News Archive
April 22, 2021 | Peach County High School Students win at Spring 2021 Stock Market Game
All students enrolled in Dr. Sneed’s Financial Literacy or Banking, Investing, and Insurance Course participated in a 10-week simulation stock market game and competed against other high school students in Georgia. The game is designed to help students build a fundamental understanding of investing while providing them with real world skills practice in Math, English Language Arts, Economics, and other subjects.
Students were assigned $100,000 and were required to trade and manage their own investment portfolio. The winning team for Georgia’s Second Congressional District consisted of Ajayla Williams and Darren Slaughter. These students had a winning portfolio value of $119,191.96. This team also finished 45th overall out of 2,746 teams.
As a Congressional district winner, students will receive a certificate, t-shirt, a classroom pennant and the opportunity to win other prizes at the virtual awards ceremony on May 11th. Students will be recognized among all top teams from each of Georgia’s 14 Congressional Districts. The virtual ceremony is in lieu of the Stock Market Game Luncheon traditionally held at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA.
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April 14, 2021 | GPA’s March container trade leaps 48 percent
Intermodal rail posts significant gains
The Georgia Ports Authority handled record volume in March, with total tonnage across all terminals increasing by 26.9 percent, or nearly 860,000 tons, to more than 4 million tons. GPA has approved projects to increase annual capacity at the Port of Savannah by 1.4 million twenty-foot equivalent container units. Find print quality images here. (Georgia Authority / Jeremy Polston)
SAVANNAH, Ga., April 15, 2021 – The Port of Savannah handled an all-time record of nearly 500,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units in March, an increase of more than 48 percent, or 162,275 TEUs, compared to the same month in 2020.
“Every new container that moves through the Port of Savannah means new jobs for Georgia,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “The port and the entire logistics community continue to serve as an economic engine for Coastal Georgia and the entire state as we accelerate our economic recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This record-setting month proves that Georgia is open for business!”
Counting the 498,000 TEUs moved in March, GPA wrapped up the third quarter with a fiscal year-to-date (July-March) total of 3.9 million TEUs, on track to top 5 million for the first time ever in a single year.
“Over the past six months, unprecedented volumes have crossed our docks, but Georgia’s logistics community and GPA’s employees have risen to the occasion by working long hours and bringing on additional staff,” said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. “To ensure our vessel operations and terminal services continue to keep pace with our growth, GPA is expediting a series of infrastructure projects from berth and container yard improvements to the expansion of intermodal rail.”
GPA’s Mason Mega Rail Terminal volumes grew by 29.7 percent in March, moving an additional 10,924 containers for a total of 47,684. At the Appalachian Regional Port, intermodal lifts increased 37.7 percent for the month, up by 761 containers compared to March 2020, for a total of 2,782 containers.
“Last month’s performance constitutes a massive turn-around from the same period a year ago,” said GPA Board Chairman Will McKnight. “The Board’s decision to invest more than $100 million per year over the next three years will not only make Savannah better able to handle this new level of trade, but to take on additional business as our customers grow.”
Over the coming months, GPA will add container yard space and rail capacity, as well as growing its big ship service capabilities and crane fleet. By September, GPA will commission Phase I of a project that will add a total of 650,000 TEUs of space at Garden City Terminal. A separate project adding 750,000 TEUs of annual capacity will open for operation in 2023.
Also this year, the second set of nine new working tracks will begin serving customers at the Mason Mega Rail Terminal, increasing GPA’s rail lift capacity to 2 million TEUs per year.
To enhance its vessel services, GPA will straighten a bend at Garden City Terminal’s Berth 1. By 2023, the Port of Savannah will be able to simultaneously serve four 15,000-TEU vessels as well as three additional ships. In the same time frame, GPA is adding eight new ship-to-shore cranes to work the larger vessels, bringing its total fleet to 38.
Georgia’s deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support more than 496,700 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute $29 billion in income, $122 billion in revenue and $3.4 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. The Port of Savannah handled 9.3 percent of total U.S. containerized cargo volume and 10.5 percent of all U.S. containerized exports in FY2020.
For more information, visit gaports.com, or contact GPA Chief Communications Officer Robert Morris at (912) 964-3855 or rmorris@gaports.com.
Read original press release here.
(READ MORE)April 12, 2021 | Gov Kemp:$8.43 Billion, 24K+ Jobs from Economic Development Projects During 1st Three Quarters of FY
ATLANTA, April 13, 2021 —Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), today announced that more than 24,000 jobs were created across all regions of the state by economic development projects in Georgia during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2021. These projects total over $8.43 billion in new investments, representing a 67% increase in new investments compared to the first nine months of the previous fiscal year. Likewise, job creation is up 49% over the same period during fiscal year 2020.
“Creating high-paying jobs for hardworking Georgians – no matter their zip code – has been a key priority of mine since day one,” said Governor Kemp. “These numbers show that our continued, targeted investments in K-12 education, workforce development, and innovative partnerships are doing exactly what they’re supposed to – delivering opportunities to Georgians in every corner of the Peach State.”
During the third quarter of the fiscal year between January and March 2021, Georgia also further solidified its position as an internationally recognized tech hub and data center region with game-changing commitments from Airbnb, The Adecco Group, and Google. Microsoft also announced plans to build on their existing Georgia footprint to develop one of the company’s largest hubs in metro Atlanta. The company will also establish new data centers in Fulton and Douglas counties. Georgia’s significant fiscal year-to-date totals do not include complete details on the expected investments and job creation totals from Microsoft or Airbnb.
Georgia business expansions accounted for 68% of all projects and total investments as companies chose the state as the best locations for growth. New locations to the state accounted for 58% of new jobs in economic development projects from July 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021.
Food processing, manufacturing, and logistics and distribution industries in the state continued their robust pace of development, accounting for 63% of jobs created by economic development projects. Georgia’s automotive and information and technology industries also continued to flourish, accounting for nearly 5,000 new jobs generated three-quarters into the fiscal year.
A few examples of newly announced projects across the state include Freshly opening their first Southeastern U.S. facility in Cobb County, Sailfish Boats expanding in the southwest Georgia city of Cairo, and Feit Electric investing in their first East Coast distribution facility in McDonough. Brake pad supplier KB Autosys selected Meriwether County in west Georgia for their first U.S. automotive manufacturing facility, near customers in the region, such as Hyundai, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, and General Motors.
“Georgia’s economy is diverse, promising, and continuing to gain momentum,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “One year ago today, we faced an extremely volatile and uncertain economic future. I extend my thanks to all of our private and public sector partners for the incredible amount of resilience they have shown and for helping us maintain Georgia’s position as the No. 1 state to live, work, and raise a family.”
To view state announcements from the first three quarters of the fiscal year, visit www.georgia.org/newsroom.
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
Mallory Blount - Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
mallory.blount@georgia.gov
Emily Flower - Deputy Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
emily.flower@georgia.gov
Original article found here.
(READ MORE)April 7, 2021 | Indoor Greens Company Pete’s to Open First Eastern U.S. Indoor Farming Facility, Invest $18 Million
ATLANTA, April 8, 2021 —Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Pete’s, a long-time, California-based greenhouse grower, will invest $18 million in opening their first eastern U.S. indoor, controlled environment agriculture facility in Warner Robins in Peach County, Georgia.
“Agriculture is our top industry, and Pete’s will bring another game-changing, innovative, and sustainable indoor farming facility to Georgia as we continue to feed the world from the Peach State,” said Governor Kemp. “Georgia’s No. 1 business climate, top-notch logistics network, and commitment to innovation continue to attract jobs and opportunities for hardworking Georgians, and I thank Pete’s for investing in Peach County and the surrounding region.”
Providing access to fresh, local, and sustainable greens to heavily populated areas as well as regions where fresh greens may not be readily available is a top priority of Pete’s. The company is planning on utilizing 24 acres of growing area in Peach County to satisfy their retail and foodservice partners’ needs. The indoor growing facility will require 90% less land and water compared to traditional farming.
“The food we put into our bodies has environmental implications,” said Brian Cook, Pete’s CEO. “Our ethos has always been centered around taking care of our team, our local communities, and the environment. Our goal with our new Georgia facility is to expand on our mission, helping to ensure that consumers in the Southeast have access to clean, sustainable greens that are grown close to home.”
Pete’s new facility will be located in Robins International Industrial Park, a “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) Certified site, with “Select” status. To earn GRAD program certification from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, a property must undergo due diligence and complete specific certification requirements prior to a visit by a prospective business. Completing the GRAD certification program with GDEcD is a proactive way both community planners and land owners can help catalyze economic growth and industrial development for the regions they serve. The GRAD Select status is an indication that a site has met or exceeded more rigorous certification requirements to attract development.
Fifteen jobs will be created, and the company will be hiring for a variety of positions including general manager, production, growing, logistics, food safety, and office manager, as well as general administrative roles. Individuals interested in career opportunities with Pete’s are encouraged to visit eatpetes.com for additional information.
“Peach County is thrilled to welcome Pete’s to middle Georgia,” said B.J. Walker, executive director of the Peach County Development Authority. “This new advanced agricultural project not only brings new jobs and investment into our community, but also highlights Peach County as a leader in high-tech, sustainable agriculture.”
Project Manager for the Global Commerce division Alex Jones represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) on this project in partnership with Georgia EMC and the Peach County Development Authority.
“Georgians continue to want access to local, sustainable Georgia Grown vegetables and produce, and it is exciting to welcome Pete’s to our growing list of innovative, science-driven ag-tech companies in Georgia who will do just that,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “I am very grateful to Pete’s for investing in the future of agriculture in Georgia, and thank all of our partners and state legislators who continue to prioritize our university research assets and training programs, which help attract innovative companies to the state.”
“This announcement is great news for the people of Peach County,” said Brian Marlowe, deputy commissioner for Rural Georgia Initiatives and director of the Governor’s Rural Strike Team. “Projects like this show what is possible in rural communities across our state. We will continue to have a focus on bringing more jobs and investment to the people of rural Georgia.”
Consisting of four varieties, Pete’s Greenhouse Fresh will offer environmentally conscious consumers in the Southeast a range of fresh and sustainable packaged salad varieties. In addition, Greenhouse Fresh packaging containers are made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, are 100% recyclable, and their flexible, re-sealable closures use less plastic and emit less CO2 than other plastic closures. Pete’s is also partnering with 1% For The Planet, pledging 1% of Greenhouse Fresh sales to The Recycling Partnership in an effort to help improve the recycling system.
About Pete’s
Founded in 1970 under the name Hollandia Produce, Pete’s is a California-based, employee-owned and operated leader in hydroponically grown living lettuce and cress, using up to 90% less water and land than traditional growers. Pete’s people, products, and philosophies exist within greenhouse walls. It’s where they grow some of the highest quality, best-tasting greens available. It’s where they provide protection from outside forces, resulting in clean, safe, and reliable greens. The greenhouse has always been a trusted member of their family. And for over 50 years, it has been their home.
Contact:
Marie Gordon - Director of Communications
Georgia Department of Economic Development
MGordon@georgia.org
Mallory Blount - Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
mallory.blount@georgia.gov
Tate Mitchell - Deputy Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
tate.mitchell@georgia.gov
March 29, 2021 | GPA makes major infrastructure investment
Growing container capacity beyond 6M TEUs
The Georgia Ports Authority has approved projects to increase annual capacity at the Port of Savannah beyond 6 million twenty-foot equivalent container units. In 2020, the Port of Savannah handled 4.7 million TEUs of cargo. Find print-quality images here. (Georgia Ports Authority / Jeremy Polston)
SAVANNAH, Ga., March 29, 2021 – On Monday, the Georgia Ports Authority Board approved capital improvement projects that will increase the Port of Savannah’s container capacity by 20 percent.
“Right now, we are moving container volumes that we did not expect to see for another four years,” said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. “Our employees are working very hard to ensure we continue to provide our customers with world-class service. Additionally, we are expediting capacity projects that will increase the speed and fluidity of cargo handling at the Port of Savannah.”
The board approved a terminal enhancement dubbed the Peak Capacity project, which will establish 2,100 new grounded container slots. The project will add 650,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units of annual container yard capacity in two phases, with the first opening in September.
“Georgia’s container trade has experienced unprecedented growth over the past six months,” said GPA Board Chairman Will McKnight. “This addition is among several that will address the needs of port users experiencing a sharp increase in demand, while also preparing Savannah to take on additional business over the long term.”
In its busiest February ever, the Port of Savannah moved 390,804 TEUs of cargo, an increase of 7.2 percent, or 26,400 TEUs compared to February 2020. Between September and February, GPA handled 2.64 million TEUs, an increase of nearly 375,000, or 16.5 percent, compared to the same six-month period a year ago. “In terms of cargo volumes, we’ve added the equivalent of an extra month of trade since September,” Lynch said.
In addition to the Peak Capacity project, the board approved a Berth 1 renovation that will increase berth capacity by an estimated 1 million TEUs per year by June 2023. This will bring Garden City Terminal’s new total to 6 Million TEUs of annual berth capacity.
Higher volumes moving through the Port of Savannah have contributed to an industrial market growth rate that was highest in the nation for 2020, in terms of net absorption as a percent of total inventory. Last year, private operators filled 10 million square feet of industrial space in Savannah, or nearly 13 percent of the total market according to a report from CBRE. The commercial real estate firm stated GPA’s record-setting business also helped Atlanta’s industrial market absorb over 20 million square feet in 2020, third most in the nation.
According to the Colliers International market report for Savannah, the area ended the year with 77.5 million square feet of industrial space – an increase of 5.6 million square feet compared to the end of 2019 – with another 7.7 million square feet under construction. Lynch noted there is enough land permitted for private development for more than 100 million square feet of new industrial space within 30 miles of the port.
In other projects aimed at increasing Savannah’s big ship capability, the GPA Board approved in November the purchase of eight new ship-to-shore cranes. The new machines will replace six older models, bringing Savannah’s fleet to 38. The eight taller cranes will arrive in 2023, allowing Garden City Terminal to serve more 15,000+ TEU vessels. Savannah’s harbor deepening, a Corps of Engineers project, will reach substantial completion by the end of Calendar Year 2021, providing greater scheduling flexibility for vessel transit.
Also Monday, the GPA Board approved the purchase of 20 new rubber-tired gantry cranes. The new RTGs will be tall enough to stand over six containers, one higher than Savannah’s older RTGs, allowing for additional capacity in the same terminal footprint.
On Feb. 22, an expanded container operation came online at Savannah’s Ocean Terminal, bringing annual capacity there to 250,000 TEUs. “The new capacity at OT will ensure our shipping line customers see no service delays while GPA is straightening Berth 1 at Garden City Terminal,” McKnight said. “In light of unprecedented demand, we’re taking advantage of every opportunity to grow capacity at our deepwater terminals.”
Since the upswing in containerized cargo began last fall, GPA has seen significant growth in categories such as machinery, appliances and electronics; hardware and houseware; food; furniture; apparel; and textiles.
“Thanks to the hard work of GPA employees and our partners at the International Longshoremen’s Association, motor carriers and rail, we achieved our busiest February ever,” said Lynch. “With consumers spending less on travel and services, they’re devoting more of their income to goods purchases, which has resulted in increased container volumes.”
Rail cargo outpaced the growth of the overall container trade in February, with intermodal lifts at Garden City Terminal reaching approximately 77,500 TEUs for the month, an increase of 12.6 percent, or nearly 8,700 TEUs. The Appalachian Regional Port also had its busiest February ever, with the inland rail yard handling 4,955 TEUs of trade.
In Brunswick Roll-on/Roll-off trade, Georgia Ports achieved 23 percent growth in February, handling 50,945 units of autos and heavy machinery, up 9,518 units compared to February 2020. “The re-opening of domestic and overseas auto plants has resulted in an upward trend in Roll-on/Roll-off volumes at Colonel’s Island Terminal in Brunswick and at Savannah’s Ocean Terminal, which we expect to continue,” Lynch said.
GPA has received a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop a fourth berth for Ro/Ro cargo at Colonel’s Island Terminal in Brunswick. The project, currently in the engineering phase, will provide increased speed and flexibility in auto processing.
Georgia’s deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support more than 496,700 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute $29 billion in income, $122 billion in revenue and $3.4 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. The Port of Savannah handled 9.3 percent of total U.S. containerized cargo volume and 10.5 percent of all U.S. containerized exports in FY2020.
For more information, visit gaports.com, or contact GPA Chief Communications Officer Robert Morris at (912) 964-3855 or rmorris@gaports.com
(READ MORE)March 9, 2021 | #CleanPeach Initiative Is Coming to Peach County!
Where does change begin? With a vision and good leadership!
The Peach County Board of Commissioners, the City of Byron, the City of Fort Valley and the Peach Regional Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to clean up! More details are coming ... stay tuned!
February 28, 2021 | Grants & Funding Opportunities | March 2021
ECG’s Office of Economic & Community Development assembled a list of current grants and funding opportunities that may be relevant to your needs. They regularly update their blog and will continue to share information about additional funding opportunities.
Click Grants, Loans, and Other Assistance Programs to review the latest opportunities.
(READ MORE)February 18, 2021 | Blue Bird Partners with Peach County High School
February 19, 2021
The Career, Technology & Agricultural Education Department would like to announce a new partnership with Blue Bird Corporation. The Peach County High School’s Advanced Automotive Technology students will be piloting a program that will allow students to earn the Blue Bird Associate Level Technician Certification. The certification program which aligns with the current curriculum will provide students with entry level certification to perform basic maintenance tasks and troubleshooting on Blue Bird buses.
We are also pleased to announce a new annual scholarship opportunity provided by Blue Bird. Blue Bird is providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to one Automotive Technician pathway completer and one completer of the Agricultural Mechanics pathway, which includes courses that heavily emphasize manufacturing skills such as welding, wood cutting, and electrical theory. These scholarships will help fund two deserving students’ post-secondary costs.
This partnership with Blue Bird will help Peach County CTAE to support our goal in preparing students for college and careers.
February 14, 2021 | Gov. Kemp: Georgia Ranked Top 10 Exporting State in 2020 for First Time
Atlanta, GA - Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that the State of Georgia ranked among the United States’ Top Ten exporting states in 2020 for the first time. 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.
“I am incredibly proud of our Georgia businesses and our state agencies who have dedicated so much time and effort to help Peach State businesses of all sizes push forward in 2020,” said Governor Kemp. “Over the last year, hardworking Georgians showed their tenacity and their determination to transform obstacles into opportunities, and these numbers are yet another example of their strength.”
Georgia remained open for business in 2020, exporting $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 in 2020, spanning 221 countries and territories. The state’s top five export markets were Canada, Germany, China, Mexico, and Singapore. Several export markets experienced significant growth, with exports to Germany increasing nearly 50%, followed by China and Hong Kong at 45% and 41%, respectively. Increased exports to China reflect purchases made under the Phase 1 trade agreement signed by the U.S. and China in January of 2020, and the return of market access for U.S. poultry proved beneficial to Georgia producers.
Approximately two-thirds of Georgia trade involves the 12 strategic markets where the state maintains representation: Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, and the United Kingdom. GDEcD’s international representatives play a critical role in facilitating global connections that generate economic success.
“Georgia’s network of international representatives around the world provide our state’s businesses with a unique resource. Particularly during 2020, when needs, supply chains, and conditions were changing rapidly, our international offices provided timely information that proved to be an incredible asset for our state’s growers, manufacturers, and business community as a whole,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Our trade team here at home and around the globe has again shown how their work combined with the state’s ports, enhances connectivity of Georgia businesses to the rest of the world.”
Approximately 90% of Georgia merchandise exports are manufactured goods, and the state’s manufacturing exports have grown by more than 30% over the last 10 years alone. Georgia’s second-largest manufacturing industry, aerospace products, remain the state’s No. 1 export, totaling $9.98 billion in 2020. Aerospace exports to Hong Kong surged more than 140% last year, while Germany remains the top customer for these products.
Georgia’s deepwater ports and ideal location in the Southeast for original equipment manufacturers helped drive a 13% surge in automotive exports over 2019. The state’s robust automotive industry increased exports nearly 600% to Germany and more than 800% to China.
The deep roots of Georgia’s agriculture industry continued to reap economic benefits in 2020, delivering $4.25 billion in global exports, maintaining its export totals from 2019. Georgia remains a leading state for poultry, cotton, and peanuts, as well as forest products.
“Georgia’s exporting story is one of resilience. Our trade team primarily serves small to medium-sized businesses, and this report shows that, no matter the circumstances, our businesses will find a way to reach global customers. We want to thank them for their partnership and encourage them to continue working with our team of experts in Georgia and around the world to reach their goals,” said Deputy Commissioner for International Trade Mary Waters. “Our businesses don’t have to navigate new markets alone. Georgia offers companies an array of resources that provide guidance and reduce barriers to entry.”
This announcement comes on the heels of the Georgia Ports Authority reporting growth during 2020. The Georgia Ports Authority moved more than 4.68 million twenty-foot equivalent container units in 2020, up 1.8% over its 2019 total of 4.59 million. Total cargo crossing all docks in 2020 reached 38.4 million tons.
Recently, the International Trade division launched Go Global Georgia, an initiative to provide funding for small business exporters and bolster new global opportunities. Eligibility and application guidelines for Go Global Georgia can be found at georgia.org/go-global-ga.
Also in 2020, the state’s International Trade division earned an impressive fourth President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service from the U.S. Department of Commerce in recognition of “continuing significant contributions to an increase in U.S. exports.” The award is the highest honor given to providers of services to U.S. exporters. GDEcD is the first entity in the nation to earn a fourth “E” Award.
To read the full 2020 global trade summary, click here.
A variety of services for exporters, resources, and information on GDEcD’s International Trade division is available at www.georgia.org/international/trade.
Contact:
Marie Gordon - Director of Communications
Georgia Department of Economic Development
MGordon@georgia.org
Mallory Blount - Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
mallory.blount@georgia.gov
Tate Mitchell - Deputy Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
tate.mitchell@georgia.gov
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February 1, 2021 | Grants & Funding Opportunities | February 2021
ECG’s Office of Economic & Community Development assembled a list of current grants and funding opportunities that may be relevant to your needs. They regularly update their blog and will continue to share information about additional funding opportunities.
Click Grants, Loans, and Other Assistance Programs to review the latest opportunities.
(READ MORE)