48 S G M A G A Z I N E | W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 State University. “Companies will have distribution centers and facilities in several locations, so sometimes we are competing with another community for that expansion and new jobs.” BRAT team members assist businesses in solving various operational and development issues. “If they need to expand their infrastructure or require tax incentives, we connect them to the right people,” Crance said. “The goal is to find solutions that help with retention and job growth in our community.” For example, after a supply and logistics tour with existing industries, there was discussion regarding the lack of trained workers, especially in management positions, to fill current and future logistic jobs in the region. Members of BRAT then worked with Valdosta State University to promote the minor in logistics and supply chain management. Valdosta State is now taking the next step to establish a major in supply chain management. Sharing information, ideas, and recommendations is another function of BRAT. A recent BRAT initiative included a tour of the Georgia Ports Authority for industry leaders representing distribution and logistics, food processing, and manufacturing sectors in the community. The tour provided valuable information on the process of importing and exporting products globally. To expand the workforce pipeline, BRAT also promotes partnerships with local schools through career education and job placement for high school and college graduates. “When we talk to existing industries about expanding, often that includes new job training,” Crance said. “We then work with Wiregrass Tech and even in the high schools to see what type of training is taking place and if students are receiving the technical skills that our industries need now and in the future.” BRAT members include representatives from: Georgia Centers of Innovation Georgia Department of Economic Development Georgia Department of Labor Georgia Institute of Technology Innovation Institute Georgia Power Company Georgia Quick Start University of Georgia Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Stan Crance, Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority PHOTO: PAT GALLAGHER