June 2018 Features

  • Hands-Free Law Will Become Effective on July 1st

    June 29, 2018

    House Bill 673, also known as the “Hands-Free Georgia Act,” will become effective on July 1, 2018. The legislation was introduced during the 2018 Legislative Session, passed both the Senate and House and was signed by Governor Nathan Deal on May 2nd.

  • Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger Elected President of GMA

    June 28, 2018

    Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger was elected president of the Georgia Municipal Association during the association’s annual meeting in Savannah on Sunday, June 24th. The city of Auburn has maintained its old southern charm while evolving to attract businesses and provide valued amenities to its residents. Community members, local and state leaders credit much of this redevelopment success to Blechinger.

  • How to Develop A Connected, State-Wide Innovation Ecosystem

    June 27, 2018

    Most entrepreneurs are jacks-of-all-trades who are equipped with the knowledge and abilities to solve business problems as they arise, but there are some obstacles that require a more specialized industry-centric approach. These are the challenges that keep business owners up at night because they don’t have the in-house expertise or resources necessary to develop a solution.

  • Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Names David Bradley CEO

    June 26, 2018

    The Board of Directors of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce has named David Bradley president and chief executive officer of the business organization. The announcement was made this week after a unanimous vote of the board.

  • Charlie Harper: Transit Moves Beyond Atlanta

    June 26, 2018

    Last week Governor Nathan Deal assembled state leaders at Georgia’s Capitol for an announcement. The State would be contributing $100 Million toward building Bus Rapid Transit on Georgia 400 through North Fulton County. The money will leverage $184 Million in Federal Funds granted to build express lanes from I-285 to McFarland Road, bringing traffic relief to one of Georgia’s fastest growing and most congested corridors.

  • Georgia Power Named Utility Communicator of the Year by UCI

    June 25, 2018

    Georgia Power has been recognized by Utility Communicators International as Communicator of the Year and took home the Best in Show award among 17 others in the annual Better Communications Competition held June 21st, in Louisville, Kentucky.

  • Georgia Lottery Corp. Celebrates 25th Anniversary

    June 21, 2018

    The Georgia Lottery Corp. marked its 25th anniversary during a ceremony Wednesday at the Georgia State Capitol. Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin was joined by Gov. Nathan Deal to commemorate the occasion, which was a celebration of the Georgia Lottery, Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia’s Pre-K Program.

  • Georgia Retains AAA Ratings for 21st Consecutive Year

    June 21, 2018

    Gov. Nathan Deal announced Georgia again earned a rating of AAA, with a stable outlook, from each of the three main credit rating agencies — Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s. Of the states that issue general obligation bonds, only nine currently meet this standard. These ratings resulted in low interest rates during the sale of state general obligation bonds to fund $1.32 billion for new projects.

  • Landmark Construction Named Nation’s Most Active Student Housing Contractor by Student Housing Business

    June 20, 2018

    Athens, Georgia-based general contractor Landmark Construction has been named the nation’s most active student housing contractor for the third consecutive year by Student Housing Business, an industry-leading publication.

  • Study Indicates Pet Friendly Companies Are More Likely to Attract, Engage and Retain Employees

    June 19, 2018

    A recent study conducted by Nationwide, in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, reveals that 90 percent of employees in pet friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company's mission; fully engaged with their work; and willing to recommend their employer to others. In contrast, less than 65 percent of employees in non-pet friendly workplaces made the same claims.

  • GE Appliances to Create 100 Jobs in Jackson County

    June 15, 2018

    Gov. Nathan Deal announced that GE Appliances, a manufacturer of household appliances, will create 100 jobs and invest $55 million in a new Southeast Region Appliance Distribution Center in Commerce. Construction of the new facility will be completed by April 2019.

  • Georgia Economy Achieves Record Job Creation & Employment in May

    June 15, 2018

    Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Georgia once again set records for employed residents, labor force and jobs for May, continuing a trend from previous months. The state is approaching the 5-million mark for employed residents. At the same time, Georgia posted more than 4.5 million jobs and a labor force of more than 5.1 million.

  • 5 Secrets to Building Great Company Culture You May Not Have Realized

    June 15, 2018

    One thing I’ve learned across all the companies I’ve created is just how vital company culture is. This is especially true when you’re starting a new company and can’t afford to hire experienced veterans who command high salaries. So, how can you put great people in place without spending the fortune you haven’t earned yet? You create such an amazing culture that people want to work for you.

  • GDEcD TPDRT Presents Music Tourism Report, includes Support for Classic Center Arena

    June 13, 2018

    The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted the Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Product Development Resource Team at the Hyatt Place on Thursday, June 7th to present findings and recommendations. Tourism partners attended the presentation to hear the team’s report that provided guidance for future tourism product development in Athens.

  • Pamela Whitten Named President of Kennesaw State University

    June 13, 2018

    The Board of Regents named Dr. Pamela Whitten president of Kennesaw State University. Whitten will begin her new position July 16th . Whitten currently serves as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Georgia, a position she has held since 2014.

  • Mike Mathews Named New Airport Director for Athens-Ben Epps Airport

    June 12, 2018

    Manager Blaine Williams has named Mike Mathews as the new Director of the Athens-Ben Epps Airport for the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government. He will begin his new position on July 9, 2018. Mathews has served as the Director of the Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Floyd County, outside Rome, Georgia, since 1997.

  • 4 Ways to Master Risk in Your Small Business Without Breaking a Sweat

    June 08, 2018

    Risk is something that few people enjoy. Sure, there are always daredevils who push things too far, but the majority of people are relatively cautious. And while there’s something to be said for protecting yourself, successful entrepreneurs don’t shy away from risk altogether.

  • AG Chris Carr: Frequently Asked Questions When It Comes to Open Records and Open Meetings

    June 07, 2018

  • To Find Your Happy Place, Try Spending That Well-Earned Time Off on Jekyll Island

    June 06, 2018

    If you're hesitant about slipping away from the office for a couple weeks to take your family on that long-awaited summer vacation, relax. Research shows that vacation travel is the one type of travel that has virtually everyone's approval. Nestled on the Atlantic coast between Savannah and Jacksonville, Jekyll Island boasts a rare combination of activities, attractions and natural wonders that capture the imagination, regardless of age or interests.

  • GDEcD Trade Mission to South America Opens New Markets

    June 05, 2018

    Recently, GDEcD International Trade Manager, Alice Carson, has been traveling across South America connecting Georgia businesses with new opportunities in Latin American markets. The mission involved stops in three countries: Colombia, Peru and Chile.

  • Aron Levine, Head of Consumer Banking & Merrill Edge, Offers Insight into Making a Difference in the Community this Year

    June 04, 2018

    Now that we’ve settled into 2018, if you’re anything like me, you’re re-thinking your progress on New Year’s resolutions. For some, this might mean evaluating your philanthropic or community involvement goals for the year. Or, you may be in the research stages of finding the specific causes or organizations you’ll support—either with your time or financial contribution.