Locate South Georgia

Georgia Trend Magazine recently shined a spotlight on Thomasville and Thomas County, highlighting our vibrant tourism, smart growth strategies, and robust workforce development efforts. We’re a community that values innovation while cherishing our rich heritage—a place where businesses can thrive and people can enjoy a remarkable quality of life. ?? Read the full article to learn why Thomasville is a destination of choice for businesses and families alike: https://lnkd.in/e3ukDYJ5 #ThomasvilleGA #GeorgiaTrend

Shelley Zorn and Jenny Dell recently attended Thomasville Center for the Arts’ 29th Annual Wildlife Arts Festival. The event draws over 50 fine artists from across the globe to Southwest Georgia each year to celebrate the sporting life through art. According to Georgia Council For The Arts “Nonprofit arts and culture organizations are vital to the fabric of Georgia communities, driving local commerce, strengthening tourism, supporting education, and cultivating community pride.” The state’s creative economy sustains over 19,000 jobs and generates nearly $50M in state and local taxes.

Great provider for our region! "SGMC Health has been recognized as the 2024 'Large Hospital of the Year' by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals (GACH) during its 41st Annual Conference. SGMC Health was selected based on its proven record of innovative healthcare solutions, focus on improved patient experience, and the vital role it plays in enhancing the quality of life for South Georgians."

"The Georgia Department of Transportation has formally notified the City of Valdosta that it has awarded a $36.2 million contract for the Jerry Jones Road Widening project. The project award was announced at a key meeting with City of Valdosta officials at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority offices... 'The Jerry Jones Road widening project represents our commitment to ensuring safe and accessible transportation for our community,' said City of Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson. 'We are grateful to Georgia DOT for their dedication to this initiative, which will improve infrastructure, reduce congestion, and introduce pedestrian traffic to this corridor.'”

"The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC) is proud to celebrate AMADAS Industries as a participant in the Georgia Made program, which recognizes the high-quality products manufactured across our state. The Georgia Made designation reflects excellence and state pride, ensuring that products bearing the label represent top-tier craftsmanship recognized both locally and globally. The company’s Pull-Type and Self-Propelled Peanut Combines incorporate both Headers and Baskets, crucial components in the harvesting process. Headers carefully lift the peanut plants, feeding them into the combine, while Baskets collect the processed peanuts for further handling... Jana Dyke, GcED, MEDP, President & CEO of ADEDC, added: 'AMADAS Industries exemplifies what it means to be Georgia Made. Their presence in Albany and dedication to producing world-class agricultural equipment reflects the strength of our local workforce and manufacturing industry. We’re thrilled to see AMADAS continue to innovate and lead in their field, and we are proud to support them through this program.'"

Earlier this month, the Worth County Economic Development Authority, Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce and the CITY OF SYLVESTER celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Short & Paulk Supply Co. Door Shop manufacturing plant and new corporate office. This exciting development marks a significant investment in local job creation and expands Short & Paulk's presence in the region. Karen M. Rackley, Executive Director of the Worth County EDA, noted a trend of expansions and investments in the area over the last 20 years: "We've witnessed significant industrial and retail growth in our Downtown and Hwy 82 Corridor due to the strategic planning of our leadership." Congrats to everyone!

Shelley Zorn represented Locate South Georgia last week at South GeorgiaLEADS' session on "Visioning & Livability." We're proud to be a longtime supporter of the LEADS program!

It was great seeing all our economic development friends from across the state at today’s Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) meeting in Atlanta!

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!