b'RIDING THERails of Successlive, says Dyke. We look forward to continuingFirst, we have to let our teachers and high school students know what jobs are this partnership with Enviva in the future.available in Ware County, says Dyke. We have identified some areas where the curriculum currently taught in our schools doesnt match up to the skills needed by Home of the Egg Roll our local industries.In 2017, Waycross welcomed Bailey InternationalAn eye-opening experience, Dyke says, We take teachers directly to the businesses to the community. One of the largest producersand different manufacturing plants. They can see exactly what these businesses of egg rolls in the U.S., the Waycross facilityare doing; it gives them a chance to see what jobs are available and what skills are produces more than 4.8 million Grade Aneeded. handmade egg rolls each year.Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Bailey InternationalWhile the coronavirus has created some economic barriers, the WWDA staff selected Waycross for its location and directcontinues to talk with industry prospects and assist with new business openings, access to Southeastern markets.most recently a senior care facility and hotel. Bailey International purchased a site which hadLocated on Pierce and Ware counties border, the Georgia Living Senior Care (Satilla been vacant for several years, says Dyke. TheyBluffs) facility opened in August with 55 new hires.took a blighted facility and turned it into one thatBy years end, Marriotts new $12 million Fairfield Inn will officially open in Waycross, suited their needs. creating 25 new jobs.Starting with 50 employees, in the past threeWith Satilla Bluffs and a new hotel opening, its an exciting time, says Dyke, who years, Bailey International has increasedcommented that during the coronavirus pandemic businesses and industries, for the production levels and workforce to approximatelymost part, remained operational. Early on, some businesses and manufacturers had 180 workers at the Waycross facility.to close for a brief period, but theyre back open. Infrastructure and BeyondThere is no denying that logistics is a considerable asset; however, infrastructure, workforce, and partnerships are also crucial to Ware Countys continued success. The WWDA is gearing up for industry prospects through infrastructure improvements. Last year, the development authority received a $500,000 OneGeorgia grant from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which was matched through SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax) funds.The combined $1 million is being used to prepare a new 91-acre site at the industrial park. This summer, we have cleaned and grubbed the site so that it will be ready to show prospects, says Dyke. By completing this work, we ensure our community remains relevant and ready for prospects. The WWDA has made growing its future workforce a priority. Through the Ware Worx program, a partnership with Coastal Pines Technical College, South Georgia State College, and local high schools, the development authority is sponsoring field trips, mock interviews, and other activities to showcase jobs within the community. BUSINESS + CULTURE 43'