Partners
THE BEST OF GEORGIA:
EXCEPTIONAL PARTNER RELATIONSHIPS. GROW IT SWEETER WE GROW IT SWEETER
In the realm of economic development, a robust partner network is paramount to achieving swift and successful outcomes. Strong relationships with key stakeholders can expedite projects, bypassing the complexities of bureaucratic hurdles. The Development Authority of Peach County understands this principle, consistently leveraging its extensive network to deliver exceptional results. In fact, we hold the Georgia record for the fastest property transaction from initial offering to final sale – a testament to our efficiency and strategic partnerships, particularly on large-scale projects.
Beyond fostering strong relationships, we prioritize data-driven decision-making. As a licensed user of LOCI™, the industry-leading fiscal impact analysis software developed by Georgia Institute of Technology, we provide our clients with comprehensive, real-world assessments of company and community benefits. LOCI empowers us to analyze your data, identify potential concerns, and deliver actionable insights. We invite you to discover how LOCI can optimize your organization's development strategies.
Our commitment to collaboration is reflected in our strong partnerships with key organizations, including the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Department of Labor, the Economic Impact Group at Georgia Institute of Technology, and James-Bates-Brannan-Groover LLP.
James-Bates-Brannan-Groover LLP
Hays McQueen focuses his legal practice on business and corporate transactions including contractual negotiations, corporate formation, mergers, acquisitions and both public and commercial financing. In addition, he has garnered a vast array of experience in the areas of commercial litigation, appellate practice, and transactional work. Hays currently works with clients to provide advice in areas of general need ranging from the formation of the business to exit strategies including mergers, acquisitions, dissolutions, and everything in between.
Originally from Alabama but raised in Macon, Georgia, Hays graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Political Science, and he then received his Juris Doctor at Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law cum laude. Hays is a member of various civic and charitable organizations throughout the Macon area. He and his wife, Anne, have two sons, Holmes and Wood, and are active members of Vineville United Methodist Church.
Georgia Institute of Technology - Center for Economic Development Research
Georgia Tech’s Center for Economic Development Research and their group of talented economic development professionals have the research and implementation experience needed to help economic developers, community leaders, and industries alike understand the opportunities and challenges in fostering local economic development.
Alfie Meek, Ph.D., is the Director of the Center for Economic Development Research (CEDR) with Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI²).
Dr. Meek has more than 20 years of experience in economic/fiscal impact analysis and community-based research. Before joining EI², Alfie served for nine years as the Chief Economist and Director of Economic Development for the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. In that role, he was integral in the development and implementation of Partnership Gwinnett, a community-wide strategic plan that was named the best multi-year economic development program for large communities by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2010. Before his time in Gwinnett County, he spent three years as the Director of Applied Research at The University of Georgia’s Business Outreach Services and Small Business Development Center, and served for five years on the faculty at the Georgia Institute of Technology as an economist and project director for the Center for Economic Development Services. Preceding his tenure at Georgia Tech, Alfie was the Research Economist for SunTrust Banks, Inc.
His current areas of special focus include economic/fiscal impact analysis, forecasting and modeling, work-force issues, tax policy analysis, and target industry analysis. In addition to his research, Dr. Meek speaks widely on topics relating to economic impact and economic development. Dr. Meek has also written for economic development-related publications, as well as other periodicals. His research on the size and economic impact of the sports industry in the United States was published in Sports Marketing Quarterly. This research has been written about and cited in numerous publications – USA Today, Georgia Trend, Financial Times London, Fortune Magazine, and Investor’s Business Daily among others.
Alfie is an active member of the National Association for Business Economics, and is past president of the Atlanta Economics Club. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Georgia, a Master’s degree in Business Economics from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs - Region 6 
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is dedicated to empowering Georgia's communities by cultivating a climate of success for businesses and families. Through strategic partnerships, funding opportunities, and a suite of impactful programs, the DCA stimulates economic development and growth throughout the state.
In Middle Georgia, Tonya Mole, the Region 6 Representative for the DCA, serves as a key resource for local governments and citizens. With a distinguished career spanning nearly 20 years, beginning with the OneGeorgia Authority, Tonya brings a deep understanding of economic development principles and practices. She provides expert guidance on identifying state and federal resources, offers technical and educational assistance to strengthen local leadership, and fosters regional cooperation to drive positive change. Her specialized knowledge in deal structuring and project financing enables her to deliver customized, on-site support to communities.
Tonya's collaborative approach is underscored by her strong relationships with regional partners, including the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, Georgia Power, Georgia EMC, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Department of Labor, and Central Georgia Technical College. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of economic development, Tonya provides insights and assistance on initiatives ranging from small business expansion and workforce development to housing revitalization and tourism promotion. She offers expert guidance on programs such as the OneGeorgia Authority Equity Program, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), the Employment Incentive Program (EIP), the CDBG Redevelopment Fund (RDF), the Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund, and the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.
Facilitating business expansion in Georgia is a core mission of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and their Regional Project Managers are essential to achieving this goal. These professionals provide a wide array of free and comprehensive services, directly supporting the growth of over 1,000 Georgia businesses each year. Candice Scott, the Region 6 Project Manager, works closely with the Development Authority of Peach County, providing practical assistance on a variety of major projects. Her expertise covers critical areas such as site selection, detailed searches for new or available buildings, and expert guidance on building layout and industrial engineering. She also offers vital support in workforce recruitment, labor training, and retraining, ensuring businesses have access to a skilled workforce. For businesses looking to expand their market reach, Candice provides export assistance, facilitates participation in international trade missions, and helps develop effective export strategies. She also assists in the creation of existing business councils, the development of compelling prospect packages, and the implementation of supplier attraction strategies. Her knowledge of Georgia's tax incentives, including tax credits, exemptions, and the Freeport exemption on inventories, as well as financing options and utility availability and costs, further supports business growth. Candice Scott's practical assistance and deep understanding of economic development are pivotal in driving growth in Peach County and across the region.
Technical College System of Georgia (GA DOL) - Region 6
Aundrea Simmons is the Regional Coordinator for the Technical College System of Georgia. She supports Region 6, the Heart of Georgia, which covers 11 counties. Aundrea is a graduate of Tennessee Technological University, located in Cookeville, Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She currently serves on the Middle Georgia Workforce Development Board and the Hutchings College and Career Academy Board. Aundrea joined the Georgia Department of Labor in 2002 and has held various positions during her tenure that has allowed her to faithfully serve the state of Georgia in bringing the Georgia Workforce System and economic development community together. Aundrea Simmons, Regional Coordinator of Region 6, places an emphasis on a more employer-driven service delivery by providing employers customized solutions to workforce issues.
As part of the team, she is able to provide insight on current area labor workforce trends and express the specific qualifications employers are seeking in qualified individuals. She brings almost 20 years of experience working with dislocated workers, targeted industries, and students of the future workforce. She has a proven track record as a multi-talented professional who brings best business practices through her broad knowledge base of unemployment insurance, employment services, reemployment services, and is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer.
