Locate South Georgia

Hurricane Helene has caused significant devastation across South Georgia, particularly in Lowndes County. As our South Georgia community faces this challenge, we at South GeorgiaLEADS want to share a way you can directly help our neighbors in need. Georgia Beer Co., located at 109 S Briggs St, Valdosta, is stepping up to support those affected by collecting "full cans of gas" to power generators for those without electricity. With most of Lowndes County still without power and gas stations being inaccessible, this effort will help restore some normalcy to families in crisis. Georgia Beer Co. is committed to storing, numbering, tracking, and distributing these full cans of gas to ensure they reach those who need them most. If you or your community are looking for a way to contribute, please consider bringing a gas can full of gas to help. Every little bit can make a big difference as we come together to support our South Georgia family. Please bring the gas cans by between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM on the Sunday or Monday (Sept 29 & 30). For more information, contact Michelle Jones at (229) 251-4641. #SouthGeorgiaStrong

Members of Locate South Georgia enjoyed their annual tradition of dinner at the Chart House. These economic development rockstars are like family and I’m so thankful they still let me tag along!

Meet Rick McCaskill, Executive Director of the Bainbridge-Decatur County Development Authority and the incoming vice chair of Locate South Georgia!

"Georgia Southwestern State University’s (GSW) economic impact on the region was $100.8 million in fiscal year 2023, according to a new detailed report released by the University System of Georgia (USG). The report also revealed that GSW generated 1,127 full- and part-time jobs." The University is located in our member community of Sumter County! Sumter County Economic Development

GREAT collaboration between two of our partner organizations, Valdosta State University and Georgia Power Company! "Designed to encourage engagement and inspire a love of learning through hands-on activities and fun, the Copeland African American Museum’s Children’s emPOWERment Zone recently moved from concept to reality thanks to a $50,000 gift from Georgia Power."

"Coffee County Schools and the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Authority recently attended the Foundational Leadership & Entrepreneurial Experience (Georgia FLEX) Implementation Workshop. This workshop marks the official launch of their participation in the program for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year."

"Georgia’s economic development efforts are continuing to feature a rural focus. The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce team Thursday reported more than $20.3 billion in investment Georgia during the last fiscal year, with 429 facility expansions and new locations creating 26,900 new private-sector jobs. More than 18,300 of those jobs representing $12.5 billion in investment came outside the 10-county Atlanta region, accounting for 83% of expansions and new locations. Growing the economy in rural Georgia reflects a priority of Gov. Brian Kemp since he first ran for governor back in 2018, Kemp told Capitol Beat in an exclusive interview. 'That’s making sure we have regional opportunities rural Georgians could take advantage of without having too long a commute,' Kemp said. 'It’s really paid off.'”

Enjoy this nice spotlight on our member community of Dougherty County! Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission

Regionalism applies to everything in rural communities!

Meet Shelley Zorn, President and CEO of the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority (Imagine Thomasville) and incoming board chair of Locate South Georgia! Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Finance degree from Georgia State University, Shelley began her career in banking, specializing in commercial lending and marketing. Fifteen years later, economic development knocked on her door. She accepted a position as President of the ASHBURN-TURNER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and Development Authority where she recruited new industries, retail and restaurant establishments as well as directing tourism efforts and downtown development. In 2014, the Thomasville-Thomas County Payroll Development Authority tapped Shelley to fulfill the executive director position and focus on new industry and retail recruitment and existing industry support. With more than 20 years experience in economic development Shelley brings a wealth of practical and tactical solutions to any project. She has served on the board of the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA), Rotary Club President, graduated from the Chamber Institute of Organizational Management and the Georgia Institute of Technology Economic Development Training Course. We look forward to Shelley's leadership!