News Archive
November 29, 2020 | GPA Reaches Mega Rail Milestone - Sets All-Time Records for Containers, Cars
The first CSX rail cars travel under the S.R. 25 overpass on newly installed track linking Garden City Terminal’s Chatham and Mason Mega Rail yards. The Mason Mega Rail project is now more than 75 percent complete. (Georgia Ports Authority / Emily Goldman)
SAVANNAH, Ga., Nov. 30, 2020 – On the heels of achieving its busiest month on record for both container trade and Roll-on/Roll-off cargo, the Georgia Ports Authority has reached a major milestone on its Mason Mega Rail Terminal.
Rail cars are now traveling newly installed track linking Garden City Terminal’s Chatham and Mason rail yards. The additional track boosts on-terminal storage capacity by 35 percent and allows GPA to build more trains of nearly 10,000 feet in length on terminal for both Class I railroads, CSX and Norfolk Southern. The Mason Mega Rail project is now more than 75 percent finished.
“When complete, Mason Mega Rail Terminal will not only double our rail lift capacity to 2 million TEUs per year, it will increase our reach into the heartland with more frequent, direct service and unmatched reliability,” said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. “This expansion will also ensure the free flow of cargo across our terminal and beyond our gates as Savannah takes on more business.”
Lynch said while there is no guarantee container trade will continue to expand at the same rate, the Port of Savannah has achieved incredible growth in the midst of a global pandemic. “To have achieved all-time record volumes in two of the last three months is a tribute to the hard work and collaboration between GPA and our partners throughout the supply chain,” Lynch said. “The progress we have already made on the Mason Mega Rail has delivered significant capacity increases, and will further assure Savannah’s role as the third busiest container gateway in the nation.”
GPA Board Chairman Will McKnight said accommodating new business is key to GPA’s central mission of economic development – and a main reason the Authority is expanding terminal capacity. “Our long-term infrastructure investments ensure cargo fluidity as Savannah’s container trade increases,” McKnight said. “By improving our berthing for today’s larger vessels, expanding container storage, and doubling our rail lift capacity, we’re making sure GPA is ready when our customers are ready to grow.”
At the GPA Board meeting Monday, Lynch reported container volumes at the Port of Savannah reached an all-time high of 464,095 twenty-foot equivalent container units in October, up 35,714 TEUs or 8.3 percent compared to the same month last year. The performance eclipsed the previous all-time record, set in August, of 441,600 TEUs. Savannah’s July through October trade totaled 1.68 million TEUs, an increase of 55,378, or 3.4 percent for the fiscal year to date.
GPA’s trade in vehicles and machinery units grew by 24 percent last month, with a total volume of 78,772 units. The previous record was set in April 2015. October trade brought GPA’s fiscal year-to-date numbers to 225,109 Ro/Ro units, up 2.6 percent or 5,608 units.
“To handle additional business, the GPA has repurposed Berth 2 at Colonel’s Island in Brunswick to accommodate the largest Ro/Ro vessels calling the U.S. East Coast today,” Lynch said. “In addition, we have been awarded a permit by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to add a fourth berth, which is currently in the planning stages.”
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
Original article found here.
(READ MORE)November 22, 2020 | Robins International Industrial Park in Peach County Certified as GRAD
ATLANTA, November 23, 2020 —The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), in conjunction with the Joint Development Authority of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins, today announced that Robins International Industrial Park, located at 101 Leamington Boulevard in Byron, has earned a “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) certification with “Select” status. The site’s new “GRAD Select” status provides an additional seal of approval that makes it especially attractive for future industrial development.
“Our GRAD program is a proactive way for economic developers and landowners to help attract growth opportunities to their communities, and we’re proud to have a new property in Peach County to add to our database of GRAD Certified sites for developers,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Just since March, several companies have chosen GRAD sites as their locations of choice. GEDIA announced they will build their advanced manufacturing facility on a GRAD site in Whitfield County, Home Meridian International selected a GRAD site in Liberty County for their distribution facility, and Medline Industries expanded to a GRAD Certified property in Bryan County. The GRAD Certified seal of approval is an excellent resource for the state to market properties to businesses seeking the perfect site for growth.”
Located east of Interstate 75, the almost 600-acre Robins International Industrial Park is being developed as the gateway into the City of Warner Robins and Robins Air Force Base. This planned industrial development provides the keystone for more than 1,500 acres along the Interstate 75 corridor, which leads into one of Georgia’s fastest-growing cities. Multiple entrances to the development off Watson Boulevard, near exit 146 and Russell Parkway, near exit 144, provide excellent access to the four-lane highways along Interstate 75. This strategic location is less than 90 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, where 80% of the U.S. market is within a two-hour flight or two-day truck drive. Easy access to customers is one of the many factors that led Pure Flavor Foods to locate in Robins International Industrial Park.
“Selecting the right location to serve our Southeast expansion was a critical component to support our growth,” said Jamie Moracci, president of Pure Flavor, which is strategically located at Robins International Industrial Park. “As a vertically integrated greenhouse vegetable company, we pride ourselves on delivering fresh, delicious vegetables that our customers can depend on, regardless of the season. Locating in Robins International Industrial Park assures us that we will continue to grow our brand of fresh Georgia Grown tomatoes and cucumbers.”
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. Since the inception of the GRAD certification program, more than 8,000 jobs have been created on GRAD sites, and the new GRAD Select status is an indication that a site has met or exceeded more rigorous certification requirements to attract development.
“In Peach County, it’s not just our orchards that are growing sweet fruit. We grow everything sweeter, and that includes our industries! Our historically agrarian economy has instilled a nurturing nature that we implement in our business practices every day,” said BJ Walker, executive director of the Joint Development Authority of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins. “Our partnership with the City of Warner Robins has enabled us to create opportunity for Middle Georgia for generations to come. Robins International Industrial Park’s 600 acres of planned industrial development also provides excellent access to a highly trained workforce sustained by Robins Air Force Base and an abundance of green space that is sure to attract companies from all over the world.”
The goal of the GRAD program is to establish a pool of pre-qualified industrial sites for which the due diligence has already been completed. Economic development groups and landowners interested in obtaining GRAD certification for their property are encouraged to visit georgia.org/grad-certified-sites/application for additional information.
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.
About the Joint Development Authority of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins
Formed in April of 2017, The Joint Development Authority of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins has been authorized by the Georgia General Assembly as a public body corporate and politic, created in and for the City of Warner Robins and Peach County. The Joint Development Authority of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins is a partnership designed to develop, promote and expand economic opportunities in Middle Georgia.
Contact
Marie Hodge Gordon
Director of Communications
404-962-4075
MGordon@Georgia.org
Alison Wentley
Communications Specialist
404-962-4086
AWentley@Georgia.org
November 11, 2020 | Georgia Shatters Previous Record, Earns Top Business Ranking for Eighth Consecutive Year
ATLANTA – November 12, 2020 –As the world’s greatest golfers teed off today at the Masters Tournament in Augusta to compete for the prized Green Jacket, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that the State of Georgia has shattered its own record by being named No. 1 for business climate for the eighth consecutive year by Site Selection magazine.
In 2019, Georgia became the only state to earn this distinction seven consecutive times in the history of Site Selection’s rankings, and it is now the only state to receive the honor eight times in a row. The announcement presentation followed a tour of Bridgestone Golf’s headquarters and research and development facility in Covington, Georgia, where the Governor was also presented with golf balls stamped with the “No. 1 State” artwork to commemorate the occasion.
“I’m so proud that Georgia has earned this top business distinction for a record-setting eight years, and it is an honor to accept this award from Site Selection magazine,” said Governor Kemp. “Our top-notch workforce development programs and pro-business environment, along with our strong logistics infrastructure, have further solidified the Peach State as the best place in the nation to live, work, raise a family, and start or grow a business. I thank our partners in both the public and private sectors, our world-class economic development team, and the hardworking Georgians throughout the state who helped us beat our own record with this unprecedented achievement.”
Site Selection magazine is an internationally circulated business publication covering corporate real estate and economic development. The publication’s rankings are 50% based on an index of seven criteria and 50% on the input received from a survey of independent site location experts who are asked to rank states based on their recent project experiences. This year, Georgia shares this top ranking with North Carolina.
“Our readers are keenly interested in our annual state business climate ranking, because they seek locations with the greatest prospects for success,” said Site Selection Editor in Chief Mark Arend. “Georgia’s eighth consecutive Top State Business Climate win reminds them that a Georgia location will contribute to their productivity and profitability long term.”
In a survey published with the rankings, workforce skills were the most important criteria to site selectors for the fifth consecutive year, with workforce development programs coming in second place. Transportation infrastructure, ease of permitting and regulatory procedures, along with state and local taxes completed the top five issues of importance to the process.
President and CEO of Bridgestone Golf Dan Murphy hosted Governor Kemp, alongside First Lady Marty Kemp, and members from both the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and Site Selection magazine, as they safely celebrated these accolades. The event also highlighted Bridgestone Golf’s continued success in the state as they celebrate their 30th anniversary in Covington. The Georgia Made™ company employs nearly 160 Georgians and has continued to make new investments in research and development. Earlier this week, Bridgestone re-signed Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau to long-term contract extensions, which includes DeChambeau significantly increasing his involvement in Bridgestone’s R&D processes for developing new golf ball technology.
“Georgia’s success is thanks to a long, proven track record of our state doing things the right way,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Whether entering or expanding in Georgia, it’s our goal to give every company we work with the peace of mind they need to know that they will have a long-term partner in the state. I want to thank Governor Kemp, Speaker David Ralston, Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, and our General Assembly for the consistent leadership that gives us a competitive edge and the support that helps our entire state find success.”
Site Selection magazine joins Area Development magazine in naming Georgia the top state for business for 2020 – the eighth and seventh consecutive year, respectively, that both publications have awarded Georgia the top ranking. Earlier this week, Governor Kemp also shared that Georgia remains on a record pace for economic development investments and job creation in the state during fiscal year 2021, increasing investments by 56% and jobs by 45% compared to the same timeframe last year.
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 Hodge Gordon, Director of Communications
Georgia Department of Economic Development
MGordon@Georgia.org
Cody Hall, Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
cody.hall@georgia.gov
Tate Mitchell, Communications Manager
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
tate.mitchell@georgia.gov
November 1, 2020 | Gov. Kemp: Georgia Lottery Posts Record Quarter for HOPE, Pre-K
Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the Georgia Lottery Corp.’s most profitable quarter in its 27-year history. The Georgia Lottery registered more than $383,352,000 in profits for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, bringing the total transferred to the State Treasury’s Lottery for Education Account to approximately $22.7 billion.
“The Georgia Lottery continues to produce strong results for Georgia’s HOPE and Pre-K programs,” said Governor Kemp. “Students and families throughout the Peach State benefit greatly from the Lottery's continued success, and we appreciate their hard work to support education in Georgia."”
The Georgia Lottery’s record FY21 first quarter, which began July 1, comes on the heels of a record fiscal year that generated more than $1.23 billion for HOPE and Pre-K.
“Our record first quarter provides a strong foundation to build upon for the remainder of the fiscal year,” said Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin. “I appreciate the support provided by Governor Kemp, the legislature, and our board of directors. I am also grateful for our exceptional employees, retailers, vendors and partners, and our players.”
Since its first year, the Georgia Lottery Corp. has returned approximately $22.7 billion to the state of Georgia for education. All Georgia Lottery profits go to pay for specific educational programs, including Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia’s Pre-K Program. More than 1.9 million students have received HOPE, and more than 1.6 million 4-year-olds have attended the statewide, voluntary prekindergarten program.
For more information on the Georgia Lottery Corp., please visit: www.galottery.com
Contact Deputy Press Secretary
Tate Mitchell
tate.mitchell@georgia.gov
Contact Director of Communications
Cody Hall
cody.hall@georgia.gov
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PEACH COUNTY ANALYSIS OF LOTTERY PROCEEDS
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PRESS RELEASE
(READ MORE)
October 22, 2020 | Georgia International Trade Office Earns Unprecedented Fourth U.S. Department of Commerce Award
ATLANTA, October 23, 2020 —The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced that its International Trade division has earned a 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.
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 announcement letter from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross calls this “a feat not achieved by any other entity in the 59-year history of the program.”
“I appreciate the U.S. Department of Commerce for recognizing Georgia’s International Trade office for their hard work to support Georgia exporters,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “Our small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of economic growth in our communities, and our International Trade team provides personalized support to the hardworking Georgians behind these businesses to help them grow in global markets. As the Top State for Business for seven years running, we are honored by this important recognition and will continue to make good on our promise to put hardworking Georgians first.”
The U.S. Department of Commerce also applauded GDEcD’s sustained commitment to export expansion, and “achievement of more than 1,170 client trade successes since receiving the President’s ‘E Star’ Award in 2014.” It further notes that GDEcD’s achievements “have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”
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.
“Our International Trade team puts service to Georgia businesses first every day, helping our companies achieve success around the world, and it’s exciting to see their dedication being acknowledged by our federal commerce department,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “This recognition is a testament to Georgia’s role in the global economy, the quality of our Georgia goods and services, and the commitment of our team in-state and abroad who continue to find success year in and year out.”
Last month, GDEcD’s International Trade division was also awarded a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to further bolster export assistance for small businesses statewide. The new Go Global Georgia initiative will help small business exporters stretch their international marketing budgets and create new global opportunities. Eligibility and application guidelines for Go Global Georgia can be found at georgia.org/go-global-ga.
“Export development helps our companies and our economy stay resilient. Our exporters are serious about expanding their markets, and we’re committed to helping them reach their goals through customized assistance and services,” said GDEcD Deputy Commissioner for International Trade Mary Waters. “I’m very proud of our team and the insight they continue to provide, helping companies identify the strongest export markets for continued growth. Our Georgia business community should know that when you work with our International Trade team and our partners across the state, you are working with the most effective team in the country.”
Anchored by the state’s two deepwater ports, inland ports, road and rail – Georgia’s logistics network provides exporters with a direct connection to the world. In the annual State of the Ports address on October 22, the Georgia Ports Authority reported the Port of Savannah handled an increase of 1.6% twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, which began on July 1. The Port of Savannah is the top export gateway and fastest-growing container port in the U.S., providing cost-effective connections Georgia exporters need to compete globally.
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 Hodge Gordon
Director of Communications
404-962-4075
MGordon@Georgia.org
Alison Wentley
Communications Specialist
404-962-4086
AWentley@Georgia.org
October 13, 2020 | U.S. Department of Commerce Launches $25 Million SPRINT Challenge to Address Coronavirus Pandemic
PRESS RELEASE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE LAUNCHES $25 MILLION SPRINT CHALLENGE TO ADDRESS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
October 14, 2020
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the opening of the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) new Scaling Pandemic Resilience Through Innovation and Technology (SPRINT) Challenge, which will enable organizations across the country to address the economic, health, and safety risks caused by the coronavirus pandemic through entrepreneurship and innovation.
The SPRINT Challenge is a $25 million national competition funded by the CARES Act. With the publication of the SPRINT Challenge Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) today, EDA seeks projects that aim to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic and future pandemics. The deadline to apply for the Challenge is December 3, 2020.
“Throughout our history, intrepid American innovators have solved problems and secured our economic competitiveness. The Trump Administration is counting on our Nation’s innovators to help our country through COVID-19 and beyond,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The SPRINT Challenge will harness America’s entrepreneurial potential to respond to challenges caused by the coronavirus.”
“With this challenge, we will tap into American ingenuity, creativity, and innovation to find unique solutions to the unprecedented challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “Innovators and entrepreneurs are quickly pivoting in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The SPRINT Challenge will help communities support those entrepreneurs when we need them the most.”
Eligibility is open to cities, counties, states, other political subdivisions of states, and Indian Tribes; public or private nonprofits; institutions of higher education; and EDA-Economic Development Districts.
Individual grants will be awarded up to $500,000 over a 12-month period of performance or up to $750,000 over an 18-month period of performance. Project focuses may include, but are not limited to, scaling innovative biotechnology, health security, and supply chain technologies and solutions to market; increasing regional, national, and government connectivity across innovation clusters to support commercialization and entrepreneurship; developing new and unique investment capital models to address the financial needs of entrepreneurs; or developing and scaling innovative entrepreneurship support models to address the virtual and remote work environment of the pandemic.
The CARES Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump, provides EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
For more information, please visit EDA’s SPRINT Challenge webpage.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
Original press release found here.
(READ MORE)October 5, 2020 | Georgia International Trade Office Earns U.S. Small Business Administration Award, Launches New Expo
ATLANTA, October 5, 2020 —The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today proudly announced it has been awarded a grant of more than $162,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration under the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) to bolster export assistance to small businesses. These funds will officially launch the International Trade division’s “Go Global Georgia” initiative to help small business exporters in the state stretch their international marketing budgets and develop global markets. Eligibility and application guidelines can be found at georgia.org/go-global-ga.
Small businesses make up nearly 90% of Georgia exporters, and GDEcD’s International Trade team works to help these exporters through customized programs and services to reach new markets.
“Georgia products are in demand worldwide, and the diverse range of small businesses across the state who supply those products are the backbone of our economy. Our International Trade division is here to help them do even more global business, because we know that those who tap into international markets have greater resilience,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia’s small businesses have shown great entrepreneurial spirit especially during this pandemic, and I’m grateful that this new funding will provide them with direct support to help them continue to find new markets for success.”
Go Global Georgia will provide new funding for small business export activities and aims to increase the number of small businesses that export, assist with export development and boost international sales.
Qualified Georgia exporters can apply for reimbursement for approved export activities including export training programs, design and translation of print and digital marketing materials, website globalization, international market travel, and participation in both in-person and virtual trade shows. Go Global Georgia supports activities that increase companies’ export capacity and ability to connect with global customers around the world.
Companies may apply for two approved export activities with a maximum of $6,000 per company at any time during the application year, which runs from October 1, 2020, through September 1, 2021.
“Every dollar counts when you’re a small business seeking to sell to global customers. Our Trade team has always focused on the needs of small business exporters, delivering services that connect our Georgia businesses with key customers, and this grant provides another tool for our companies to stay ahead of the competition,” said Deputy Commissioner for International Trade Mary Waters. “I appreciate the U.S. Small Business Administration’s partnership in helping our small businesses enhance their export efforts.”
A new record was set for Georgia exports in 2019, with a 1.5% increase in exports over the previous record set in 2018. The State of Georgia tallied $41.2 billion in exports spanning 214 countries and territories. Georgia exports have grown more than 43% over the past decade.
Georgia’s International Trade division works with more than 2,000 Georgia companies each year – the majority being small businesses – to bolster exports and assist companies pursuing new international markets. The Atlanta-based team is supported by international representatives located in 12 strategic global markets. These representatives play a critical role in facilitating international connections that generate economic success. Approximately two-thirds of Georgia trade involves markets where the state has a local representative.
About “Go Global Georgia”
“Go Global Georgia” is a financial assistance program for Georgia exporters seeking to expand their international market reach. Funded in part by a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Go Global Georgia provides grant awards to small business to offset international business development and marketing costs.
Eligibility and application guidelines can be found at georgia.org/go-global-ga.
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 Hodge Gordon
Director of Communications
404-962-4075
MGordon@Georgia.org
Alison Wentley
Communications Specialist
404-962-4086
AWentley@Georgia.org
Original post/press release found here.
(READ MORE)September 30, 2020 | Gov. Kemp Reports 10,000+ Jobs Created During First Quarter of Fiscal Year
ATLANTA – October 1, 2020 –Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), today announced that more than 10,000 jobs were created across all regions of the state by economic development projects in Georgia during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, generating more than $3.71 billion in new investments.
This represents a 50% increase in new jobs created and an 85% increase in new investments compared to the same quarter in the previous fiscal year.
“We're incredibly proud to have announced this unprecedented number of jobs for hardworking Georgians over the past three months,” said Governor Kemp. “As the Top State for Business for seven consecutive years, we continue to shatter our previous numbers, and most importantly, create opportunities in every region of the Peach State.”
Industries that created the most jobs during the first quarter of the new fiscal year include food processing, manufacturing, and logistics and distribution. To view announcements from Q1, visit www.georgia.org/newsroom.
“As we announce the creation of more than 10,000 new jobs, I want to thank my Global Commerce team for their work in helping businesses grow in Georgia. Our state has not only continued to attract companies from the U.S., but also globally - which underlines the importance of our 12 international offices,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The support of Governor Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, and our economic development partners enables us to continue this success story and strengthen relationships with the business community in Georgia.”
Even while facing a global pandemic, jobs and investment numbers in Georgia have increased when compared to the same time period last year. Between March 1 and September 30, 2020, the Global Commerce division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development assisted in locating 176 new economic development projects, creating 19,345 jobs and $6.48 billion in investment.
This announcement comes on the heels of Area Development magazine naming Georgia the “Top State for Doing Business” for a record-breaking seventh year in a row. This achievement is determined by the rankings that states receive from site selectors who help corporations choose the right location for long-term success. These weighted scores include categories such as overall cost of doing business, cooperative and responsive state government, workforce development programs, speed of permitting, logistics and infrastructure, available real estate, and other factors. Georgia ranked No. 1 in 10 of the 13 categories and placed in the top five in the other three categories.
About GDEcD
GDEcD is the state’s sales and marketing arm and the lead agency for attracting new business investment. The Department encourages the expansion of existing industry and small businesses by locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts, film, music, and digital entertainment projects. GDEcD is also primarily responsible for planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Learn more at Georgia.org.
Contact:
Marie Hodge Gordon, Director of Communications
Georgia Department of Economic Development
MGordon@Georgia.org
Candice Broce, Director of Communications & Deputy Executive Counsel
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
candice.broce@georgia.gov
Cody Hall, Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
cody.hall@georgia.gov
Original post/press release found here.
(READ MORE)September 21, 2020 | State’s International Trade Team Announces New Export Directory Connecting Georgia Suppliers
ATLANTA, September 14, 2020 —The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s International Trade division is officially announcing a new marketing tool created to provide virtual connections between international buyers and Georgia suppliers. The new Export Georgia, USA Directory provides Georgia businesses with the global connections they need to reach new markets and diversify their international customer base. The site (www.georgia.org/export) currently features more than 60 Georgia businesses.
“Georgia has quickly become the epicenter of global trade in the Southeast,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “As we continue to celebrate a record-setting year for trade in 2019 – our trade team is focusing on the future. Not only will this tool help Georgia businesses find new buyers in international markets, but it will also help businesses get back on their feet as they seek out new opportunities to succeed.”
A new record was set for Georgia trade in 2019, with a 2.87% increase in total trade and 1.5% increase in exports over the previous record set in 2018. The State of Georgia tallied $41.2 billion spanning 214 countries and territories.
The Export Georgia, USA Directory is a free tool developed for Georgia companies interested in promoting their products or services to international buyers. This free resource allows international buyers to search for Georgia suppliers of products and services and provides a mechanism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) International Trade division to facilitate international business matchmaking for Georgia manufacturers and service providers.
“We are thrilled to offer this free marketing opportunity to Georgia companies interested in expanding their sales worldwide,” said GDEcD Deputy Commissioner for International Trade Mary Waters. “As our economy evolves, this new digital tool serves as a catalyst for Georgia’s small businesses seeking to diversify their global customer base.”
The International Trade division works with more than 2,000 Georgia companies each year – the majority being small businesses – to bolster exports and assist companies pursuing new international markets. The Atlanta-based team is supported by international representatives located in 12 strategic global markets. In addition to a suite of customized services, the trade team is currently offering a series of free webinars for interested companies. A calendar is available on their website (www.georgia.org/international-trade-events).
The International Trade team is actively recruiting Georgia businesses to register for a listing in the new Export Georgia, USA Directory. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 as it relates to in-person trade shows and international travel, the International Trade team is committed to continuing to deliver export opportunities, support the vetting of international buyers for Georgia companies, and engage the team’s international representatives to facilitate business connections virtually. www.georgia.org/export
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 Hodge Gordon
Director of Communications
404-962-4075
MGordon@Georgia.org
Alison Wentley
Communications Specialist
404-962-4086
AWentley@Georgia.org
September 8, 2020 | Job Creation Up In First Two Months of Fiscal Year
ATLANTA – September 9, 2020 –Today Governor Brian P. Kemp announced new economic development job numbers showing that Georgia’s economic momentum is continuing to grow two months into the state’s new fiscal year. August data shows job creation from new Georgia projects has already reached one-third of the total jobs reported for fiscal year 2020, and investments are up 11% over July. Despite COVID-19, job creation is 1.5 times higher than the same two months last year.
During the month of August, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) helped generate more than $642 million in new investments and create 4,036 jobs in every corner of the state.
“After a strong start to the new fiscal year in the month of July, we set a goal to do even better for Georgians in August,” said Governor Kemp. “With these new August numbers, we've not only delivered on that goal but surpassed our numbers from the same time period last year. Despite economic challenges due to COVID-19, we remain laser-focused on getting Georgians back to work and creating opportunities in every region of the state. I’m grateful to all of our economic development partners and the job creators who continue to invest in the Peach State.”
The first week of August began with the state announcing Georgia-based The Home Depot’s plans to create 1,000 jobs in DeKalb, Fulton, and Henry counties. In addition to being home to its corporate headquarters, Georgia is a hub for the company’s Southeast supply chain operations and their national delivery strategy.
During August, Governor Kemp also announced that meal kit company HelloFresh will establish their first Southeastern U.S. distribution facility in Newnan, bringing more than 750 jobs to Coweta County, and Zillow Group named the metro-Atlanta area its new Southeastern hub, bringing nearly 200 jobs to the area. Governor Kemp also delivered the news that Zinus USA will develop their first North American advanced manufacturing facility in McDonough, investing $108 million and creating 804 jobs in Henry county.
“What I said last month still rings true: good news comes in the form of jobs and investment,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia’s strong economic framework, along with our relationship approach to doing business, have helped us continue to deliver that good news. I look forward to continuing to work with our private and public sector partners so we can keep the momentum going, and most importantly, bring opportunities to our local communities.”
The August data comes on the heels of Area Development magazine naming Georgia as the “Top State for Doing Business”’ for the seventh year in a row. Georgia ranked No. 1 in ten of the thirteen categories and placed in the top five in the other three categories. Last week, Governor Kemp also shared economic development data from fiscal year 2020, during which economic development project locations increased 4% compared to the prior year, and economic development outside of metro Atlanta was up 30%.
For additional information about some of the state’s top projects announced during August, visit georgia.org/newsroom.
Contact
Marie Hodge Gordon, Director of Communications
Georgia Department of Economic Development
MGordon@Georgia.org
Candice Broce, Director of Communications & Deputy Executive Counsel
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
candice.broce@georgia.gov
Original article found here.
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