ECG: Press Releases

ECG's Economic & Community Development Team is proud to announce that Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. will open an e-commerce fulfillment center in Jackson County. Bed Bath & Beyond expects to create up to 900 jobs and invest $48 million.  
 
"A Fortune 500 company's decision to locate in Jackson County demonstrates how attractive the community and Georgia are to expanding businesses," said Annie Baxter, ECG Project Manager. "ECG is proud to partner with GDEcD and the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce on the largest job creation locate in Georgia this year."
 
A leading retailer of housewares, Bed Bath & Beyond currently operates 27 retail stores in Georgia and more than 1,000 in the United States.
 
Jackson County is a Georgia Certified Work Ready Community, which means that the county's workforce is well trained for operations such as the Bed Bath & Beyond fulfillment center, and is a key driver for economic growth in the community. 
 
"Bed Bath & Beyond's new Jackson County operation is a significant win for the company and for Georgia," said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Cummiskey. "This company joins a growing list of Fortune 500 companies that operate in Georgia, taking full advantage of our favorable business environment and other assets that make Georgia one of the best places nationwide for business. I welcome Bed Bath & Beyond to Georgia, and look forward to the company's success in our state."  

ECG's Economic & Community Development Team is proud to announce that Vestar Technologies is opening its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Covington. Vestar expects to create at least 100 jobs.

Vestar Technologies is a new venture and will manufacture specialty metal products used in high-tech industries including semiconductor and LED lighting.

 "ECG looks forward to seeing the ways that Vestar and Covington establish a mutually beneficial partnership. Covington provides a rich workforce and convenient access to the various resources needed to support the current and future growth of Vestar Technologies," said Annie Baxter, ECG Project Manager.

ECG partnered with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce on this project. Newton County is a Georgia Certified Work Ready Community, signifying that the community's workforce is highly skilled and trained to meet the needs of Vestar Technologies and other existing and potential businesses in the region. The Georgia Work Ready initiative works with communities throughout the state to ensure Georgia workers have the best skills and training opportunities and remain among the state's most competitive assets.

 "A project of this size doesn't happen without a significant amount of teamwork. There were so many people involved in making Vestar's Covington facility come to fruition, and in a deal like this, if even one party is out of sync, the deal won't happen," said Roger Harrison, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce. "Vestar's choice of the State of Georgia and ultimately, Covington/Newton County sends a strong message that we are serious about economic development, and everyone involved is working together in harmony for the greater good of the new business, the economy, and job creation in the community."

ECG's Economic & Community Development is proud to announce that Hailo USA is locating its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Elbert County. Hailo will bring 200 jobs and invest $10 million in Elberton.  
 
Hailo USA manufactures aluminum ladders and lifts for the wind turbine industry. 
 
ECG partnered with the Elbert County Development Authority and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). ECG was a part of the project team from the beginning of the nine month process and worked in tandem with the consultants in helping Hailo make a location decision in Elberton.

"It is energizing to have a company of the caliber of Hailo join our business community," said Elberton Mayor Larry Guest. "We look forward to watching Hailo find success in Elberton for many years to come. Our community worked as a team along with ECG to bring this project to Elberton. Walt Farrell of ECG, Anna Grant Jones of Elberton Economic Development and Jim Blair with GDEcD were key players in the process."     
 
"ECG is very proud to be part of the team that assisted Hailo USA in finding a location in Elbert County that met their requirements for establishing their headquarters. Hailo USA will be a great corporate partner for Elberton by creating new jobs and invigorating the community," said Walt Farrell, ECG Project Manager.

Marietta, GA – Osmotica Pharmaceutical Corp. announced today that they are opening operations in Marietta creating about 160 new jobs.

Governor Nathan Deal announced the development at a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning.

Osmotica Pharmaceutical specializes in drug delivery technologies and neurology-based therapies including Allegra D. The new location will be a bio-manufacturing facility.

Osmotica has operations in North Carolina, Argentina and Spain. The company decided to locate in Atlanta due to the suitable real estate and skilled workforce available for their facility.

The City of Marietta, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Cobb County Office of Economic Development and Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG) all contributed to assisting Osmotica to locate in Georgia.

“Osmotica’s choice to open new operations in the City of Marietta speaks to the skilled workforce and competitive wages that the area provides. The capital investment and quality jobs created in the community will greatly benefit Marietta, Cobb County, and the State of Georgia for many years,” said Walt Farrell, Project Manager for ECG.

Governor announces that Proximus Mobility will open headquarters in Atlanta

ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Proximus Mobility will open its headquarters and development operations in Atlanta, creating 100 jobs over three years. Proximus Mobility is a location-based proximity marketing solutions provider that works with retailers, hotels, advertising agencies and other clients to provide localized and high-value digital content to consumers’ mobile phones regardless of phone type or carrier network without the need of an application.

“Proximus Mobility’s decision to choose Georgia for its headquarters is a great credit to our state’s established infrastructure for high-tech companies that provides them with access to intellectual capital and some of the nation’s brightest talent for this industry,” Deal said. “The company joins a growing list of interactive technology companies that have made a home in the Atlanta region. I am confident that Proximus will benefit from our state’s competitive resources for this industry, and I am glad to welcome them to Georgia.”

Proximus Mobility is a location-based proximity marketing company that provides a turnkey, end-to-end solution to retailers, hotels and casinos, venues, advertising agencies and small to medium-sized businesses. The start-up company offers solutions for its clients to reach consumers through interactive methods using their mobile phones using localized and tailored marketing content. Proximus Mobility’s hyper-local marketing solutions allow mobile users to download premium offers or coupons, product information, rich media and other content in the out-of-home environment.

The company will move its operations from Naples, Fla., to Atlanta to tap into the region’s resources for technology businesses, skilled workforce and market growth opportunities. The company will partner with the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) at the Georgia Institute of Technology to launch its Atlanta operations, and will be located in Technology Square in Midtown. 

“Atlanta offers us the opportunity to be located near potential clients and partners like Delta Air Lines, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, CNN, Coca-Cola, The Home Depot and NCR, and have access to experienced wireless and mobile software development talent. These assets, along with overall lower costs of doing business in the state, helped make it a clear choice for us,” said Michael Zeto, CEO of Proximus Mobility. “Being in a world-class incubator like the ATDC and affiliated with Georgia Tech gives us access to top notch R&D and innovative software developers both as interns and as graduates to fill the many Java Developer positions we have open.”

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) partnered with the Atlanta Development Authority, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Electric Cities of Georgia to secure this business opportunity for the state.

“Atlanta’s creative class stemming from our colleges and universities offer technology-driven companies like Proximus Mobility a steady stream of talent to ensure they remain globally competitive now and in the future,” says Brian McGowan, president and CEO for the Atlanta Development Authority. “Their investment here shows, once again, that Atlanta is an ideal location for business and for enhancing our growing technology cluster. We welcome Proximus Mobility to our great city.”

“Proximus Mobility’s decision to relocate to metro Atlanta is a testament to our region’s strength and attractiveness to high-tech companies,” said Hans Gant, senior vice president of economic development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “Atlanta has a strong talent pool, a network of colleges and universities and expertise in the high-tech industry which forms an ideal environment for continued growth.”

Interactive technology companies in Georgia benefit from the state’s comprehensive technology infrastructure that makes Georgia a competitive location for media industries such as video game development, animation and digital entertainment. The industry in Georgia is fed by a pipeline of talent matriculating from more than 15 Georgia colleges and universities that offer full industry-related curriculum. 

“In Georgia, Proximus Mobility will find a business environment that supports companies in the digital, creative and high-tech industries that allows them to compete in our state and in strategic global markets,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Cummiskey. “Georgia has significant resources for this industry that make our state an ideal location and encourages success for Proximus and others in this industry.”

GDEcD statewide project manager Glen Whitley managed this project on behalf of the state.

About Proximus Mobility

Based in Atlanta, Proximus Mobility is a location-based proximity marketing software company that provides a turnkey, end-to-end solution to retailers, hotels and casinos, venues, advertising agencies and small-to-medium-sized businesses. This solution offers relevant, high-value digital content to consumers’ mobile phones near the point of influence or point of sale regardless of the phone type or carrier. Proximus enables brands to effectively reach and track their customers in the out-of home environment, facilitating the ability to make cost-effective and educated purchase decisions and to receive helpful and valuable location-based information and offers completing the value chain for advertiser and consumer.

Blakely, GA – Governor Nathan Deal and more than 100 dignitaries, government officials, community members and guests took part in the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the American International Marksmanship Academy (AIM) in Blakely, Georgia – a new venture that will serve as an important foundation for Early County 2055’s ongoing Economic Development Initiative.   AIM, a comprehensive, practical private shooting facility, will provide training and education to military, law enforcement agencies and civilians as well as offer professional and corporate membership packages, event opportunities and world-wide shooting competitions.  

“I am proud to be a part of this significant celebration in Early County,” said Governor Nathan Deal.  “We are excited about this new venture and know that the American International Marksmanship Academy will be a real boost to the local economy, as well as the region and the state of Georgia. I want to commend the community for their hard work and dedication. This is a powerful example of how a community has joined together to help bring prosperity to the area. My sincere thanks to everyone that helped make this happen."

“Negotiations and planning for an Early County/AIM partnership began in July, 2010, when the Georgia Department of Economic Development earmarked Early County as a possible home for AIM Academy,” said Lisa Collins, director of economic development for Early County 2055, a comprehensive, 50-year Economic Development Initiative.  “AIM Academy will be an anchor for a number of partnerships with military bases in Georgia and the southeastern region of the country.  We also expect to see an influx of related businesses that will establish themselves in the area. This is a great opportunity for the local community, the region and the state of Georgia.”

The company chose Early County as its headquarters because of the proximity to military bases such as Fort Benning, GA and Fort Rucker, AL, which will benefit from the new training facility.  AIM’s long-term strategy is to provide military and government specialized operations training, National Guard and Reserve Unit training for specific overseas deployment and security training for civilian operations.  AIM expects to offer approximately 100 immediate employment opportunities to area residents, 200 jobs after two years, and up to 400 jobs when the facility is fully operational.

Marc Masoner, AIM founder and President/CEO, says he is not only excited about being in Early County, he is confident that AIM will be a premier, nationally renowned training site for military, law enforcement and civilians.  “Our facilities will provide superlative training by a world-class pool of instructors,” Masoner said. “We want to give our customers real world experience so they will know what to expect and how to handle situations that requires defense training.” 

Instructors will be drawn from a top-notch pool of law enforcement and military experts, according to Masoner. “We have hired a group of instructors who have on-the-ground experience -- ranger regiment soldiers, Special Forces and navy seals and others who have performed in a variety of combat theaters,” he said.

AIM Academy is located off of Highway 27 northeast of Blakely, Georgia on 2,300 acres of land.  The training facilities will have three separate training areas, including the only 1,000 meter range in the area which will be used for advanced military training.  Curriculum will include sophisticated lifesaving skills, evasive and defensive techniques, dignitary protection, organization training, HALO instruction and a 5,400 foot, state-of-the-art air strip will used for various training including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

There will also be civilian membership programs, education and safety training, events and competitions.  “A new 1300 acre civilian shooting facility, the Wiregrass Plantation Rod and Gun Club, will be located on the property,” according to Masoner.  “Club members will enjoy regularly scheduled pistol and rifle competitions, clay shooting sporting events and a great pro-shop.”

Collins says having the AIM Academy in Early County will have an enormous impact on the area.  "The new military training center in Early County will be an asset for the Fort Benning military base, which is the home of the Army’s Infantry School and is the sixth largest Army post in the country.  With the expansion of Fort Benning, as the result of military base shifts and closures, and the development of its Maneuver Center of Excellence, just the Columbus area alone expects about 28,000 service members and civilians to relocate to the region,” Collins said.  “We are hoping to be a south anchor community for Fort Benning, as they move and expand their borders.  Hopefully, they will choose to move south, along the U. S. Highway 27 corridor, as land is plentiful and will fit into their overall plans for future development."
  
The initiative complements the overall mission of Early County 2055, an economic revitalization project and a long-term effort to protect the area’s foundation and to build and maintain a thriving economic future.  “We are thrilled about this announcement and proud that so many people witnessed the groundbreaking event,” said Collins. “AIM Academy is a great fit with our plans to bring new businesses into Early County that will play a big part in attaining sustainable, quality economic growth in the area.”

Barton Rice, the executive director of Early County 2055 and a major investor of the AIM development, agrees.  “This event is very exciting for the entire Early County community.  Everyone has worked hard to make this economic revitalization project obtain traction, and the cooperation of the community has been wonderful.  Our efforts are paying off.  We welcome AIM Academy and thank them for their support.”

We have the Georgia Department of Economic Development to thank for introducing AIM executives to the Early County team,” said Ms. Collins.  “There is great synergy in this partnership.”

RockTenn, a Fortune 500 Company in Norcross, is expanding its headquarters to bring 500 new jobs to the Norcross area. ECG's Economic Development Team, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, and local stakeholders across the county contributed to this effort.

”RockTenn’s commitment to the City of Norcross and Gwinnett County reflects favorably on the local talented workforce in the shared services industry.  The Norcross and Gwinnett County’s economic development team is focused on the industry recruitment and retention, this key retention was a proactive and collaborative effort that ECG was proud to be a part of,” said Charlie Gatlin, Director of Economic Development at ECG.

Governor Nathan Deal announced the expansion of RockTenn, a paperboard and packaging manufacturer, saying that the new jobs will be in finance, accounting, information technology and supply chain functions.

“RockTenn expanding its corporate headquarters here is big news not only because 500 new jobs will be created, but also because this top Fortune 500 company has chosen Georgia as the best place to keep doing business for years to come,” Deal said in a statement.