The 2019 Summit was great! Thank you to our sponsors, speakers and those that attended. Each year ECG brings together elected officials, city leadership, statewide agencies and local and statewide economic developers to hear new ides and best practices advancing economic development effors throughout Georgia.

Presentations

Dr. Kathy Carlisle, CEO of the THINC. College and Career Academy, a Troup County, Georgia charter school program. Say YES to the Pipeline: Developing your Workforce through a robust High School Program

Robert Reed is the Senior Director at Southface Energy Institute, which promotes sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education, research, advocacy and technical assistance. Adapting Your Ordinances and Approaches to Attract 21^st Century Talent

Maceo Rogers is the Director of Economic Development at the City of East Point, Georgia, supporting all aspects of the East Point Business and Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) in actively recruiting new industry to the area.  Reversing Economic Decline with Strategic Investment

Didi Caldwell has led consulting projects in North and South America, Canada, Europe and Asia in industries including energy, automotive, pulp and paper, chemicals, mining, textiles, logistics, consumer products and biotech. Investment Readiness *Investment Ready Site Example Video

Mayor Tommy Allegood and James Albright brought insight and excitement to our attendees – detailing how the city and the community are building a culture for success in Acworth, GA. Building a Purpose Driven Culture *Acworth Video – A Purpose Driven City

Diane Sontum and Kim Vincent are co-founders of The Local Crowd, a company devoted to bringing new and engaging capital resources to local communities. Community Based Crowdfunding: Connecting Businesses with Capital

Andrew Howard is the principal of Team Better Block and one of the original founders of the Build a Better Block project.  Alongside his neighbors he built the first Better Block in Dallas, Texas and pioneered the idea of using pop up demonstrations as an urban planning method. Tactical & Creative Urbanism: Community Based Placemaking One Block at a Time

Mayor Andy Arnold and City Manager David Hamilton presented the LaFayette, GA strategic investment plan including community engagement and strategic growth.  City Planning for Success with Creative Strategies

Brendan Barr with OneStreet Residential demonstrated solutions for the changing demographics. Housing Solutions and Adapting to Generational Change