December 2020 Features

• Georgia Chamber CEO Chris Clark: The Facts About Vaccine Distribution in Georgia

  December 18, 2020

  2020 has certainly been a year for the books; one that has challenged our health, our thinking, and our collective willpower as a global society. And though there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel with the first vaccines arriving in Georgia, I wanted to briefly address the thousands of inquiries that we are receiving about vaccine distribution in our state.

• Deloitte: In Wake of COVID-19, 61% of Executives Now Focused on Transforming Work, Double Pre-Pandemic Levels

  December 18, 2020

  Amid unprecedented workforce disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations are enacting radically new ways of working and operating – and the C-suite is taking action to reimagine the future of work with human capital issues at the top of their agenda.

• IHG Hotels & Resorts and Explore Georgia Invite Visitors to Go Beyond the Headlines, Where True Hospitality meets Southern Hospitality

  December 17, 2020

  In 1960, the soulful, Georgia-born singer Ray Charles hit the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time with the song “Georgia On My Mind.” To this day, that iconic tune is one of his most-loved recordings. Fast forward to present day, and Georgia, it seems, is on everyone’s mind.

• Delta’s First COVID-tested Flight Departs Atlanta, Charting Path to Global Recovery

  December 16, 2020

  Delta customers with essential travel needs can now fly from Atlanta to Amsterdam without having to quarantine after arrival, and with the knowledge that their fellow passengers and crew are COVID-19 negative after undergoing pre-flight testing protocols.

• First Shipments of COVID-19 Vaccine Arrive in Georgia

  December 15, 2020

  The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) received the first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine for administration in Georgia.

• The Clarke County BOE Announces Dr. Xerona Thomas as Superintendent

  December 14, 2020

  The Clarke County Board of Education named Dr. Xernona Thomas as superintendent of the Clarke County School District. Since November 2019, Dr. Thomas has served as interim superintendent.

• UPS To Support Distribution Of Approved Vaccine As Part Of Operation Warp Speed

  December 14, 2020

  UPS announced its involvement and full support of distribution efforts for Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine as part of Operation Warp Speed. Pfizer’s and BioNTech’s vaccine, approved through a U.S. Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization (EUA), is the first to be deployed in a months-long global race to develop safe vaccines to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

• Year-end Report Card Gives Georgia Employers a B Grade for 2020, Clarity on Earning an A in 2021

  December 11, 2020

  In a November survey of employed Georgians, goBeyondProfit found they gave their employers a solid B grade on addressing the challenges of 2020. The research shows employees would give an A grade – and likely greater employee productivity and retention – for companies and leaders demonstrating empathy and care.

• As Companies Opt for Stability Amid Pandemic, 2020 Could Be Record-Low Year for CEO Turnover

  December 11, 2020

  Once the economic fallout from COVID-19 began, CEO turnover in the Russell 3000 began seeing a marked slowdown as boards opted for continuity. For this reason, 2020 could shape up as a record-low year for CEO turnover.

• Georgia Hospitality Leaders: Better Days Ahead

  December 10, 2020

  It’s not exactly breaking news that the hospitality industry was one of those hit the hardest by COVID-19. But Georgia leaders have not rested on their laurels, working to secure economic relief and provide support until traffic picks back up.

• Partnership for Inclusive Innovation Announces First $250,000 Grant for Pilot Program to Advance Entrepreneurial Opportunities Throughout Georgia

  December 09, 2020

  The  Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, with the support of Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, has announced its first funded pilot program, theClubhou.se: Mesh Network. This organization aims to empower entrepreneurs and provide resources to create new businesses in traditionally under-resourced communities.

• Pilgrim’s to Invest $790,000 in Athens as Part of its Hometown Strong Initiative

  December 08, 2020

  Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, Pilgrim’s today announced plans to invest $790,000 in Athens, Ga., to support the community’s future.

• Tis the Season! Chick-fil-A Brings Back Two Seasonal Menu Favorites and Offers Giftable Ideas for the Holidays

  December 08, 2020

  Chick-fil-A is serving holiday cheer with the return of two wintertime favorites. Beginning this week, the festive Peppermint Chip Milkshake and Chicken Tortilla Soup are back for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide. Guests will also be able to deck the halls and spark some joy with limited-edition Chick-fil-A holiday merchandise, available for the season at select restaurants.

• Georgia’s Choppy Rebound from COVID Recession Smooths Out in 2021

  December 04, 2020

  The COVID-19 economic recession is very likely over in Georgia, but the state still faces a hard slog to reach a full recovery, according to a new forecast from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business.

• Thirty-one Georgia Companies Receive 2020 GLOBE Awards, Four Recognized as Exporters of the Year

  December 04, 2020

  The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced its International Trade division’s 2020 GLOBE Award recipients. This state-led awards program highlights Georgia companies that entered new international markets in the previous year. During calendar year 2019, GLOBE winners from 17 counties across Georgia collectively entered 75 new international markets.

• Georgia’s Banks Post Gains in Loans, Deposits, Assets

  December 03, 2020

  Loan and deposit balances continued to grow at the 155 FDIC-insured banks based Georgia in during the third quarter, with totals for those banks through Sept. 30 up 15% and 20%, respectively.

• How TSA Lines are Speeding Up at Delta’s Largest Hub Thanks to Industry-leading Security Scanners

  December 03, 2020

  Just in time for holiday travel, Delta, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Transportation Security Administration are speeding up security lines for faster, hassle-free domestic travel from Atlanta.

• Georgia Chamber Announces an All-Virtual 2021 Eggs & Issues Breakfast

  December 02, 2020

  The Georgia Chamber announces that it will host its annual marquee event, the Eggs and Issues Breakfast, as an all-virtual program on January 13th, 2021.

• GDEcD Applauds SK Innovation, Jackson County on Expanding Education Investment in Georgia Schools

  December 01, 2020

  Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson was joined by SK Battery America President Jun-ho Hwang, Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce President Jim Shaw, and education leaders in Jackson County at the Georgia State Capitol to celebrate electric vehicle battery manufacturer SK Innovation’s continued investment in Georgia.

• Georgia Economic Outlook for 2021 Set for December 3rd

  December 01, 2020

  Economic forecasters from the University of Georgia and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta will provide essential insights for these uncertain times at this year’s Georgia Economic Outlook. For the first time in the program’s 38-year history, the event will be hosted virtually and streamed on YouTube.

• Anthem Survey: 96% of Employers Actively or Considering Integrating Their Healthcare Benefits

  December 01, 2020

  A recent study by Anthem shows a trend over the last several years is here to stay as the majority of employers are integrating healthcare benefits to create a more efficient, effective and affordable benefits package for their employees.