B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 41 A n d r e a C o l l i n s Owners of the Georgia Beer Company, the first brewery in Lowndes County, announced the start of renovations to their new facility in downtown Valdosta. Georgia Beer Company plans to produce several styles of beer during the first year of operation. These products will be packaged on site and distributed to retail outlets throughout the region. American Drill Bushing, the largest manufacturer of hoist rings in the world, recently announced a 36,000-square-foot expansion in Valdosta to introduce new product lines. The American Drill Bushing expansion will create 35 new full-time jobs and represent a $4 million capital investment. Thomas County Andrea Collins has been appointed executive director of the Thomasville- Thomas County Chamber of Commerce. Collins formerly worked for Easter Seals Southern Georgia,Comcast Spotlight, and founder of Southern Vines & Garden Market. Tift County American Textile officially opened its 400,000-square-foot facility in Tift County’s new industrial park. During the ceremony, American Textile executives presented a check for $35,000 to the Tift County College and Career Academy, which will be used to help construct an agriculture research facility at the academy. The Hospital Authority of Tift County recently approved the expansion of the physical facility of Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC). The board of trustees voted unanimously to invest $150 million to construct a four-story tower at TRMC that will include new inpatient units and a new emergency center. Approximately 60 percent of the financing will be through a USDA rural development loan; the remaining 40 percent will be funded through internal reserves. SUBMIT INFORMATION Based on space availability, the Moving Forward section will post job announcements, promotions, new or expanding companies, corporate awards, and professional recognitions. Submissions are accepted for individuals or businesses located within South Georgia. Email information and photo to editor@sgamag.com. Artist Rendering of Cook Medical Center Georgia Beer Company, the first brewery in Lowndes County, announced the start of renovations to its new facility in downtown Valdosta.