Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) Select Sites Recognized at 2021 GEDA Conf.
September 21, 2021
Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Newsroom
ATLANTA – September 21, 2021 – During the 2021 Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) Annual Conference in Savannah, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced new ‘GRAD Certified Select’ sites across the state. Economic developers representing each newly recognized and newly renewed ‘GRAD Certified Select’ property were presented with a special certificate.
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 in their regions. To qualify for GRAD status, available sites must meet the program’s due diligence standards, be reviewed by a third party and earn the final approval of a board of advisors comprised of public and private sector economic development professionals. The ‘GRAD Certified Select’ status is an indication that a site has met or exceeded more rigorous certification requirements.
“Since starting this program, thousands of Georgia jobs have been created on GRAD Certified sites,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “I commend all of our communities across the state that have taken the initiative to go through the GRAD Certification process and for achieving the ‘Select’ status. Many thanks to each of them for their partnership and for their commitment to creating jobs for Georgians and spurring economic growth.”
Ralph Forbes of Thomas & Hutton and BJ Walker of the Development Authority of Peach County
