Along with local and state economic development leaders in Swainsboro, Georgia at Faircloth Forest Products, Governor Kemp announced the creation of a rural strike team to focus on bringing jobs, investment, and economic development to all corners of the Peach State.

"To keep rural Georgia strong and remain the top state for business, I am laser-focused on bringing projects of regional significance to communities wanting to grow," said Governor Kemp. "By partnering with elected officials and economic developers, we can highlight the incredible people, places, and resources that exist outside of major metro areas. We can make sure that industry leaders have Georgia on their minds.

"The hardworking Georgians on this strike team will raise the visibility of regional economic development assets - specifically, large industrial sites outside of metro-Atlanta - and unite communities to market those sites to potential prospects.

"These large projects will benefit multiple counties, dozens of communities, and hundreds of hardworking Georgia families. Working together, we will ensure rural Georgia's best days are ahead."

Through the Governor’s Office, the Rural Strike Team will leverage state resources such as the Georgia Department of Economic Development's (GDEcD) Global Commerce team, the Department of Community Affair's (DCA) regional team, UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute, the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s (ABAC) Rural Prosperity Center, and others to craft a marketing plan specific to the site, develop a target list on specific industries, and provide training to local leaders who are actively recruiting business prospects.

Furthermore, a rural economic development coordinator will work closely with the Rural Strike Team, state and local agencies, and third-party organizations efforts to spur greater opportunities in rural Georgia.

In Swainsboro, Governor Kemp also announced a statewide "Georgia Made" tour to raise awareness and show support for local businesses and manufacturers providing jobs and opportunity to communities across Georgia.

"For the next several months, I look forward to highlighting what local businesses are doing to employ hardworking Georgians in rural communities and how we can help those businesses continue to succeed," said Governor Kemp.