“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10
It’s hard to believe that this is the seventh issue of South Georgia Business + Culture Magazine. The first issue rolled off the presses in October 2016, and since that time we have continued to serve as South Georgia’s source for business information.
During the past two years, we have published more than 90 articles focused on agriculture, business and industry, community and economic development, education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, tourism, and the arts.
Last year, we announced the inaugural class of Team South Georgia, which recognized 26 community champions for their innovative spirit and ability to obtain positive results.
Who will represent Team South Georgia 2019? Do you know someone who is making an impact in your community? We will seek nominations for individuals representing a variety of areas including the arts, agriculture, business and industry, chambers of commerce, community service, economic and community development, education, healthcare, leadership development, nonprofit, public service, and tourism.
Beginning in March, nominations will be accepted on the magazine’s website (sgamag.com). Members of 2019 Team South Georgia will be recognized in the fall issue of South Georgia Business + Culture Magazine.
In this issue, there are several articles focused on economic development. I encourage you to read the Viewpoint section (page 11), where the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Pat Wilson provides an overview of the state’s economic development efforts.
In the past two years, the GDEcD Global Commerce team has located 193 projects in South Georgia, bringing more than 8,300 jobs and $1.44 billion investment. Commissioner Wilson also noted that in FY18, 80 percent of GDEcD projects were located outside of Metro Atlanta.
Congratulations to both Dougherty and Decatur counties for being recognized as 2018 Deals of the Year by the Georgia Department of Economic Developers. With significant industry announcements, both counties were acknowledged for outstanding achievement in the recruitment and expansion of businesses in Georgia, while creating community partnerships to bring about economic growth.
Albany and Dougherty County were recognized for the Georgia-Pacific lumber project that will bring $150 million investment and create 130 new jobs. Bainbridge and Decatur County were acknowledged for recruiting Taurus USA. A leading firearms manufacturer, Taurus USA will create 300 jobs and invest more than $22.5 million in infrastructure and operations.
Through Locate South Georgia, economic development and chamber leaders are combining their efforts to promote the region as globally competitive for business and industry growth. Locate South Georgia includes 17 counties that in the past two years have generated more than $500 million in capital investments and the creation of approximately 2,000 jobs.
There is a lot to be proud of in South Georgia. Let’s continue to celebrate our successes and work together to strengthen our communities and region.