  November 17 You can add prepaid meals to your membership dues for a bargain price of $240 by emailing us at ccrossfield@georgia.org.  For a list of our (and other industry) events, go to our Calendar of Events.  We will be updating that throughout the year. In Memory of Walt Bellamy GEDA is sad to report that Walt Bellamy passed away on Saturday. Walt is best known as a Hall of Fame center in the NBA, playing with several teams including our Atlanta Hawks. After his basketball career, he began a career in service – to the Democratic National Convention as a three-time delegate and as Senate Doorkeeper at the Georgia General Assembly. Most recently, Walt served as Secretary-Treasurer of the College Park Business & Industrial Development Authority. More information about his playing career can be found here. Rest in peace, Mr. Bellamy. 2013 Events Calendar November 18.  Consultants Panel at the Renaissance Midtown Atlanta December.  NO MEETING.  Happy Holidays! 2014 Calendar is available now too! New Members in October! Shawn Gunn, Gwinnett County Economic Development General Bob McMahon, 21st Century Partnership Chrissy Miner, 21st Century Partnership Woody Vaughan, King & Spalding App of the Month Did you switch to an iPhone but miss your BlackBerry Messenger?  Well that ends today (actually it ended 10/21). Last month one of BlackBerry's most popular features finally finds its way to iPhone and Android as an official app.  Click here to read more and get the link to the app on your device. Have an app to recommend to us?   Fill out this simple form.   Back in Time On November 22, 2013, our nation will arrive at the 50th anniversary of the assassination of our 35th President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Jr. While traveling in a motorcade in Dallas, TX with First Lady Jacqueline and Texas Governor John Connally, President Kennedy was shot and fatally wounded at 1:30 pm Eastern Standard Time. At 3:33 pm, Lyndon Baines Johnson was sworn in as our 36th President once Kennedy was pronounced dead. The oath was administered aboard Air Force One, with Jacqueline Kennedy by his side. By that evening, Lee Harvey Oswald had been arrested and charged in the murders of Dallas police officer JD Tippit and President Kennedy. Two days later, on November 24, night club operator Jack Ruby shot and killed Oswald as he was being transported from a police holding facility to the county jail. The shooting was caught on live TV and was witnessed by millions.   A jury found Ruby guilty of murder and sentenced him to death. While awaiting a trial date for his appeal to be heard, Ruby became ill and died of pulmonary embolism due to lung cancer. Ten months later, the Warren Commission presented President Johnson an 889-page report that stated that Oswald and Ruby had both acted alone in their actions. Georgia’s own US Senator Richard Russell, Jr. served on the Warren Commission.

October 2013 Newsletter

Featured Articles The Value of the Right Connections: Thrush Aircraft CMAA Economic Breakfast Panel Annual Conference: a Huge Success UGA ED Course Brooke Lucas, 40 Under 40 New Members App of the Month Back in Time The Value of the Right Connections: Thrush Aircraft Thrush Aircraft is a global leader in the aviation sector, producing aircraft for agricultural spray operations. Through the help of the Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace, they were able to create their newest model, the 510G and added over 40 jobs to their manufacturing facility in Albany, Georgia. This video is the perfect example of the support the Center of Innovation for Aerospace provides Georgia-based businesses. Learn more of their story here. CMAA-SAC Economic Breakfast Panel CMAA-SAC welcomes GEDA member panelists Bill Dobbs, Brian Dill and Misti Martin on October 15 at the Buckhead Club. In an economy making a brisk recovery, state and local Economic Development Agencies are playing a more pivotal role in attracting business from around the world. The evolution of project delivery models speak to this as do accelerated development models being employed throughout the industry. What are the State of Georgia and local economic development authorities doing in an effort to streamline industry and job creation? This breakfast panel made up of state and local developers from areas attracting global business will discuss their role in the creation of opportunities for their communities and the connection to the construction industry.  Click here for more information and to register. Annual Conference was a Huge Success GEDA's 50th Anniversary Conference was the biggest and best in years- rave reviews and record attendance!  We truly enjoyed seeing everyone gathered to celebrate with us for such a monumental occasion.   Thank you to all those involved in making it a huge success!  Go to the conference page for access to photos, videos, presentations, the attendee list and a list of our generous sponsors. UGA Course for Economic Development Professionals Successful economic development professionals understand how financial packages are structured and the importance of financing options in attracting and retaining companies. The University of Georgia is offering a new training course about just that targeted to economic development professionals. The course will be a one-day session held on December 5, 2013 here in Athens. A reception will be held on the evening of December 4 for anyone staying overnight. Breakfast, lunch and the training materials are included in the fee. The next course will be held on February 5, 2014 in Tifton. Click here for more details.  Brooke Lucas, Georgia Trend's "Forty Under Forty" Brooke Lucas of Atlanta, chief of staff for the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL), has been named one of Georgia Trend magazine’s “Forty Under Forty.” Each year, the magazine recognizes outstanding Georgians under the age of 40 representing business, government, politics, nonprofits, science, conservation and education. Lucas, 33, joined the GDOL in January 2011, when newly elected State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler appointed her deputy commissioner for workforce development. In January 2012, Butler promoted her to chief of staff. “Brooke has brought innovation, leadership, and her vast knowledge of economic development to this organization and is one of the architects of change for this department,” said Butler. “Through my years in public service, I have met many people from all walks of life across Georgia, and I can tell you that Brooke ranks in the very top.” In her role as chief of staff, Lucas manages the day-to-day operations of the GDOL and acts as liaison between the labor commissioner’s office, the Governor’s Office, and the Georgia General Assembly. Also, she consults with state agencies and businesses on a myriad of labor and workforce issues.  Butler says Lucas has worked extensively to broaden the department’s focus on providing enhanced services to employers, who are vital to economic development and job creation. She has helped lead the development of two units that are central to the way the GDOL provides services to jobseekers and employers – the Special Workforce Assistance Team (SWAT) and the Business Services Unit (BSU).  Click here for the full press release. 2013 Events Calendar October 21. Awards Luncheon. Museum of Aviation, Warner Robins November 18. Monthly Luncheon.  Renaissance Midtown Atlanta. December 14-15. CEcD Exam by IEDC. Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Welcome New Members! Tim Fenbert, Southern States Regional Center Marie Garrett, City of Brookhaven Catherine Mary Jennings, Gas South Marc Jerome Litt, Building and Earth Science, Inc. Bates Mattison, City of Brookhaven Molly Olson Andrea Rimer, Troutman Sanders App of the Month Pocket has been called the “DVR for the web” by The New York Times, Businessweek, and TechCrunch. When you find an interesting article, video or web page that you want to read, watch or view later, put it in Pocket. Once it’s in Pocket, it automatically syncs across to your phone, tablet and computer so you can view it anytime on any device, even without an internet connection. Free for iPad and iPhone.  Back in Time Fifty years ago no one had heard of USB or iPhones/Pads/etc.  Here's a list of inventions and the "hottest" tech toys in 1963: Nov 18th - Bell Telephone introduces push button telephone Jul 1st - US postal service institutes (Zone Improvement Plan) zip code Sep 16th - WVAN TV channel 9 in Savannah, GA (PBS) begins broadcasting Laser is first used for eye surgery Roche labs introduces Valium Oral Polio Vaccine (with lump of sugar) Measles vaccine – John Enders Easy-Bake Oven Lava Lamp (Astro Light) Cassette Tape Computer mouse – Douglas Engelbart

September 2013 Newsletter

Featured Articles Countdown to Annual Be a Volunteer Rock Star Last Call for Champions Circle New Members App of the Month Back in Time 50th Anniversary Annual Conference GEDA's 50th Anniversary Conference is just days away!  Are you registered?  Will you be amung the vendors exhibiting to the largest crowd of economic developers in one building in years?  We hope you answered yes to at least one of those questions.  We have worked tirelessly with an amazing group of volunteers to put together valuable programming, delicious menus, and great networking opportunities including but not limited to the app, exhibit area, and optional activities.  Click here to see who else is registered.  Be a Volunteer Rock Star This article marks a shift in content for the monthly Gazette.  We would like to offer more editorial pieces like this one (originally submitted by Mike Pennington for the SEDC weekly blog).  It is not our intention that this content will be created by GEDA staff, but by YOU!  Feel free to submit an article that you think the membership would find valuable. I know you’ve heard it before … you’ve probably even said it many times before. Join with me, “You can only get from an association what you put into it.” Stated differently, your volunteer activity is directly proportional to the benefits you receive from engagement. We have heard it time and time again and we likely have seen it come to fruition. However, it can still be daunting when you are taking those first steps with a new group or organization. Do my skills match what they’re looking for? Do they have a need for someone like me? Do I have anything of value to provide them? The answers to those questions are yes, Yes and YES! Sometimes the biggest obstacle can be overcoming any self-doubt or apprehension about trying to get involved with a new group. Often times, you may not know anyone within the organization and will have to start over by proving that you have the talent and experience to contribute. Rest assured, we have all been there before. There are a few rules to follow when finding the right place to ‘plug in.’ Follow these and you’ll be much more likely to Find Your Passion. Know Your Strengths … and Your Loves You have known you longer than anyone else. It is not bragging to know what your strengths are. (Now, telling everyone about them may cross that line.) You know what you do well and you know what you enjoy doing. What’s interesting is, those two may not always match. You may discover that you have a great talent for writing but you cannot stand doing it. Or you may think that you would love to paint, but have no shred of artistic ability. Do not force yourself to use your talents in an arena where you have no passion. That will only lead eventually to burnout. The key is to find that place where your interest and your skills are at a high. As you can see in the graph, there are four potential outcomes when you volunteer, based on your skills (actual, not perceived) and your level of interest, or passion, for the subject. - When both skills and interest are low, you will not be able to contribute a great deal to the tasks or discussions. This is neither your area of expertise nor something you care about. Please avoid falling into the “What Were You Thinking?” category! - High skill plus low interest will lead to the Burnout mentioned earlier. - Activities in which you have little skill but great interest could lead to a situation where you do more harm than good. You could be seen as more a Nuisance than someone who is actually contributing. - Finally, of course you want to be the Rock Star; the person who has a high level of skill and a high level of interest. THIS is your passion! THIS is where you should volunteer your time, talent and resources. You know what you love. You know what you do well. Find where those two lines intersect and you have found where you have great potential to succeed as a volunteer. When you find that right spot, you can confidently begin contributing to the larger group. Associations and organizations are absolutely ecstatic to find new Rock Stars! Be a GEDA volunteer rock star! Last Call for Champions Circle We are thrilled to announce that 4 of the 5 Champions Circle sponsorships have been sold for 2014!  Only one spot left.  Who will it be?  Email Brian Dill if you are interested.  As a quick reminder, these four companies have agreed to sponsor GEDA throughout 2014.  This is the first time we have ever offered a package like this one and we couldn't be more excited about the response!  Be prepared to see the following four logos a lot next year.  And yours could be the 5th and final logo. THANK YOU to: Development Authority of Fulton County Georgia Power Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority King & Spalding YOUR NAME HERE    2013 Events Calendar September 25-27.  Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Savannah  October 21. Awards Luncheon. Museum of Aviation, Warner Robins, GA December 14-15. CEcD Exam by IEDC. Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Welcome New Members! Phillip Barry, Avison Young Jaime Riggs, Candler County Industrial Authority App of the Month It will probably come as no surprise to anyone that we think our app is the best so we nominated it and took a vote here and it won App of the Month.  It's where you can go to find out anything related to the Annual Conference from room names and the agenda to who's there and who's is exhibiting       Back in Time Check out that top TV shows of 1963.  Did you catch the originals of any of these or just the reruns?   The Beverly Hillbillies   Bonanza   The Dick Van Dyke Show   Petticoat Junction   The Andy Griffith Show   The Lucy Show   Candid Camera   The Ed Sullivan Show   The Danny Thomas Show   My Favorite Martian   The Red Skelton Show   I’ve Got a Secret   Lassie   The Jack Benny Program   The Jackie Gleason Show   The Donna Reed Show   The Virginian   The Patty Duke Show   Dr. Kildare   Gunsmoke