28 S G M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 9 B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 29 Georgia Forestry Service, which offered grant funds for clearing downed timber and pecans so that replanting could start as quickly as possible. With tourism representing a $66.2 billion economic impact in Georgia, Stafford also collaborated with UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant to develop the state’s first Coastal Sustainable Tourism Conference. The conference, which took place in Savannah on April 12, was focused on developing innovative ways to provide jobs and promote tourism in coastal communities while conserving the natural resources and cultural heritage of the coast. “I’ve also continued training on economic development for elected officials and development authority board members,” says Stafford, “and working with my colleagues at UGA in Athens and out in the South Georgia communities on issues and needs in rural Georgia.” Impacting Regional Growth With a mission to support regional growth, Valdosta State University opened the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact to promote partnerships and provide resources within the university’s 41-county service area. As the center’s executive director, Darrell Moore works with community leaders to identify projects that connect the expertise of Valdosta State faculty, staff, and students in the fields of economic development, education, healthcare, the arts, and governmental effectiveness. Moore, who previously served as president of the Moultrie- Colquitt County Development Authority for 21 years, is familiar “The goal is to help students make connections within communities,” says Moore. “Hopefully, by working here, they will want to stay in South Georgia when they graduate.” Not wanting to duplicate services, Moore says there is a lot of local, state, and federal resources available. “For example, if we get a request to help write a business plan, then I am going to connect them to the Small Business Development Center here at Valdosta State.” With the 2020 Census quickly approaching, Moore is attending Complete Count Committee meetings and reaching out to communities to offer Valdosta State’s assistance. “The census has a major economic impact, especially in rural areas,” says Moore. “By not counting even 100 people, communities can lose millions of dollars in federal funds.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, funding for hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and highways are determined based on the census count. Mandated by the Constitution, the United States conducts a census every 10 years, and the outcome determines out approximately $675 billion in federal funding is allocated to states and communities. with the South Georgia region and was instrumental in recruiting a medical school and agricultural processing facilities to the area. “I know a lot of people in this region, and have worked with them on economic development projects in the past,” says Moore, who helped established Locate South Georgia, a regional economic partnership to recruit new industries and support existing companies. “What I am doing now is finding out what these communities need and then match those needs with resources at Valdosta State.” The center was established as part of Valdosta State’s 2018 strategic plan, which has a stated objective to increase student success and opportunities for experiences outside the classroom, as well as the development of resources in the region. With more than 40 completed and ongoing projects, Moore says Valdosta State faculty, staff, and students are making a difference in many small communities throughout South Georgia. “We had a project where students helped update a county’s human resource policy manual,” says Moore. “Other projects include website design, marketing, and grant writing.” Moore explained that some of the projects are established as internships, while others are research-based and require a team of students and faculty. “Students are getting hands-on experience in identifying solutions, for example designing a website,” says Moore, explaining that a website is an essential economic development tool for local governments. “Often small communities can’t afford the cost of developing a website, and they might not have an employee with those skills.” After meeting with community leaders and assessing their needs, Moore pulls the university’s resource team together to develop a plan of action. “Our main goal is to identify student learning opportunities that also meet a community’s need,” says Moore. “We have students here from all 41 counties in our region, so we also want to find ways for them to help in their hometowns.” Moore says project assistance and internships are not limited to local governments but are also available to nonprofits and businesses. As a result of the 2010 Census, 9,687,653 people were counted in Georgia, which provided the state with $15.88 billion. According to the Georgia Municipal Association, each person counted in the 2010 Census effectively brought $1,639.10 to the state. “Making sure city and county leaders fully understand the financial impact of the census is the priority,” says Moore. “We are recruiting assistance from our students. I am familiar with a lot of these communities, but not all of them, so this is where the students can help.” While U.S. Census Bureau workers conduct the official count, Moore explains that Valdosta State students can make a significant impact in their hometown by identifying pockets of people that might not have been counted in 2010. “Having the local knowledge will help us develop a plan so that everyone is counted,” says Moore. “Through the center, we are also developing billboards and PSAs (public service announcements), as well as individualized marketing materials like posters and table tents for counties to distribute.” Here. For you. At Synovus, we truly understand what matters to you; that’s why we’re doing all we can to help you grow. Not just a bank, we’re your neighbors and friends. People from here who understand here. And we’re here. For you. 1-888-SYNOVUS | synovus.com Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. Chloe Taylor, a senior at VSU gained valuable public relations experience through an internship at Gayla’s Grits in Lakeland. Photo by Jake Parris.