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.