Features
-
Four Georgia Small Businesses Named Rock Stars
March 21, 2018
The Georgia Department of Economic Development, along with the Georgia Economic Developers Association, announced Georgia’s 2018 Small Business Rock Stars. GDEcD and GEDA hosted a luncheon where four Georgia companies were honored for being an outstanding, unique and impactful small business.
-
Georgia Aquarium Reveals Plans for New Expansion to Open in 2020
March 21, 2018
The largest aquarium in the United States is getting bigger. Georgia Aquarium revealed expansion plans for a new gallery featuring sharks—one of the most misunderstood species in the ocean—to open in late fall of 2020. An extension of the Aquarium’s conservation and education efforts, the new experience will help guests have a deeper appreciation for the important role sharks serve in the oceans and inspire them to join conservation efforts to protect our oceans.
-
Mercedes-Benz USA Celebrates Grand Opening of New Headquarters in Atlanta
March 16, 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA held the official grand opening of its new headquarters in Sandy Springs, 14 miles outside of the heart of Atlanta. Among the distinguished guests joining Dietmar Exler, MBUSA president and CEO, were Nathan Deal, Governor of Georgia; Keisha Lance Bottoms, Mayor of Atlanta; Axel Harries, Daimler vice president sales Mercedes-Benz Cars and product management Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars; and Rusty Paul, Mayor of Sandy Springs.
-
Georgia Congressional Delegation Pushes Georgia as Home to U.S. Army Futures Command
March 16, 2018
U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., joined the entire Georgia congressional delegation in urging the Pentagon to consider Georgia as home to the new Futures Command of the U.S. Army.
-
Georgia’s Chief Turnaround Office and the Synergy Around Rural Georgia
March 15, 2018
The schools and districts that make-up Cohort I of the turnaround focus (as outlined in HB 338) are primarily focused in rural, Southwest Georgia. While the turnaround team would love to take credit for the synergy of this rural focus, it was a force brewing well before the establishment of the Turnaround Office.
-
Georgia House Speaker David Ralston: A Call to Action for “Building a Stronger America”
March 14, 2018
From the world’s busiest airport to the fastest growing container port in America, Georgia leads the nation in moving people and goods. That didn’t happen by accident. On the contrary, for generations, Georgians have invested in the infrastructure necessary to facilitate our forward momentum.
-
Georgia Department of Economic Development Names Daniel Dobbins Regional Project Manager
March 12, 2018
The Georgia Department of Economic Development has selected Daniel Dobbins, a graduate of the University of Georgia, as the Regional Project Manager – Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment for Region 5. The Chason Group led the executive search for the GDEcD.
-
Governor Signs $25.4B Amended FY 2018 Budget
March 12, 2018
Gov. Nathan Deal signed the Amended FY 2018 budget at a signing ceremony in Polk County, authorizing $25.4 billion in spending for the current fiscal year. The state appropriations within HB 683 are based upon a 2.7 percent growth in general fund revenues over FY 2017 collections. This additional funding will address growth needs in education and human services, provide additional funding to local governments and school systems, and support statewide economic development efforts.
-
TAG Announces Top 10 Innovative Technology Companies in Georgia
March 09, 2018
The Technology Association of Georgia announced the Top 10 Innovative Technology Companies in Georgia. These companies were selected from the Top 40 Innovative Technology Companies for showing the highest degree of innovation, the broadest scope and financial impact of their innovations, and the greatest effect of such innovation in promoting Georgia's technology industry throughout the U.S. and globally.
-
Facebook to Invest $750M in Stanton Springs Data Center
March 08, 2018
Gov. Nathan Deal announced that Facebook will create at least 100 full-time jobs and invest $750 million in a new data center in Stanton Springs over the next five years. New jobs will include positions in engineering and management, as well as opportunities for data center technicians.
-
Lady Antebellum Members to Deliver UGA Commencement Address
March 07, 2018
University of Georgia alumni Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of multi-platinum trio Lady Antebellum will deliver the spring undergraduate Commencement address May 4 at 7 p.m. in Sanford Stadium.
-
AG Chris Carr Kicks Off 7th Annual Georgia Legal Food Frenzy
March 06, 2018
Attorney General Chris Carr announced that registration is open for the 7th Annual Legal Food Frenzy, a statewide food and fund drive competition among Georgia’s lawyers to help end hunger. The 2018 competition will take place April 16 – April 27, 2018 and is done in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General, the State Bar of Georgia, the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia and the Georgia Food Bank Association.
-
U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO: Can the Government Nationalize a Business?
March 05, 2018
Is the federal government allowed to take over and run a private business in an emergency? That is the fundamental question at the heart of a case brought by Starr International Company against the federal government.
-
Experts Think Amazon Will Choose Atlanta or Northern Virginia as its Second Headquarters
March 02, 2018
Experts expect Amazon to choose either Northern Virginia or Atlanta for its new headquarters, according to the 2018 Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey. Austin and Denver were also commonly cited by experts as strong contenders.
-
Savannah Harbor Expansion Project on Schedule, Reaches Crucial Milestone
March 01, 2018
Gov. Nathan Deal announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed outer harbor dredging at the Port of Savannah, marking the midpoint of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project.
-
Georgia Banks Earn $3.4B During 2017
February 28, 2018
Georgia’s 177 state-based FDIC insured banks earned $3.4 billion in 2017, an increase of 13.7 percent over the previous year. Total deposits, loans and assets all increased during the year.
-
Film Day at the Capitol Celebrates Georgia’s Film and Television Industry
February 28, 2018
The Georgia Film Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, celebrated Film Day at the Capitol to recognize the state’s past, present and future in the film industry. “No other film production center has seen more growth in infrastructure than Georgia has over the last eight years,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Governor Deal’s leadership and unwavering support has ensured Georgia’s place as a top destination for film and television activity.”
-
Lenn Chandler Named Interim President & CEO of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
February 27, 2018
The board of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce has appointed Lenn Chandler to serve as interim President and CEO while a national search is conducted to find the permanent replacement for Doc Eldridge, who is resigning March 1. Chandler, the retired Vice President of the Northeast Region for Georgia Power, has previously served on the Chamber Board.
-
GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry Receives Award for Engineering Influence
February 27, 2018
Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E. received ACEC Georgia’s Engineering Influence Award “in recognition of his exceptional leadership and management of the department’s response to the Interstate 85 fire and bridge collapse” last year.
-
First American Resources & Flack Global Metals Announce Athens Facility
February 26, 2018
First American Resources and Flack Global Metals announce the development of a new state-of-the-art coil coating and metal processing facility to meet the growing customer demand for high-end, surface critical coated products.
-
Senators Johnny Isakson & David Perdue: Tax Cuts Are Helping Georgians
February 26, 2018
The tax cuts passed by the U.S. Senate and signed into law by President Donald J. Trump are already having a positive impact across the country. Businesses are investing in our economy again. More than 3 million Americans have received bonuses. Wages are rising at their highest rate in eight years. Here in Georgia, we are seeing this positive impact firsthand.
-
Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Preparing for Executive Search
February 23, 2018
The leadership of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce has initiated an executive search process to fill the president and chief executive officer's position. Current president Doc Eldridge announced in December that he will be leaving the Chamber effective March 1st. A recent membership survey of Chamber members will be utilized as the base for the research. Additional local, regional and state leaders will also be contacted for input.
-
Technology Association of Georgia Unveils the Top 40 Innovative Technology Companies in Georgia
February 23, 2018
The Technology Association of Georgia announced the Top 40 Innovative Technology Companies in Georgia. TAG’S Top 40 Awards recognize Georgia-based technology companies for their innovation, financial impact, and their efforts at spreading awareness of the state’s technology initiatives throughout the U.S. and globally.
-
Hollywood South: Entertainment Industry Brings $9.5B to Georgia
February 22, 2018
Still thinking about which films to check off on the Oscar ballot before awards season wraps up March 4 with the 90th Academy Awards? Consider “Baby Driver,” “I, Tonya,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and “DeKalb Elementary.” They all were filmed in Georgia and contributed to the $9.5 billion the film industry brought to the state last year.
-
Athens-based Barberitos Celebrates 18th Birthday
February 21, 2018
Barberitos Southwestern Grille & Cantina is celebrating its 18th birthday. Founder and CEO Downing Barber opened the first Barberitos location on February 20, 2000, in Athens, Ga. Since then, the company has grown to include almost 50 locations throughout Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.