News Archive
January 3, 2022 | January 2022 Grants, Loans and Other Funding Opportunities
Each month, ECG puts together a list of funding opportunities for businesses. Click here to view the list.
(READ MORE)December 15, 2021 | University of Georgia Public Service & Outreach
Georgia Works
Workforce development is job one for UGA outreach programs
Story by Kelly Simmons
Interest in available jobs at Dot Foods in Vidalia had dropped so low during the pandemic that in June 2021 management resorted to raffling off prizes to employees who brought in new applicants.
“We were bashing our heads against the wall to figure out how we could generate applications,” said Tim Truxel, general manager of Dot Foods. “Overnight our applications shot through the roof.”
That let Truxel know that many people in the rural southeast Georgia community were not aware of the employment opportunities and benefits available. Working with the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, he and other local business leaders planned a job fair to bring employers and unemployed residents together. Since then, applications to Dot Foods have risen back to pre-pandemic levels, and Vidalia has continued to work with the Vinson Institute to develop and implement a strategy to build a stable workforce, for the long term.
Workforce development is perhaps the most critical issue facing many of Georgia’s communities. Even before the pandemic, businesses across the state were struggling to fill positions, while nearby residents traveled miles from home to get to jobs that matched their skill sets.
(READ MORE)December 13, 2021 | Seventeen Georgia Companies Receive 2021 GLOBE Awards ...
ATLANTA – December 14, 2021 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced its International Trade division’s 2021 GLOBE Award recipients. This state-led awards program highlights Georgia companies that expanded sales to new international markets in the previous year. During 2020, a year marked by pandemic-caused disruptions and uncertainty, the 17 GLOBE winners exported to 50 distinct countries.
“It’s always a pleasure to celebrate the resilience and work of our Georgia companies, and especially with so many of this year’s winners being small businesses,” said Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp. “The number of Georgia companies that transformed obstacles into opportunities again last year is truly incredible, and we will continue to help provide support to these hardworking Georgians through our award-winning international trade team at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.”
The 2021 GLOBE Award winners come from across the State of Georgia, and more than 80% of this year’s winners are small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Additionally, more than 70% of the winners have worked with GDEcD’s International Trade team on entering and expanding to new markets for at least three consecutive years.
New this year, two companies also received a separate Global Grit Award for earning five consecutive GLOBE distinctions from the State of Georgia: Hydro Dynamics, Inc. in Rome, and Richland Distilling Company in Richland.
“During 2020, Georgia for the first time became a top 10 exporting state – a major recognition that would not have been possible without companies like our GLOBE Award winners,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “In a year unlike any other, these Georgia companies adapted and diversified. Congratulations to our award winners, and a special thanks to the International Trade team at the Department for their tireless efforts to help businesses grow and succeed in new international markets.”
Three outstanding companies were also recognized as 2021 Exporters of the Year in the small, medium, and large company categories. Additionally, three GLOBE winners were first time exporters in 2020: Emrgy, Inc. in Atlanta, Storm Water Systems in Cleveland, and United Spirit of America in Peachtree City.
The 2021 Exporters of the Year are:
Exporter of the Year, small company (1-20 employees): Inno Concepts Inc. dba Cocoa Town , Alpharetta
Exporter of the Year, mid-size company (21-100 employees): Quantum Aviation Solutions, Inc., Duluth
Exporter of the Year, large company (101+ employees): CentricsIT, Norcross
*** Additional details about each of the winners follow below. ***
“I’m very proud of each of our GLOBE Award winners, this year in particular. Our exporters are committed to expanding their markets, and it’s a pleasure for our team to be able to provide them with customized assistance that helps them execute their export strategies,” said Deputy Commissioner for International Trade Mary Waters. “I’m also delighted to see so many repeat GLOBE Award winners who continue to expand to new countries and increase their global reach to new customers.”
The complete list of the 2021 GLOBE Award winners:
AGRI International LLC, Marietta
Americo Manufacturing Inc., Acworth
CentricsIT, Norcross
DeLong’s Gizzard Equipment, Inc., Macon
Emrgy Inc., Atlanta
Hydro Dynamics, Inc., Rome
Inno Concepts Inc. dba CocoaTown, Alpharetta
Osborne Wood Products Inc., Toccoa
Petrolern, LLC, Brookhaven
Plurium Technologies, LLC, Peachtree Corners
Quantum Aviation Solutions, Inc., Duluth
Storm Water Systems, Cleveland
The Seydel Companies, Pendergrass
Trans Globe, Woodstock
United Spirit of America, Peachtree City
Universal VAT Services, Atlanta
ZCorum, Alpharetta
The GLOBE Awards program began in 2014 as a way to recognize local businesses contributing to Georgia’s economic growth through global trade. Recognized for their 2020 export activity, this year’s GLOBE winners collectively expanded their sales to six continents and 50 separate countries during calendar year 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exporter of the Year, small company: Inno Concepts Inc. dba CocoaTown
The company’s “Empowering Chocopreneurs” webinar series saw international engagement from 25-40 different counties and helped increase its Q4 sales in 2020. Despite facing difficulties throughout the pandemic, CocoaTown was able to enter five new export markets. By changing its focus from being solely a supplier to becoming a valued resource and partner, CocoaTown demonstrated creativity, commitment, and leadership.
Exporter of the Year, mid-size company: Quantum Aviation Solutions, Inc.
Quantum Aviation’s sales are almost exclusively international (85%), yet even during the pandemic it was able to secure new deals. Additionally, it adapted and modified its distribution model to maintain existing services remotely. The company‘s expansion into new markets in an industry that was heavily impacted in 2020 was a significant achievement.
Exporter of the Year, large company: CentricsIT
During the pandemic, CentricsIT was able to leverage its business model to generate cost-savings and efficiencies for its customers. It also utilized its built-in adaptability to help clients deal with situations that were complicated by the pandemic, underscoring their long-term commitment to global customers and continued growth.
GDEcD’s nationally recognized International Trade team is committed to creating opportunities for Georgia businesses to increase exports across the world through meaningful partnerships, unique international connections, and expansive export resources. GDEcD’s export team works in all industry sectors statewide and provides unbiased, solutions-focused trade consultations to Georgia companies seeking to expand their global presence. For additional information about the state’s International Trade team, visit www.georgia.org/international/trade.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.
Contact:
Marie Gordon - Director of Communications
Georgia Department of Economic Development
MGordon@georgia.org
Original release here.
(READ MORE)November 30, 2021 | Rural Georgia Initiatives
The Rural Georgia Initiatives division helps communities become more competitive for economic development projects and identify new strategies for attracting jobs and investment. This division works diligently to advance these strategies, thereby improving the quality of life for those residing in Georgia’s rural communities.
(READ MORE)November 4, 2021 | Georgia International Trade Office Accepts National Award for Export Services
Georgia International Trade Office Accepts National Award for Export Services from U.S. Department of Commerce
Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Deputy Commissioner for International Trade Mary Waters with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves
ATLANTA, November 5, 2021 —At a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C., today, Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Deputy Commissioner for International Trade Mary Waters accepted the President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service on behalf of the State of Georgia. The award, which is the highest honor given to providers of services to U.S. exporters, was presented by U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Georgia’s International Trade division earned the award in 2020, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony was postponed. GDEcD is the first entity in the nation to earn a fourth “E” Award, and Georgia entered the Top Ten exporting states for the first time in 2020. Waters accepted the honor in recognition of ongoing “significant contributions to an increase in U.S. exports.”
“I applaud the work of Georgia’s International Trade office for successfully assisting our state’s small and medium-sized businesses into new markets,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “The personalized support provided by our International Trade team highlights how Georgia continues to be named the top state for business and a global hub for jobs, innovation, and investment.”
In addition, Waters is the current President of State International Development Organizations, Inc. (SIDO), the premier U.S. organization dedicated to supporting state international trade agencies and state export development programs.
“Trade development is a significant factor in strong economic development and a thriving economy, and this award is a testament to the effectiveness of Georgia’s International Trade team,” said GDEcD Deputy Commissioner for International Trade Mary Waters. “It’s an honor to serve with both the team in Georgia to help them deliver customized assistance and services to our businesses, and with SIDO to enhance trade services across the spectrum to the benefit of all exporters.”
The Georgia Department of Economic Development actively supports export development through long-standing representation in 12 strategic international markets including Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, and the United Kingdom. These representatives play a crucial role in facilitating international connections that generate economic success. Approximately two-thirds of Georgia trade involves markets where the state has representation.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s International Trade division first earned the President’s “E” Award for Exports in 1975. Since that time, the Department has been awarded the President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service three times, in 2007, 2014, and 2020. The letter announcing this accomplishment called it “a feat not achieved by any other entity in the 59-year history of the program.”
“I again extend my congratulations and thanks to our International Trade team in Georgia and around the world for their quality work, which has earned so many accolades from the federal commerce department,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia businesses and Georgia products make a difference to a thriving U.S. and global economy, and our reach continues to grow thanks to decades of dedication and investments in the right channels for success.”
In 2020, Georgia merchandise exports reached 215 unique countries and territories and experienced the lowest rate of export contraction among all top ten states, despite headwinds from a global pandemic. Georgia exported $38.8 billion in goods as the state’s diverse industry base and global connectivity continued to drive its competitiveness. Total trade reached $137.7 billion, spanning 221 countries and territories.
About GDEcD’s International Trade division
The nationally recognized International Trade division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development works to bolster Georgia exports and brand the state as a competitive source of quality products and services. The division includes International Representatives located in 12 strategic global markets and assists Georgia companies with expanding their sales worldwide. The International Trade division provides Georgia businesses with the Global Insight and Global Connections they need to successfully diversify their international customer base.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.
Contact:
Marie Gordon - Director of Communications
Georgia Department of Economic Development
MGordon@georgia.org
Alison Wentley - Communications Specialist
Georgia Department of Economic Development
AWentley@georgia.org
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November 1, 2021 | PEACH COUNTY VOTERS SAY “YES” TO TSPLOST
The election results are in and the citizens of Peach County voted "YES" for the TSPLOST.
Peach County's TSPLOST vote has passed with 1,782 voters choosing "Yes" and 565 voters choosing "No".
100% of the funds will be used for transportation projects like streets and roads, overpasses, traffic control improvements, and more. The proceeds from this 5-year T-SPLOST is projected at a maximum $27 million. Peach County, the City of Byron, and Fort Valley have agreed to share the funds with a 62.93% (Peach County) 16.76% (City of Byron), 17.23% (City of Fort Valley) 1.89% (City of Warner Robins), 1.19% (City of Perry) split and selected projects that are important to each jurisdiction.
Click here for a list of projects.
(READ MORE)October 31, 2021 | Georgia Center of Innovation Launches New Website Following Record Year
ATLANTA – November 1, 2021 – Following a year of record impact on Georgia businesses, the Georgia Center of Innovation, a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), has refined its branding through the launch of new website assets to ensure that Georgia businesses of all sizes understand the Center’s services and benefits. In addition, the Center has secured key partnerships and added a new area of expertise focused on Agricultural Technology (AgTech).
During fiscal year 2021, the Georgia Center of Innovation had more than 700 engagements with Georgia businesses and industry organizations helping them move further, faster – an increase of over 16% from the previous fiscal year. In addition to AgTech, the teams at the Georgia Center of Innovation represent some of the state’s leading industries, including manufacturing, logistics, IT, aerospace, and energy technology. Staff with the Georgia Center of Innovation are located strategically around Georgia, partnering with businesses to take them to the next step in their journey by helping clear the path to innovation and growth through the offer of expert advice and identification of the right resources and connections. The services provided by the Center are complimentary, and considered a concierge service provided by the state.
“The Georgia Center of Innovation is constantly innovating to best help Georgia companies overcome challenges and plan for the future. We are proud to be the only state to provide this incredible benefit,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Our diverse team of industry experts connect small, large, and medium-sized businesses with solutions to source materials, offer guidance on implementing and developing technology, and provide support in countless other ways to help them succeed – and ultimately grow.”
Over the past year, the Georgia Center of Innovation also expanded its IT team by establishing a unique partnership with Augusta University and the Georgia Cyber Center that creates a shared position to deliver better on-the-ground support for companies in Augusta’s growing cybersecurity ecosystem. Additionally, the Center added support for Georgia’s growing digital media industry to its IT team. The AgTech team, supporting the No. 1 industry in Georgia, will help agribusinesses in Georgia continue to innovate by focusing on precision agriculture, controlled environment agriculture, and food product innovation. Experts at the Center consistently support Georgia Department of Economic Development business recruitment efforts, providing critical insights and aiding in ecosystem development statewide.
From helping Thomasville’s Sweet Grass Dairy reach new markets to assisting Skyfire with securing new contracts for their drone services, and ensuring Carbice could reach full-scale production for their nanotech thermal tape, the Georgia Center of Innovation’s range is only limited when businesses do not seek assistance. Further, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center led Georgia’s effort to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) needs were met by identifying and coordinating businesses that manufacture, store, and distribute a wide variety of needed PPE. The results ensured that state government agencies, nonprofits, and other businesses received the supplies they needed as efficiently as possible, and that Georgia businesses were able to sell their products to a wider consumer base through the COVID-19 Suppliers Interactive List and Map.
“If your business finds itself at an impasse, there is a good chance that one of our expert staff can advise directly or connect you to a resource that offers guidance to address your business challenge,” said Georgia Center of Innovation Executive Director David Nuckolls. “Think of the Center of Innovation as an extra complimentary resource available to Georgia businesses offered by industry experts.”
The Georgia Center of Innovation’s new website is available at Georgia.org/innovation. Additionally, a new video about the Center’s mission and the ways in which it has proven to be a resource to Georgia companies is available here.
About the Georgia Center of Innovation
Exclusive to Georgia, the Center of Innovation helps Georgia businesses “clear the path” to innovation and growth through expert advice and navigation to the right resources. While providing a wide range of services and programs to businesses of all types and sizes, the Center connects new and expanding businesses to expert staff members, external partners, and independent mentors who can help spark inspired solutions for challenges and opportunities of any size. The Georgia Center of Innovation is a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.
Contact:
Marie H. Gordon
Communications Director
mgordon@georgia.org
404-962-4075
Original release here.
(READ MORE)October 31, 2021 | TSPLOST - VOTE YES!
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UPDATE: THANK YOU, PEACH COUNTY VOTERS. YOU'VE PASSED THE TSPLOST. IT'S TIME TO HIT THE ROAD (LITERALLY) AND GET TO WORK FIXING AND IMPROVING OUR STREETS.
The transportation system throughout Peach County is the single most important and expensive infrastructure system to build and maintain. Our county roads and city streets are used daily by the traveling public. The construction and maintenance of this transportation system is vitally important to the quality of life of the residents of our community, and its attractiveness to industry and commerce. The residents of Peach County, including those who live in the City of Byron and City of Fort Valley, could take advantage of the Single-County Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST) for addressing multiple transportation concerns. From paving and resurfacing numerous streets in the City of Byron, City of Fort Valley, and the unincorporated area of Peach County. One hundred percent of the funds that are collected by this initiative will be spent on transportation projects in this community.
Peach County Chairman Martin Moseley, Mayor Michael Chidester, and Mayor Barbara Williams have signed an Intergovernmental Agreement that clears a hurdle for a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for Transportation purposes to go before voters. On June 8th, the Peach County Board of Commissioners met formally to call for the item to be placed on the November 2, 2021, ballot.
All Peach voters will consider a 1¢ sales tax that would authorize transportation projects like streets and roads, overpasses, traffic control improvements, and more. The proceeds from this 5-year T-SPLOST is projected at a maximum $27 million. Peach County, the City of Byron, and Fort Valley have agreed to share the funds with a 62.93% (Peach County) 16.76% (City of Byron), 17.23% (City of Fort Valley) 1.89% (City of Warner Robins), 1.19% (City of Perry) split and selected projects that are important to each jurisdiction.
Click here to view the list of proposed projects.
(READ MORE)October 19, 2021 | Jobs are Growing in Peach County!
There's a lot of chatter right now about jobs, lack of jobs, lack of employees for jobs ... you name it. In all reality, and a good thing for citizens in and around Peach County, there are an abundance of job openings right now - and some of them are in growing industries. Literally!
Did you know that Peach County is Georgia's No. 1 location for Controlled-environment agriculture (CEA)? Yes. We are! The massive Pure Flavor greenhouse along Highway 96 and the almost finished NEW Pete's greenhouse that is under construction makes Peach County the place to be for growing in controlled environments. As such, there are opportunities for employment.
Pete's is actively looking for production workers and other positions as is Pure Flavor. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, call our office today! 478-825-3826
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September 30, 2021 | Georgia Earns ‘Top State for Doing Business’ for 8th Consecutive Year
Atlanta, GA – October 1, 2021 – At a grand-opening event in Columbia County for Amazon’s newest robotics facility in the Peach State, Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Georgia has earned the “Top State for Doing Business” title for the eighth year in a row from Area Development.
“We’re proud to accept the title of Top State for Doing Business from Area Development for the eighth year in a row,” said Governor Kemp. “Thanks to our nation-leading workforce development efforts, resilient job creators, and strong pro-business environment, Georgia is emerging from the global pandemic with unprecedented economic momentum. My administration will remain focused on building on this solid foundation and continuing to bring more jobs and opportunity to hardworking Georgians across the state."
The executive publication’s annual poll of approximately 50 leading site consulting firms from across the U.S. considers 13 different factors to make this determination. In addition to Top State, Georgia earned a No. 1 ranking in five categories, including overall cost of doing business, cooperative and responsive state government, competitive labor environment, workforce development programs, and available real estate.
“Georgia’s strong leadership from our elected officials continues to advance our state and its workforce forward,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “From freight to fintech, agriculture to small businesses and innovation, Georgia remains an economic powerhouse. Even during a life-altering year, Georgia has seen unprecedented growth and development, all while keeping our unemployment rate as one of the lowest in the nation. I am thrilled that the efforts of our state are being recognized by Area Development for the eighth straight year.”
“From cutting taxes to investing in education and workforce development, we have worked year after year to keep Georgia the best state in the nation for business,” said Speaker David Ralston. “I appreciate Area Development’s recognition of our efforts. Being the No. 1 state for business means good quality jobs for Georgia citizens and helps us keep the state a great place to live, to work, and to raise a family. This is a team effort, and I am thankful to the professionals at the Georgia Department of Economic Development as well as our private-sector partners who represent Georgia’s business-friendly brand to companies around the globe.”
Area Development’s 2021 Top States for Doing Business results reflect the rankings that states receive based on scores in the following categories: Overall cost of doing business, cooperative and responsive state government, favorable regulatory environment, corporate tax environment, business incentives, competitive labor environment, workforce development programs, logistics and infrastructure, access to capital and project funding, available real estate, energy availability and costs, speed of permitting, and site-readiness programs. Georgia placed in the top 10 for all 13 categories.
“Area Development’s annual Top States for Doing Business Survey polls selected site location consultants who are responsible for their clients’ decisions that each year result in hundreds of new facility locations or expansions, billions of dollars in capex, and millions of square feet in new construction, but most importantly create thousands of new U.S. jobs,” said Publisher and President Dennis J. Shea.
“Over the last eight years, each award of the No. 1 state for business title from Area Development has been special. But this year, in the face of a global pandemic and all the challenges associated with COVID-19 worldwide, it is especially gratifying to continue to be recognized for our partnership with the business community to work together, regardless of global circumstances, to grow jobs and investment in every corner of the state,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “And it is very appropriate to announce this honor with Amazon, a company which has created thousands of new jobs across Georgia, while providing a platform for our small and medium-sized businesses to continue to grow. Amazon is a prime example of our partnership approach to economic development. Many thanks to Governor Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly for their continued leadership and tireless support.”
This recognition follows Governor Kemp’s announcement that the state set new economic development records during fiscal year 2021 in spite of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, investments in Georgia increased by 46%, while job creation increased 5% above prior state economic development records. Between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, new investments totaled $10.97 billion and 33,439 jobs were created.The Top State announcement was made at the grand opening of Amazon’s new robotics fulfillment center in Appling. Governor Kemp originally announced the 450,000-square-foot Amazon project in April 2020, and it is Amazon’s second robotics site in the state. Since 2010, Amazon has created more than 21,000 jobs in Georgia, and the company maintains facilities in Gwinnett County, East Point, Braselton, Jefferson, Kennesaw, Lithia Springs, Union City, and Macon, along with a site under construction in Savannah.
About Area Development
Founded in 1965, Area Development is considered the leading executive magazine covering corporate site selection and relocation. Editorial coverage provides valuable information pertinent to the factors, key issues, and criteria that affect a successful decision. Area Development is published quarterly and also maintains a website that receives more than one million visitor sessions annually.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.
Contact:
Katie Byrd - Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
katie.byrd@georgia.gov
Emily Flower - Deputy Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
emily.flower@georgia.gov
Original release here.
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