Georgia Academy for Economic Development

"Since 2014, I’ve co-facilitated over 100 sessions of the Georgia Academy with community leaders from across the state... I often share best practices and innovative ideas I’ve seen in other communities and organizations I work with. The kinds of challenges we face in communities cannot be solved by one person or one organization alone. We need each other and can learn so much from our neighbors!" Carrie Barnes Sr. Strategist, Community & Leadership Development Georgia EMC

“I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Academy. In addition to the leaders I met in my local communities who I continue to reach out to, I was introduced to incredible resources that are available to our communities through the State of Georgia. It opened my eyes to the wonderful services that Georgia provides to our citizens, businesses, and industries. I would encourage all community leaders to participate.” Erica G. Harden, President Oconee Fall Line Technical College Sandersville, GA

???Unlocking the Power of AI for Cities and Towns!??? Artificial intelligence can help more than manufacturing facilities — it can also be a transformative tool for cities and towns. The Georgia Tech - Center for Economic Development Research (CEDR), part of the Enterprise Innovation Institute at Georgia Tech and a Georgia AIM partner, is hosting a new series of workshops designed to connect municipal employees and economic development organizations with innovative ways AI can improve efficiency and reduce government costs. These daylong workshops will help brainstorm solutions to public-sector challenges such as traffic management, public safety, and overall government efficiency. These workshops are made possible thanks to funding from Georgia AIM. “We want to help local officials better understand how they can be part of the AI revolution,” said Leigh Hopkins, assistant director for CEDR, who is among the team members leading the workshops. Other partners include Georgia Academy for Economic Development, The University of Georgia and representatives from Georgia Power Company and Georgia EMC. “We’re here to help you tee up AI; that’s why Georgia AIM is here.” Join us to harness the power of AI for the public sector! https://lnkd.in/efEFBXSa ?? #ArtificialIntelligence #PublicSector #Innovation #EconomicDevelopment #GeorgiaTech #AIWorkshops

Join Andrew and Carrie for “The Essentials” in Gainesville!

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming our world, from streamlining businesses and enhancing education to revolutionizing transportation and logistics. Recognizing the profound impact of AI, Georgia Institute of Technology in partnership with the Georgia Academy for Economic Development are hosting a one-day deep dive workshop, “AI for Local Officials,” to equip the state for this new era. The?Georgia AIM: Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing project, a statewide initiative funded by a 2022 EDA Build Back Better Awards, is at the forefront of integrating AI into manufacturing. Through partnerships in education, workforce development, and economic growth, the project aims to create a model for AI implementation. This workshop will delve into the broader community implications of AI and empower local leaders to support this technological shift. Registration includes all course materials and meals for the day.? Date & Time: April 30, 2025 | 8 am - 4 pm Location: Coastal Regional Commission, Darien Cost: $95 per person Facilitators: Jason Coley and Jenny Robbins Please note the lower course cost. The fee is reduced thanks to support from Georgia AIM! All Georgia Academy sessions are hosted in partnership with Georgia EMC, Georgia Power Company, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Register at https://lnkd.in/eM4C6V4Q

?? ?Join Us in Macon for AI 101 for Local Officials! Are you a local leader looking to drive innovation in your community? Don't miss our one-day deep dive into the basics of AI, designed to empower you with the knowledge to support AI integration in your area. ???Date: March 25 ???Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM ???Location: Middle Georgia Regional Commission (3661 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon, GA?31206) ???Cost: $95 (includes all course materials and meals) ?? Why Attend? Learn: Understand the impact of AI on business, education, transportation, and more. Connect: Network with fellow local officials and AI experts. Lead: Equip yourself with strategies to support technological shifts in your community. ? Special Features Expert facilitators and a reduced course cost thanks to the Georgia AIM: Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing initiative. ?? Register Now! Secure your spot and be part of the future of local governance. https://lnkd.in/eHXPTzZw Thank you to Georgia Academy for Economic Development #AI101 #ProfessionalDevelopment #LocalOfficials #Georgia

It's already MARCH! Have you started your continuing education for 2025? This month, Georgia Academy is offering three unique single-day courses at locations across the state: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ESSENTIALS Thursday, March 20 | 8 am - 4:30 pm Sandersville, GA (Washington EMC) Facilitators: Matt Forshee and Araina Reaves, PCED AI 101 Tuesday, March 25 | 8 am - 4 pm Macon, GA (Middle Georgia Regional Commission) Facilitators:?Araina Reaves, PCED and Ryan Waldrep **Offered in collaboration with Georgia AIM: Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing and Georgia Institute of Technology** COLLABORATE OR PERISH Thursday, March 27 | 8 am - 4:30 pm Statesboro, GA (AgSouth Farm Credit) Facilitators:?Jason Coley and Araina Reaves, PCED All Georgia Academy sessions are offered in partnership with Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Power Company, and Georgia EMC. Register at https://lnkd.in/eUTj9K5k.

What a great group of leaders at our Essentials session in Moultrie today! This 1-day intensive focuses on the “sweet spot” — the intersection of economic development, community development, and leadership development. Thanks to everyone who attended and to our co-facilitators: Scott Purvis (Regional Economic Development Manager at Georgia Power Company) and Jenny Robbins (Community Development Manager at Georgia EMC).

Our Housing 201 session in Decatur last week was a great group! This 1-day intensive addressed best practices for building a resilient housing strategy. Thanks to everyone who attended and to our co-facilitators: Matt Forshee (Regional Economic Development Manager at Georgia Power Company) and Jenny Robbins (Community Development Manager at Georgia EMC).

Congratulations to our 5 newest Georgia Academy for Economic Development program graduates! These community leaders join an alumni body of over 10,000 Georgians who have developed an understanding of economic development strategies, processes, resources, and solutions critical to being effective in a global economy through the Georgia Academy program. Welcome to the alumni family! Candace Eaton Downtown Dalton Development Authority Nicole Acree Taylor County Development Authority Mollie Bogle City of Madison Naylah Daniels, M.A. City of South Fulton Denise James, Ed.S Georgia Power Company