b'ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTRegion RoundupMoving FowardWiregrass Tech Honors DonorsWith Naming of BuildingsWiregrass Georgia Technical College recognized longtime donors Sidney and Sharon Morris by renaming Lowndes Hall in theirExpansion: Outdoor Network is expanding its facility in Albany, Georgia, creating more than 90 new jobs.honor. The Sidney and Sharon Morris Hall, located on the Valdosta Campus of Wiregrass, will continue to house the presidents suite and administrative offices, classrooms and lab space, and the library. Outdoor Network Expands in AlbanySidney Morris was a founding member of the Valdosta Technical Institute Foundation in 1988 and continues to serve as a Wiregrass Foundation South Trustee. He has served Wiregrass students for more than 30 years. In 2018, Sidney Morris wasThe Albany-Dougherty Economicoperation of OXE diesel outboardAlbany and produce the complete lineup of recognized as the Technical College System of Georgia Volunteer of the Year.Development Commission has announcedmotors will generate an additional 40125-through 200-horsepower OXE Diesel the expansion of Outdoor Network (ODN)manufacturing jobs. Outboard Motors, says Martin Polo, CEO During a topping off ceremonywhich symbolically marks the last steel beam placed in the construction of a building in Albany, creating nearly $22 million inof Outdoor Network. We pride ourselves Anderson also announced that the new health sciences building would be named in honor of Dr. Ed and Rhonda Mark. capital investment and 92 new jobs for theOutdoor Network is the worlds largeston creating more opportunities for community. original equipment manufacturer (OEM)hardworking American families. Since 2012, distributor of marine and powersportswe have operated in Georgia and have The growth stems from the consolidationparts and maintains six marine andgrown our multifaceted enterprise made and expansion of the companys existingpowersports dealerships across theup of brick-and-mortar and e-commerce call center and distribution headquarters inSoutheastern United States, includingstores, distribution centers, and a call Albany-Dougherty County. Powersports Plus in Albany and Boaterscenterall with the help of the community World in Lee County. The company hasand the Albany-Daugherty Economic Outdoor Network has emerged as andistribution facilities in Georgia andDevelopment Commission.international powerhouse dealer andNevada.distributor of marine and powersports equipment and parts, supplying renownedIn 2019, ODN became the North$22 brands including Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki,American distributor of OXE Marine Polaris, Suzuki, Can-Am, Mercury, Sea-Doo,Outboard Diesel Motors. It will nowMILLIONEvinrude, and OXE Marine Diesel Outboards. be the companys sole manufacturerINVESTMENTof 125-200 HP motors, manufactured Of the 92 new jobs, 52 will be createdexclusively in Albany for worldwide Donors Recognized: Wiregrass Tech honored Sharon and Sidney Morris, left, and Dr. Ed and Rhonda Mark for their continuedat the distribution and call center to bedistribution. 90+ NEWconsolidated and expanded on SouthJOBSfinancial contributions and support.Slappey Boulevard, on the former site ofAt ODN, we are doing our part to bring MacGregor Golf, which has been vacant forjobs back to the U.S. with the decision to more than 20 years. The new manufacturinglocate our new manufacturing facility in 52 SG MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 BUSINESS + CULTURE 53'