Development Authority of Peach County Georgia | 425 James E. Khoury Drive | Unit B | Fort Valley, Georgia 31030 | (478) 825-3826 | peachcountydevelopment@ymail.com

IHG Hotels & Resorts and Explore Georgia invite visitors to go beyond the headlines ...

December 13, 2020
Georgia Department of Economic Development

IHG Hotels & Resorts and Explore Georgia invite visitors to go beyond the headlines, Where True Hospitality meets Southern Hospitality

 

ATLANTA, December 14, 2020 —In 1960, the soulful, Georgia-born singer Ray Charles hit the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time with the song “Georgia On My Mind.” To this day, that iconic tune is one of his most-loved recordings. Fast forward to present day, and Georgia, it seems, is on everyone’s mind. That’s why IHG Hotels & Resorts is teaming up with Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, to promote that Georgia has much more to explore. Guests can book IHG’s Stay Longer and Save rate and save up to 20% when they stay three nights or more at select properties across the state through Feb. 28, 2021. With scenic mountains and tranquil beaches, big cities and small towns, places that shaped democracy and civil rights, majestic National Parks and State Parks, and Southern food that is good for the soul – it’s easy to see that there is so much more to Georgia than its peaches.

“We’re proud to call Georgia home to our U.S. headquarters and the thousands of our colleagues who work, live, and play here,” stated Brian Hicks, SVP, Americas Commercial & Revenue Management, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “We’ve partnered with Explore Georgia because we both share a deep passion for the vast experiences the Peach State has to offer, including the places and stories that don’t make the news but are so essential to the fabric of Georgia. Our company’s passion is delivering True Hospitality, and what better way to showcase that than in our own backyard.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with our friends at IHG Hotels & Resorts to showcase so many great places to stay in our state,” said Mark Jaronski, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “No matter where you call home, a safe, enjoyable escape to Georgia’s great cities, small towns, mountains, beaches, state and national parks is never far away.”

Peach State locations to stay and explore include:

Atlanta: The birthplace and home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta was the spiritual epicenter of the Civil Rights movement. Visit Dr. King’s childhood home and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached his famous sermons. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the King Center are dedicated to the movement’s struggles and achievements. Crowne Plaza Midtown is close to all these sites, and rooms provide ample space for work and rest, while the Buckhead neighborhood is home to InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, a luxury flagship hotel. The recently renovated Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia is also close to all that Atlanta has to offer and just 20 minutes away in Roswell is Chattahoochee Nature Center and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – one of 11 stunning National Parks in Georgia. For a quieter, more distinct experience, drive 20 minutes north to Alpharetta and stay at the wellness-focused EVEN Hotel Alpharetta – Avalon Area. View the trip planning guide to Atlanta here.

Savannah: Settled in 1773 by General James Oglethorpe, Savannah is Georgia’s first city, and there is no shortage of reasons to visit this quintessential southern locale. Visitors may recognize the majestic live oaks draped with Spanish moss and gothic architecture from popular movies, but the city’s beauty and rich legacy are worth experiencing in person. Book a guest room at the charming Kimpton Brice Hotel in Savannah’s Historic Landmark District, perfect for a scenic stroll along the Savannah River. View the trip planning guide to Savannah here.

Macon: With a thriving river economy that started with the indigenous community long before European settlers arrived, Macon is now a bustling city with many historical sites, eye-catching architecture, and a legendary music scene. It’s also home to Wesleyan College, the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women. Stay just five minutes from the historic downtown at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Macon North. View the trip planning guide to Macon here.

Athens: Home to The University of Georgia and birthplace of iconic American music groups R.E.M. and The B-52s, Athens boasts historic homes, the 300-acre State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and nationally recognized craft breweries (Tropicália, anyone?). Although called “The Classic City,” there isn’t anything conventional about Athens, and to really get a feel for its neighborhoods, stay at Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown. View the trip planning guide to Athens here.

Augusta: Famous for hosting the annual Masters Tournament, Augusta was also the boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson, who served as the 28th President of the United States. George Walton, the youngest signatory to sign the U.S. Declaration of Independence, was also from Augusta. Visit these historical home sites or the new mural of the Godfather of Soul, Augusta’s own James Brown, while staying at avid hotel Augusta W – Grovetown, one of IHG’s newest hotel brands. View the trip planning guide to Augusta here.

Responsible Travel
Safety precautions to combat COVID-19 are critical to both the state and its visitors right now. Therefore, Explore Georgia continues to promote safe travel and encourages all visitors, residents and businesses to follow the Georgia Safety Promise, which includes wearing a mask, maintaining a social distance and washing hands. While visiting an IHG hotel, be reassured that cleanliness and safety are top of mind. The company’s longstanding commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures includes the IHG Way of Clean program developed with Ecolab and Diversey, both world leaders in hygiene and cleaning technologies.

About IHG® 
IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo®, EVEN® Hotels, HUALUXE® Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, voco™, Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts , Holiday Inn Express®, Holiday Inn Club Vacations®, avid™ hotels, Staybridge Suites®, Atwell Suites™, and Candlewood Suites®. IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns nearly 6,000 hotels and 890,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries, with approximately 1,900 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG® Rewards Club, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 400,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media and follow us on social media at: Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Explore Georgia 
Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, is the state’s official destination marketing organization. Through its home office in Atlanta, nine visitor information centers, and a network of representatives across the globe, Explore Georgia inspires travel to and within the state. The division works to advance Georgia’s $68.82 billion tourism industry that supports 484,056 jobs. As home to the biggest cities in the region, the most diverse population, and a geographical range from the mountains to the beach, Georgia has the South’s most unexpected sights and stories. Learn more at ExploreGeorgia.org.

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, aligning workforce education and training with in-demand jobs, 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. Learn more at georgia.org.

Contact

Emily Murray
Sr. Communications Specialist Tourism, Entertainment and Arts
404.962.4078
emurray@georgia.org

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News and Events

Oct 10 | Gov. Kemp: Audi AG Selects Georgia to Invest $4 Billion in First US Manufacturing Facility

 

ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp and Gernot Döllner, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, announced that Audi will open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in the State of Georgia. Headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany, Audi plans to invest approximately $4 billion in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at the Middle Georgia Megasite, delivering approximately 4,500 new jobs to middle Georgia.

“We are proud that Audi has selected Georgia as the home of their first U.S. manufacturing facility, delivering truly historic investment and jobs to middle Georgia,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Following the success we've enjoyed with other megasites, we purchased and made more improvements to the Middle Georgia Megasite for just this purpose: to bring a job-creating, high-caliber automotive manufacturer to this region. I want to thank the countless professionals from Peach, Macon-Bibb, and Houston counties in the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA who helped make this happen. We are excited for hardworking Georgians in Peach County and the entire middle Georgia region to benefit from this project for decades to come. On behalf of the State of Georgia, we are honored to welcome Audi to our state!” 

“We have much greater ambitions for Audi in America, and Georgia will play a central role in making them a reality. With its strong business environment, skilled workforce, and shared ambition, the state is an ideal partner for Audi,” said CEO Döllner. “We are proud to bring our engineering excellence and pioneering spirit to Georgia. Together, we want to create something that goes far beyond a manufacturing plant: a new home for Audi in America, opportunities for thousands of people and a strong foundation for long-term growth. This investment will bring us closer to our customers and strengthen Audi's competitiveness around the world.”

With cutting-edge premium SUVs tailored to North American customers and manufactured locally, Audi aims to unlock significant growth potential in one of the world's most important premium markets. Audi expects to begin grading in 2027 and construction on the new facility in 2028. Full production is expected in 2031 at an annual capacity of 200,000 units.

The facility will be designed around Audi’s future manufacturing requirements, with a focus on efficiency, flexibility, and the ability to respond to evolving customer needs and market demand.

The company is known for its sporty vehicles, progressive design, high build quality, and the slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Progress through Technology). The Audi Group also includes the brands Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ducati.

“We invest in our workforce programs to create opportunities for Georgians,” said Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. “Governor Kemp’s leadership has positioned Georgia as the home for world-class companies. Congratulations to Peach, Houston, and Macon-Bibb counties for the future they are building together. Projects like these help small businesses, school systems, and local governments provide more services to local residents, and we look forward to seeing them working within their communities to capitalize on this opportunity.” 

“Georgia has a strong commitment to managing our resources wisely and planning responsibly for the future as we work to bring good-paying jobs and economic opportunity to rural communities across our state,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “I applaud Peach, Houston, and Macon-Bibb counties for upholding that commitment and working together to lay the foundation for future generations of Georgians to build careers, raise their families, and succeed in the communities they call home.”

In choosing Georgia, Audi cited speed-to-market, workforce, access to consumer markets, and proximity to an established automotive supply chain.

Developed and marketed by the Development Authority of Peach County in partnership with the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, comprised of Houston, Macon-Bibb, and Peach counties, over the last several years alongside the state, the Middle Georgia Megasite offers the speed-to-market requirements for Audi AG’s goals. Industrial utilities are adjacent to the site, and extensive due diligence reports have been completed, enabling the company to construct its brand-new facility on a rapid timeline.

“The decision by Audi realizes the vision we had for the Middle Georgia Megasite – an innovative, global automotive OEM that will position the region as a premier hub for innovation and industry,” said Roy Lewis, Chairman of the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA and the Peach County Board of Commissioners. “When we formed the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, we set out to build a more resilient regional economy and secure major projects that will benefit our families and our workforce for decades. We are excited to continue conversations with Audi, the State of Georgia, and countless regional and state partners to build out programs that will prepare Georgians for the high-skill jobs of the future.” 

Georgia Quick Start will work with Audi to develop a customized training curricula and design a designated training facility. It will also partner with local campuses in the Technical College System of Georgia to begin employee instruction on tailored curriculum as the training facility is constructed. Competitive wages for all roles will be well-paying in the local market.

The Middle Georgia Megasite is well-positioned for connectivity to domestic and international markets. Both the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick can easily be reached by rail in less than 5 hours. The site has access to Norfolk Southern Class I rail.  The busiest and most efficient passenger airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is a 90-minute drive, and two regional airports are within 25 minutes of the Middle Georgia Megasite.

“We are excited to welcome Audi as a neighbor,” said Mark Sanchez, CEO of Southern Orchard Management. “We are so proud to work with Peach County, the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, and the State of Georgia on the Middle Georgia Megasite, because it has given us an opportunity to be part of a historic moment for the very community that has supported our own growth and success over the years. We hope that in the future, when people think of Audi, they think of Georgia peaches, too!” 

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) was represented by Global Commerce Assistant Director Virginia Sengewald; in partnership with the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, which includes Houston, Macon-Bibb, and Peach counties; the Technical College System of Georgia; Georgia Quick Start; University System of Georgia; Georgia Department of Transportation; Georgia Ports Authority; Georgia Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Norfolk Southern; Georgia’s Germany-based Europe Office; and Georgia Power.

“Audi’s decision to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Georgia is a historic milestone for our state and a transformational opportunity for Middle Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia’s success is built on long-term investments, trusted international relationships, and partnerships that bring communities together around a shared vision for the future. The relationships we began building decades ago, combined with the work our state and local partners have done to prepare this site, have positioned the region to compete for a project of this scale. Ultimately, this is why we do what we do, particularly in rural communities. Economic development is about more than the jobs and investment announced today. It is about strengthening communities, creating opportunities for families, and ensuring that future generations can build their lives and their futures close to home. We look forward to building a lasting partnership with Audi and the communities of Middle Georgia.”

About Audi AG

Audi combines premium mobility with technological progress and pioneering design. For more than five decades, “Vorsprung durch Technik” has embodied Audi’s technological ambitions. Audi offers a broad portfolio of premium vehicles for different customer needs and regional requirements. The Audi Group operates in more than 110 markets, manufactures vehicles at 21 production sites in twelve countries, and employs more than 88,000 people worldwide. The brand’s history dates back to 1909. Since 2026, Audi has also competed in Formula 1 with its factory team. In addition to the Audi brand, the Audi Group includes the sports-car manufacturer Lamborghini, the luxury brand Bentley, and the motorcycle manufacturer Ducati. Find out more about the Audi Group here.

About the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA

The Mid-Georgia Gateway Joint Development Authority (MGGJDA) is a unified regional partnership between Peach, Houston, and Macon-Bibb counties. By combining strategic resources and workforce pipelines, MGGJDA offers a seamless, comprehensive solution for major industrial prospects. MGGJDA’s primary mission is the collaborative development and marketing of the Middle Georgia Megasite located in Peach County. Through this three-county partnership, incoming businesses receive dedicated support from site acquisition to long-term workforce recruitment. For inquiries and more information, please visit mggjda.com.

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Oct 10 | Blue Bird Invests $300 Million in Peach County

 

ATLANTA – October 21, 2026 – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Blue Bird Corporation (Blue Bird), a technology leader and innovator of school buses, is expanding its existing footprint in Peach County. The company plans to invest an estimated $300 million in a new manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, creating 375 new jobs over the next three years.

“For nearly 100 years, Blue Bird has been an incredible part of Georgia’s story, and now that story will continue to be written for years to come,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We are proud when our long-time partners can grow and adapt to changing markets right here in the Peach State, and this expansion is the latest example that our pro-business environment is fostering sustained success for our business partners. I want to congratulate Blue Bird, Fort Valley, and Peach County on this announcement and their continued prosperity.”

Blue Bird school buses are available in a wide range of options and configurations to meet the diverse needs of school districts worldwide. The company has set industry standards through innovative design, engineering excellence, and advanced manufacturing capabilities, and currently supports more than 1,900 employees in Georgia.

“Georgia is where Blue Bird was born, and it has been our home for nearly 100 years. Every bus that rolls out of our plant carries the pride of the people across Middle Georgia who build it,” said John Wyskiel, President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “Our new facility in Fort Valley is our way of investing back into the community where we will continue to build more of the safe, dependable buses that school districts rely on, so we can keep getting children to school safely for the next hundred years.”

Blue Bird will convert a former manufacturing site for diesel-powered motorhomes at 401 Wanderlodge Way in Fort Valley into a new facility to build buses of all powertrains. The new, 1-million-square-foot manufacturing facility will produce Type C school buses, including diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric-powered models. Construction is expected to begin in Q1 2027. The company will be hiring for manufacturing, operations, and technician roles. To learn more about Blue Bird, including where interested individuals can apply for jobs, visit www.blue-bird.com/careers.

“For generations, Fort Valley has helped Blue Bird move America forward. Today, Blue Bird is helping Fort Valley move toward a new century of possibilities,” said Fort Valley Mayor Shakeena B. Reeves. “May the next 100 years be defined not only by the buses we manufacture, but by the families we strengthen, the opportunities we create, and the future we build together.”

“Peach County is proud to be home to Blue Bird, and this massive $300 million expansion and creation of 375 new jobs is a monumental win for our entire community,” said Commissioner Roy Lewis, Peach County Board of Commissioners. “This investment underscores the strength of our local workforce and our collaborative partnership with state and local leaders. We look forward to seeing Blue Bird continue to thrive right here in Fort Valley.”

Regional Project Manager Candice Scott represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Development Authority of Peach County and Georgia Quick Start.

“Since 1927, Blue Bird has been one of Georgia’s longest-standing automotive manufacturers, evolving with the industry while continuing to grow in Fort Valley and Middle Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “For nearly 100 years, families across America have placed their trust in Blue Bird every school day, entrusting these buses to safely carry their children to and from school. It’s remarkable to see that legacy continuing to create jobs and opportunity in a rural Georgia community, and to see Blue Bird continuing to invest and grow in the place it has called home for generations. Congratulations to Blue Bird on its upcoming centennial and to our local partners in Fort Valley and Peach County who have helped make this remarkable legacy possible.”

About Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Their dedicated team members design, engineer, and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is a proven leader in low-and-zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

 

 

 

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Call: (478) 825-3826 or peachcountydevelopment@ymail.com425 James E. Khoury DriveUnit BFort Valley, Georgia 31030