Press Releases

Contact: Amy Henderson, Georgia Municipal Association, 678-686-6226

Applied Information supports cities through participation in Georgia Municipal Association

ATLANTA – The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) announces that Applied Information Inc. continues to demonstrate its commitment to Georgia’s 538 cities as a 2019 GMA Business Alliance Program participating company. The BAP connects companies with municipal leaders to share knowledge and expertise to strengthen Georgia’s cities and support the mission of GMA.

Applied Information (AI) believes that traffic should be easy for government agencies to monitor and maintain and that roadways should be safe for citizen transportation. To this end, AI is a leading developer of solutions that focus on connecting infrastructure and people to infrastructure to improve roads for everyone.

“Applied Information is pleased to be a part of the Business Alliance Program,” said Bryan Mulligan, President AI. “The program allows for the company to better understand the needs and wants of the municipal cities of the GMA. This allows for Applied Information to create better solutions that more accurately address the needs of Georgia’s citizens.”

“The participating companies in GMA’s Business Alliance Program provide our municipal members with additional resources and information to help them operate their cities in the best manner possible. They also support GMA’s ability to provide services for all member cities,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We value the commitment and expertise that Applied Information and other companies bring to our cities and our organization.”

About GMA:

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 538 member cities.

About Applied Information:

Applied Information, Inc (AI) is a leading developer of connected, intelligent transportation system (ITS) solutions designed to improve safety, reliability and mobility. Applied Information’s Glance Smart City Supervisory System™ platform allows cities to manage all their traffic and ITS assets on one web-based application. This includes 5 key areas: Traffic Intersections, School Beacons, Parking Guidance System, Mobile Vehicle Assets and ITS devices. AI’s Glance TravelSafely™ smartphone app connects drivers, cyclists and pedestrians for a safer commute.

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Disclaimer

The content and accuracy of all information contained in this press release is the responsibility of the originating company or group. All information contained in this press release may be independently checked prior to any use or publication. Information and/or opinions expressed in this press release are not necessarily the views of Georgia Press Association or its affiliates.

Contact: Amy Henderson, Georgia Municipal Association, 678-686-6226

email: ahenderson@gmanet.com

Patel appointed general counsel for Georgia Municipal Association

ATLANTA – Rusi Patel has been appointed General Counsel for the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), a state-wide association that represents all 538 cities in Georgia.

Patel has been on the legal staff at GMA since 2010. Prior to that, he served as Assistant City Attorney and City Solicitor for the city of Brunswick, Ga. At GMA, he has been involved in the association’s advocacy efforts at the state Capitol, written court briefs supporting city interests and taught classes on municipal law and open meetings/open records. In addition, Patel works closely with city attorneys around the state.

“Rusi earned this promotion from among a highly qualified field of candidates and finalists,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “I am confident he will be a great addition to the team and a great asset to our member cities, our board and all our partners.”

Patel is a graduate of Dunwoody High School and received his Bachelor of Arts and juris doctorate from the University of Georgia.

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 538 member cities.

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Contact: Marjorie Dykes, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, 770-338-0051

email: marjorie@georgiamanufacturing.com

Supply Chain 101 educates elementary students about end-to-end supply chain opportunities

Atlanta, GA — How can communities better prepare students for success and ensure that businesses have the pipeline of skilled workers they need to thrive? Cities and states across the country are facing this dual challenge and a growing number are looking to educate the younger generation as a solution.

Thanks to Scott Luton, Executive Vice President of APICS Atlanta and dozens of outstanding volunteers, Supply Chain 101, is growing program that educates elementary students about the end-to-end Supply Chain world. This program plants seeds of awareness in elementary students about the job opportunities that are available in procurement, manufacturing, logistics & transportation, and engineering.

“Since November 2017, we led volunteers into 11 schools across Georgia, and in over 40 sessions, have engaged over 1,000 students about all the opportunities across the end-to-end Supply Chain,” said Luton. “And we’re just getting started. With exceptional partners like the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we look forward to expanding the program in the months ahead and continuing to help tackle the skills gap.”

Supply Chain 101 centers around the lemonade supply chain. After giving examples of the automotive supply chain and the chocolate bar supply chain, the students focus in on the lemonade supply chain by being a part of 5 groups: the lemon farm team, the lemon juice factory, the sugar refinery plant, the transportation team and the warehouse team. Working together with their fellow classmates and volunteer Supply Chain professionals, they discuss how to make their customers happy, as well as what problems they might need to plan for.

“It is so neat to see a light bulb come on when children realize what it takes to bring a product, that is a familiar staple in their homes, from the farm to the table,” said Jason Moss, CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) and volunteer for Supply Chain 101. “The U.S. factory sector clearly needs an influx of young talent, and the educational system must convince its university graduates and younger students that there are rewards in a manufacturing career.”

Attracting and retaining qualified employees is a huge concern to Georgia’s manufacturers. According to the Manufacturing Institute, the U.S. is in the early stages of a period of dramatic population aging, and the manufacturing sector appears to be disproportionately experiencing the ramifications. Recent studies show the median age in manufacturing was 44.7 years versus 42.3 years for the total workforce.

ABOUT APICS & GMA: APICS Atlanta is an industry association that is dedicated to provided education and professional development in the end-to-end Supply Chain space. Serving Metro Atlanta for almost 60 years, APICS Atlanta offers certification programs, training tools and networking opportunities to increase Supply Chain effectiveness & success. The organization is affiliated with the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) is a membership-based industry organization founded in 2008 to support Georgia’s manufacturing community. GMA provides monthly plant tours, educational sessions, tradeshows, and networking opportunities designed to make profitable business connections for its members. The Georgia Manufacturing Directory, Georgia Manufacturing Summit, Georgia Manufacturing Calendar, Manufacturing Success in Georgia, and BuyFromGeorgia.com are additional resources provided by GMA.

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Contact: Micajah Sturdivant, MMI Hotel Group, 601-936-3666, email: msturdivant@mmihg.com

Home2Suites by Hilton receives Connie Award

St. Simons Island, GA – Home 2 Suites by Hilton St. Simons Island hotel has earned the Hilton’s highest honor, the Connie Award, given for customer service and guest experience ratings.

The award, named after Hilton founder Conrad Hilton, is given annually in two categories: hotels with fewer than 500 rooms and hotels with more than 500 rooms. The 88-suite Home 2 Suites by Hilton received the award in the 500-less room category at the Hilton Americas Leadership Conference last month.

The award is based on performance in several areas, including overall guest experience, guest service and quality assurance audits measuring cleanliness and property condition. Recognizing that the portfolio of Home2 Suites hotels as doubled since Home2 Suites by Hilton St Simons opened in 2017, the team on property is especially proud of their ability to remain at the top of the ranks.

Home 2 Suites by Hilton St. Simons Island offers all suite accommodations featuring fully-equipped kitchens and modular furniture allowing guests to personalize their room. The hotel also features easy access to technology with complimentary internet, inviting community spaces, and trademark Home2 Suites amenities such Spin2 Cycle, a combined laundry and fitness area, Home2 MKT for grab-and-go items, and the Inspired Table, a complimentary breakfast that includes more than 400 potential combinations. It also features an outdoor saline pool and outdoor grills for guests’ use.

Home2 Suites St. Simons Island participates in Hilton’s award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key.

About MMI Hotel Group
Founded in 1956, MMI Hotel Group, formerly known as Mississippi Management, Inc. is a private, full-suite hotel management company focused principally on people. Currently serving team members based at full- and focused-service product across the Sun Belt, this third-generation company has established a tradition of successful partnerships grounded in good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. While MMI’s culture is a constant, the diversity of the MMI portfolio – franchised and independent, core and lifestyle brands – remains a competitive advantage for the company as best practices generate superior results. (www.MMIHotelGroup.com)

About Home2 Suites by Hilton
Home2 Suites by Hilton, one of the fastest-growing brands in the history of Hilton, is a mid-tier, all-suite, award-winning extended-stay hotel concept designed to offer stylish accommodations with flexible guest room configurations and inspired amenities for the cost-conscious guest. With a commitment to environmentally friendly products and hotel operations, Home2 Suites offers complimentary breakfast selections with hundreds of combinations; innovative and customizable guest room designs; laundry and fitness areas; complimentary WiFi; multiple outdoor spaces; 24-hour business centers; expansive community spaces; and pet-friendly environments. Home2 Suites by Hilton has more than 285 hotels, and more than 430 in the pipeline. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard WiFi, and digital amenities like digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key (select locations), available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app. Visit www.home2suites.com or newsroom.hilton.com/home2suites for additional information.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
For nearly 100 years, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the world, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests’ evolving needs. With more than 585 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties are located in the world’s most sought-after destinations for guests who know that where they stay matters. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Begin your journey at www.hilton.com and learn more by visiting newsroom.hilton.com/hhr.

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Contact: Whitney Brannen, 229-386-3470, email: whitney@gapeanuts.com

Georgia Peanut Commission kicks off summer break with Peanut Palooza May 24

TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Peanut Commission plans to host a kickoff to summer Peanut Palooza on Friday, May 24, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at the Georgia Peanut Commission office in Tifton. The GPC office is located at 445 Fulwood Blvd. Tifton, GA 31794. Members of the public are invited to attend this free event.

The family_–friendly event will have everything from free boiled peanuts, fried peanut samples, Deb’s Curbside Cupcake truck and a special appearance from Mr. Peanut. The afternoon will also include a DJ, opportunities to plant your own peanut plant, prizes and giveaways, photo opportunities for kids to sit inside of a tractor, a bounce house and more.

In addition to the outside activities, the GPC office will be open for extended hours to give attendees the opportunity to visit the gift shop and take a tour of the building. The GPC building is one of the only energy efficient buildings in Tifton.

The Georgia Peanut Commission represents more than 4,700 peanut farm families in the state and conducts programs in the areas of research, promotion and education. For more information about the programs of the Georgia Peanut Commission, visit www.gapeanuts.com.

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Contact: Diane Alleva Cåceres, 404-374-7682

email: diane@wtcatlanta.com

World Trade Center Atlanta to host 3rd annual World Trade Day Conference

Metro Atlanta, GA – May 1, 2019 – A catalyst for trade conversation, World Trade Center Atlanta will host its World Trade Day (WTD) Conference on May 3. With the theme of “Trade Talk: Capturing Global Markets in a Turbulent World”, attendees will hear from international experts. The event will kick off with Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Griff Lynch as the keynote speaker. Throughout the day, powerhouse panels will provide insight into timely topics, such as: geopolitical forces, global growth strategy and how to capitalize on the local-global connection in the areas of agribusiness, film and infrastructure.

“Aspiring international entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike will find value from attending this one-of-a-kind event,” said Dr. Diane Alleva Cáceres, president, World Trade Center Atlanta. “In its 3^rd year, WTD will provide topnotch educational opportunities, as well as the platform to network.”

A distinguished panel discussion featuring John G. Murphy, Senior Vice President for International Policy at the US Chamber of Commerce, and presentation of the John C. Portman Global Leadership Award will take place during the luncheon portion of the program. “We are honored to recognize Michelle Nunn, president & CEO of CARE USA, with the John C. Portman Global Leadership Award. Lives are changed literally across the globe due to her influence through CARE USA, a leading humanitarian organization that fights global poverty and provides lifesaving assistance in emergencies.”

A closing reception will provide an opportunity to build international business connections.

Hosted by World Trade Center Atlanta, World Trade Day will take place on May 3 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit WTCAtlanta.com/World-Trade-Day/.

About World Trade Center Atlanta

World Trade Center Atlanta champions global trade and investment by providing access, education, tools and a commercial environment to the business community. It is a top-rated member of the global network of 320 World Trade Centers located around the world.

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Contact: Amy Henderson, Georgia Municipal Association, 678-686-6226

email: ahenderson@gmanet.com

Partners aligned to improve Georgia’s struggling civic health

ATLANTA— Georgia’s civic health is still not strong, according to the second edition of the Georgia Civic Health Index (CHI), released today by Georgia Family Connection Partnership (GaFCP), the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), and the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC).

Civic health in the Peach state has declined in most of the 21 civic engagement measures that examine the way Georgians interact with each other, their communities, and in political life since the first report was published in 2013. During the past six years:

voting in local elections dropped from 29^th to 40^th,
volunteering dropped from 34^th to 44^th,
contacting a public official dropped from 34^th to 49^th,
group membership or participation dropped from 28^th to 49^th, and
donating to charitable or religious organizations dropped from 40^th to 47^th.

This matters, because research has linked civic health to economic resilience; workforce development; child development, adolescent well-being, mental health, and other public health outcomes; access to opportunity; community vitality; lower violent crime rates and youth delinquency; and reduced mortality.

“We’re taught that our democracy belongs to all of us, yet only some of us choose to belong to it, and for too long too many others have been excluded from our systems of government and civic life,” said Sterling Speirn, CEO of NCoC. “Enhancing civic life requires a broad-based alliance of public and private organizations—and individuals—to get involved. It also requires that we focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Declining civic participation rates tell us our democracy may be down, but it is certainly not out. The stakes are high and every day more and more people are rising to the challenge.”

Georgia is certainly not out, either. Some indicators from the 2019 report suggest promising opportunities for our state:

The frequency that Georgians provide food, housing, money, or help to friends or extended family matches the national average, ranking 29^th, with Georgia millennials engaging in this way at rates higher than both the state and national averages.
Georgia ranks 29^th for frequently talking to or spending time with people of different racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds.
Georgians post views about political, societal, or local issues on the internet or social media at a rate above the national average, ranking 13^th.

“Georgians of Latin descent are poised to help improve our state’s civic health crisis,” said Latino Community Fund Executive Director Gilda Pedraza. “Nationally, Latinxs are 14 times more likely to be entrepreneurs than the general population, and Latinxs in Georgia demonstrate high levels of optimism for the future. A third of the Hispanics in Georgia are in K-12, so we need to demonstrate to our younger generations the value of engaging in civic life and encourage them to invest and re-invest in their own communities as they grow up.”

Also encouraging, is that various aspects of local civic health appear to be strong. Data gathered from Bibb, Camden, Cook, Fayette, Stephens and Washington counties reported higher percentages of contact with family and friends than the state average. County-specific data also found higher percentages of volunteerism. These communities are beginning to develop targeted strategies to improve the areas that their local data revealed are lower, and momentum is building to address these issues at the city and county levels across the state.

“Georgia’s Cities are home to more than 43 percent of the state’s population, providing the opportunity to bring people together to foster better engagement in cities,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “Cities host activities, festivals, and other events that bring people together to engage and interact at the local level. We’re going to take this report as a challenge to foster more connectivity among city residents. Being connected to each other is critical for our health, government, community, and family.”

Statewide organizations that serve every community in Georgia already are committed to helping reverse the declining trend in civic health. GaFCP and critical partners like GMA are ready to embed strategies to improve civic participation—informed by six years of data—in all 159 counties across the state.

“Local government, public and private organizations, the faith sector, and residents have vital roles in improving Georgia’s civic health, building locally to improve large-scale outcomes, said GaFCP Executive Director Gaye Smith. “Georgia has a lot of work to do, and with that in mind, GaFCP will continue to work with partners on civic engagement projects across the state—and provide communities with the data they need to improve their local civic health.”

Download the report and recommendations about how to help improve Georgia’s civic health.

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About Georgia Family Connection Partnership

Georgia Family Connection Partnership (GaFCP) is a public-private partnership created by the State of Georgia and investors from the private sector to assist communities in addressing the serious challenges facing children and families. GaFCP also serves as a resource to state agencies across Georgia that work to improve the conditions of children and families. Georgia KIDS COUNT provides policymakers and citizens with current data they need to make informed decisions about priorities, services, and resources that impact Georgia’s children, youth, families, and communities. For more information, visit gafcp.org.

About the Georgia Municipal Association

The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) anticipates and influences the forces shaping Georgia’s cities and provides leadership, tools, and services that assist municipal governments in becoming more innovative, effective, and responsive. Created in 1933, GMA is the only state organization that represents municipal governments in Georgia. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit, and technical consulting services to its members. GMA represents all 538 cities in Georgia. For more information, visit gmanet.com.

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Disclaimer

Contact: Amy Henderson, Georgia Municipal Association, 678-686-6226

email: ahenderson@gmanet.com

Spatial Engineering supports cities with its participation in Georgia Municipal Association

ATLANTA – The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) announces that Spatial Engineering, Inc continues to demonstrate its commitment to Georgia’s 538 cities as a 2019 GMA Business Alliance Program participating company. The BAP connects companies with municipal leaders to share knowledge and expertise to strengthen Georgia’s cities and support the mission of GMA.

Spatial Engineering, Inc., offers complete spatial data management which includes planning, design and implementation, data collection and integration, database management, customized training, on-site support, and web and application development. Spatial Engineering’s newest initiative, RightSpot, provides affordable GIS data management and maintenance for cities, counties and utilities.

“Spatial Engineering is about spatial data which includes GIS, CADD, and other data based on location,” explained CEO Richard Truluck. “My career has been filled with polar opinions that GIS and CADD cannot mix, cannot work together, and cannot coexist. I argue differently. At Spatial Engineering, we use GIS and CADD technologies concurrently with no data conversion,” continued Truluck. “No data conversion equals no data loss. That is what separates Spatial Engineering from everyone else.”

“The participating companies in GMA’s Business Alliance Program provide our municipal members with additional resources and information to help them operate their cities in the best manner possible. They also support GMA’s ability to provide services for all member cities,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We value the commitment and expertise that Spatial Engineering and other companies bring to our cities and our organization.”

About GMA:

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 538 member cities.

About Spatial Engineering:

Founded in 2000 by CEO Richard Truluck, P.E., Spatial Engineering, Inc., is located in Rincon, Georgia, and comprised of highly talented engineering and technology professionals. Spatial delivers Geographic Information System (GIS) products covering numerous projects from single utility updates to local storm water data management to regional asset management. Spatial clients include local municipalities and the Department of Defense.

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Contact: Marjorie Dykes, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, 770-338-0051

email: marjorie@georgiamanufacturing.com

Georgia Manufacturing Alliance partners with Supply Chain Now Radio to launch “Today in Manufacturing” monthly radio show

Atlanta, GA – Georgia has grown into a leading global center for manufacturing and supply chain management due to a vital southeast geographic location and a robust infrastructure. Georgia is known as the epicenter for technology, talent, and best practices that have positioned us as the Number 1 state to do business for 6 years running. A new radio series, “Today in Manufacturing”, will provide a platform for thought leaders in the manufacturing industry that are willing to share their knowledge, resources, and processes with others to help them be successful.

“Manufacturing is such a critical component to the end-to-end Supply Chain. We are excited to be partnering with the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance to kick off our newest series on Supply Chain Now Radio,” said Scott Luton, Founder and Host of Supply Chain Now Radio. “It’s an honor to build on our current partnership with Jason Moss & the GMA to further serve the manufacturing industry by sharing best practices, thought leadership & other content by those making it happen in manufacturing.”

This new series is produced by Supply Chain Now Radio and the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance. These monthly episodes will be focused on the manufacturing industry in the state of Georgia, the United States, and worldwide, and the impact it has on virtually every sector of business. The first episode featured Jason Maxwell, Vice President of Operations for KaMin LLC, and Holly Gotfredson, President of American Metalcraft. Listen to this episode via this link: http://supplychainnowradio.com/scnr-programs/today-in-manufacturing/

KaMin, LLC is a global leader in kaolin processing and has immense reserves of premium fine and ultrafine kaolin in Georgia and Brazil. They have pioneered unique processing methods and their fine particle clays are the most widely used worldwide in numerous coatings. Their products are used in diverse applications such as paint, plastics, rubber, adhesives, inks and paper coatings.

American Metalcraft is a woman-owned manufacturer that fabricates custom exterior/interior work from aluminum, steel, and stainless-steel products. They create custom architectural products for well-known national clients such as the Atlanta Braves, Mercedes Benz, and Suntrust Bank.

“We are excited to share the good news about Georgia manufacturing across the globe over Supply Chain Now Radio,” said Jason Moss, CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance. “During these monthly broadcasts, we will address the challenges and accomplishments of manufacturers and share best business practices to help others be more successful.”

About the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance:

The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) is a membership-based industry organization founded in 2008 to support Georgia’s manufacturing community. GMA provides monthly plant tours, educational sessions, tradeshows, and unique networking opportunities designed to help make profitable business connections for its members. The Georgia Manufacturing Directory, Georgia Manufacturing Summit, BuyFromGA.com and Georgia Manufacturing Calendar are additional resources produced by GMA. To learn more about the organization, membership, and upcoming events, please call 770-338-0051 or visit their website https://www.georgiamanufacturingalliance.com/

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Contact: Marjorie Dykes, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, 770-338-0051

email: marjorie@georgiamanufacturing.com

First quarter review for Georgia Manufacturing Alliance shows continued success

Atlanta, GA – The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) experienced continued growth in the 1^st Quarter of 2019 surpassing even the expectations of CEO and founder, Jason Moss. Georgia was named for the 6th consecutive year as the Number 1 state to do business. As the economy and the manufacturing sector continues to improve in the U.S., the manufacturing community in Georgia is reaping the benefits.

“Our first quarter has been an exciting ride as we have exceeded our goals for GMA,” said Moss. “We have launched several new initiatives including an historical coffee table book – Manufacturing Success in Georgia and the monthly “Today in Manufacturing” Radio Show.”

Some of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance’s 1^st Quarter highlights included:

MANUFACTURING SUCCESS IN GEORGIA: An Illustrated History coffee table book announced with HPN Publishing
Today in Manufacturing Monthly Radio Show launched in conjunction with Supply Chain NOW Radio
January Edition of the Georgia Manufacturing Directory produced

GA House of Representatives recognizes the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance with a Special Resolution
Addition of a Membership Director and Administrative Assistant
Addition of 60 new members with 330 member companies represented across the state
Fastenal, North America’s largest fastener distributor, joins the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance as an Annual Sponsor
23 plant tours, educational workshops, and networking events hosted so far this year
Press Coverage Received – Cobb Business Journal, Gwinnett Daily Post, Gainesville Times, Marietta Daily Journal, and Supply Chain NOW Radio

“As we reflect our 1^st Quarter of 2019, we are very thankful for everyone who partnered with us to bring about this success,” stated Mr. Moss. “Our main objective is to provide our manufacturers, suppliers, and service industries the resources they need for every area of their business. We are looking forward to this being our best year ever.”

ABOUT GMA: The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) is a membership-based industry organization founded in 2008 to support Georgia’s manufacturing community. GMA provides monthly plant tours, educational sessions, tradeshows, and unique networking opportunities designed to help make profitable business connections for its members. The Georgia Manufacturing Directory, Georgia Manufacturing Summit, Georgia Manufacturing Calendar, and Buy From Georgia website are additional resources produced by GMA. To learn more about the organization, membership, and upcoming events, please call 770-338-0051 or visit their website https://www.georgiamanufacturingalliance.com/

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Disclaimer

Contact: Amy Henderson, Georgia Municipal Association, 678-686-6226

email: ahenderson@gmanet.com

New South Construction Co. supports cities with its participation in Georgia Municipal Association

ATLANTA – The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) announces that New South Construction Company continues to demonstrate its commitment to Georgia’s 538 cities as a 2019 GMA Business Alliance Program participating company. The BAP connects companies with municipal leaders to share knowledge and expertise to strengthen Georgia’s cities and support the mission of GMA.

New South Construction is a well-respected construction management firm known for unparalleled preconstruction services and delivering high-quality construction. In addition to corporate clients, their Local Government portfolio includes; courts, city halls, jails/public safety, parks, aquatic centers, city centers, theatres and sporting facilities.

“Local government continues to be one of New South Construction’s core markets,” said New South Vice President Rob Ragan. “Throughout our support of GMA over the last decade, we have been able to work with cities on the front end of their respective projects to assess the market and costs. We are grateful for the Business Alliance Program and the relationships we have established as a result of our participation.”

“The participating companies in GMA’s Business Alliance Program provide our municipal members with additional resources and information to help them operate their cities in the best manner possible. They also support GMA’s ability to provide services for all member cities,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We value the commitment and expertise that New South Construction and other companies bring to our cities and our organization.”

About GMA:

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 538 member cities.

About New South Construction:

New South Construction Company is a general contracting firm founded in 1990 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Serving the Southeast, New South provides construction services to a wide range of clients in various markets including: aviation, education, government, housing, office, industrial and special projects. New South consistently leads the industry in technological advances, which makes projects more efficient and ultimately leads to a better built environment. For more information, please visit http://www.newsouthconstruction.com.

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Contact: Andy Lucas, Georgia Farm Bureau, 478-474-0679, ext. 5237, email: ralucas@gfb.org

Georgia Farm Bureau thanks hurricane relief fund donors

Macon, Georgia – Georgia Farm Bureau is pleased to thank the many sponsors who donated to the Hurricane Michael Relief Fund for farmers.

On Wednesday, October 10, 2018, the state of Georgia was hit by Hurricane Michael, and many farmers were devastated. The impact experienced by agriculture in Georgia, the state’s largest industry, is over $2.5 billion.

“For so many farmers, months and years of hard work were undone in a matter of moments, courtesy of Hurricane Michael. For some, their livelihoods are gone, and their sense of security destroyed. Many of our communities, especially in Southwest Georgia, are reeling,” said GFB President Gerald Long.

A relief fund was set up through the Georgia Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture to collect money for farmers affected by the loss. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization and all contributions to this fund are tax deductible.

Agriculture producers with agriculture-related losses or expenses resulting from Hurricane Michael qualified for assistance from the fund. Eligibility was determined by counties identified by the USDA as primary natural disaster areas. The total losses experienced by those that applied for assistance exceeded $126 million.

“Because of the outpouring of support from individuals and companies, the Hurricane Michael Relief Fund was able to generate a total of $663,715.68 and every penny of it has been disbursed to Georgia farmers who submitted an application,” said Long. “We are grateful for the donors who made it possible to help our state’s farmers through this fund.”

For a complete list of donors, please visit GFB.Ag/HurricaneReliefDonors.

About Georgia Farm Bureau

Georgia Farm Bureau is a membership-based nonprofit dedicated to providing a face and voice for farmers and families involved in agriculture. With more than 270,000 members and 158 offices across Georgia, it is the state’s largest farm organization. GFB offers leadership and assistance, farm product promotion, and legislative representation to ensure Georgia’s farming future.

Becoming a Georgia Farm Bureau member helps support local farmers and ensures Georgians continue to have access to locally grown, high-quality food. For more information or to join today, visit www.gfb.org.

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Disclaimer

Contact: Marjorie Dykes, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, 770-338-0051

email: marjorie@georgiamanufacturing.com

Georgia Manufacturing Alliance joins forces with HPN Books to publish ‘Manufacturing Success in Georgia: An Illustrated History’

Atlanta, GA – HPN Books has partnered with the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance to publish the first ever historical presentation of MANUFACTURING SUCCESS IN GEORGIA: An Illustrated History. For over 30 years, HPN Books has produced limited edition, photography-rich coffee table books that focus on promoting the unique heritage and history of hundreds of communities, cities, regions and industry groups across the United States.

MANUFACTURING SUCCESS IN GEORGIA: An Illustrated History will be an account of the rich history of Georgia’s manufacturing community packaged in a professionally-produced, large-format, heavily illustrated work co-authored by Jason Moss, CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, along with Charlie Post, President of TSI Solutions.

“As the founder and CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, I am in daily contact with manufacturing leaders throughout Georgia,” said Moss. “With over 10,000 manufacturing facilities in our state, there is a powerful story behind how we became the Southeast’s economic hub.”

MANUFACTURING SUCCESS IN GEORGIA: An Illustrated History will focus on the characters and events that have shaped manufacturing in Georgia and created both jobs and prosperity for the Peach State. It will tell about making products in Georgia, from the earliest days of utilizing Georgia cotton for textile production, to today’s booming carpet industry, to the global impact of leading companies like Coca-Cola and Gulfstream.

Additionally, this colorful, coffee table-type book will include over 100 period photographs, maps and paintings. It will be a great resource to promote Georgia’s dynamic economy and manufacturing industry. The book will be accessible in libraries and bookstores statewide as well as from online sources such as Amazon and will be available to organizations involved in economic development.

“I am very excited to work on this project and to tell the incredible stories of the people, factories, and processes that make manufacturing great in Georgia,” said Post. “Our state has a fascinating manufacturing history and I am looking forward to bringing these stories to life.”

To learn more about MANUFACTURING SUCCESS IN GEORGIA: An Illustrated History visit: https://www.georgiamanufacturingalliance.com/book

About the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance:

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Contact: Lori Benoit, Georgia Department of Corrections, 478-992-5247, Lori.Benoit@gdc.ga.gov

Execution date set for Hall County murderer

Scotty Garnell Morrow to be executed on May 2

Forsyth, Ga. — The Hall County Superior Court has ordered the execution of convicted murderer Scotty Garnell Morrow. The court ordered the Georgia Department of Corrections to carry out the execution on a date between May 2 and May 9, 2019. Commissioner Timothy C. Ward has set the date for Thursday, May 2, at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson at 7 p.m.

Morrow was convicted in 1999 for the murder of Tonya Rochelle Woods. If executed, Morrow will be the 50th inmate put to death by lethal injection.

Media interested in a photograph of Morrow and a listing of his crimes may visit the GDC website (www.gdc.ga.gov).

About the Georgia Department of Corrections: The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit www.gdc.ga.gov.

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Contact: Dave Scott, 770-354-7228

Atlanta businessman Woodard inducted into UTC Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame

ATLANTA, GA (April 10, 2019) — Chattanooga native Albert Woodard, Chairman of Atlanta-based KaZee, Inc. was inducted into the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) College of Business Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Tuesday, April 9.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the award, that UTC says honors alumni who have made a lasting impact in and around Chattanooga.

Following graduation from UTC in 1974, Chattanooga native Woodard joined IBM where he implemented computer systems in hospitals. He left IBM to launch his own information technology firm in Chattanooga — Business Computer Applications (BCA) — which became one of the largest minority owned software companies in the country.

Under Woodard’s leadership BCA deployed one of the country’s first Electronic Health Records (EMR) systems and built the world’s largest telemedicine system outside the US Department of Defense’s military EMR. BCA also became a major provider of health IT products and services to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Defense, Atlanta’s Grady Hospital System, several federally qualified community health centers and everal large private practices.

The company was recognized as one of the fastest growing small businesses in the South, winning awards locally, regionally and nationally. Woodard along with several other BCA principles were also recognized for providing outstanding leadership in their roles as entrepreneurs, employers and managers.

In 1984 UTC recognized Woodard as the most outstanding alumni that year. It was the first time any UTC graduate had received the award within 10 years of graduation.

In 2011 Woodard was recognized as one of the 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology and honored in Washington, D.C.where he joined other honorees at the 12^th annual Innovation & Equity Symposium.

In 2015 Woodard sold BCA to Falls Church, VA technology firm Acentia, Inc. and he and several former local BCA executives spun off a newly created healthcare software operation, KaZee, Inc.

About KaZee, Inc.

KaZee, Inc., is a leading provider of high-quality information technology (IT) products and services to the healthcare industry. Within the healthcare industry, KaZee serves ambulatory and outpatient clinics, multispecialty physician practices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), county health departments, and currently focuses on correctional health facilities such as state, county, and local jails, prisons, and youth detention centers. KaZee supports customers within 40 states across the country. For more information about KaZee go to www.KaZee.us.

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Contact: Amy Henderson, Georgia Municipal Association, 678-686-6226

email: ahenderson@gmanet.com

Coleman Talley supports cities with its participation in Georgia Municipal Association

ATLANTA – The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) announces that Coleman Talley LLP continues to demonstrate its commitment to Georgia’s 538 cities as a 2019 GMA Business Alliance Program participating company. The BAP connects companies with municipal leaders to share knowledge and expertise, strengthening Georgia’s cities and supporting the mission of GMA.

Coleman Talley LLP is one of the southeast’s leading law firms and is celebrating over 80 years of trusted legal services. The firm has a sophisticated commercial practice area servicing commercial and residential real estate and construction needs, municipal law, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, affordable housing and university housing transactions, as well as a reputable and established defense litigation practice.

“Coleman Talley is proud to partner with GMA to strengthen cities and assist local governments across Georgia,” said Partner Tim Tanner. “Our firm has been representing local governments since our founding partners began the firm’s representation of the City of Valdosta, and we now represent municipalities and governmental entities of varying sizes across the state. Our membership with GMA and its Business Alliance Program has been a great resource in building relationships with our government clients. We look forward to the opportunity to continue serving GMA member cities.”

“The participating companies in GMA’s Business Alliance Program provide our municipal members with additional resources and information to help them operate their cities in the best manner possible. They also support GMA’s ability to provide services for all member cities,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We value the commitment and expertise thatColeman Talley and other companies bring to our cities and our organization.”

About GMA:

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 538 member cities.

About Coleman Talley:

Founded in 1937, Coleman Talley LLP’s 34 attorneys advise and defend insurers, governmental entities, medical professionals, and business owners in complex legal matters. We serve all of Georgia and the Southeastern United States from our offices in Atlanta and Valdosta. In addition to being members of the State Bar of Georgia, certain attorneys are also licensed to practice law in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

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Disclaimer

Contact: Marjorie Dykes, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, 770-338-0051

email: marjorie@georgiamanufacturing.com

2019 April events calendar for Georgia Manufacturing Alliance

To Register: https://www.georgiamanufacturingalliance.com/events/

Atlanta, GA — The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance has a rich calendar of events planned for April including plant tours, networking events, and an educational session on Workforce Development.

Networking Events • April 2 & 5 • Alpharetta, Cobb & Gwinnett

These monthly sessions help GMA service providers and manufacturers connect and expand their referral network. Stay up-to-date with what is happening in the Manufacturing Community and network with other industry professionals.

April 5^th Suwanee Coffee & Connections (7:30 am – 9 am) Cobb Networking Luncheon (11:30 am – 1 pm)

April 2nd Alpharetta Networking Lunch ( 11:30 am – 1 pm)

ViaSat Plant Tour • April 3 • Duluth (GMA MEMBERS ONLY)

Viasat designs and manufactures antenna systems that lead several satellite communication markets. Worldwide installations include over 100 gateway systems for the most advanced satellite communication networks in the world. These gateways tie broadband satellite networks into high-speed fiber that forms the internet backbone.

Fastenal Distribution Center Tour • April 9 • Atlanta

Fastenal is North America’s largest fastener distributor and offers a huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products. Attendees will tour their 200,000 sq. ft. Distribution Center and see how Automated Storage and Retrieval System has helped Fastenal support growth of 600% over the last 15 years. Attendees will also enjoy lunch while learning about the latest OSHA updates from Fastenal’s Regional Safety Sales Manager, Kacy Blevins.

Red Hare Brewery Tour • April 15 • Marietta

Enjoy an evening networking with leaders in the manufacturing community while learning about the beer brewing industry and the outstanding success of one of Georgia’s own. Red Hare is the world’s first to use the Evercan – a high recycled content aluminum can. Their canning line features a 40 head filler and 6 head seamer that can package approximately 480 cases per hour and their kegging line is able to process 50 barrels of beer per day.

Gainco Plant Tour • April 24 • Gainesville

Gainco is a world-class manufacturer of equipment and systems that measure and manage yield, productivity, food safety, and quality in meat and poultry processing plants. Their technologically advanced systems for deboning, inspection, and weighing help improve the process line by giving accurate, safe, real-time data.

GA Quick Start Workforce Development Showcase • April 25 • Atlanta

Attendees will gain an understanding of how Quick Start can assist new, expanding, and existing industries train their employees. This briefing will be followed by a behind the scenes tour of their on-site labs which showcase the methodologies used in training such as Advanced Manufacturing, E-Learning, Media Production, and Animation.

World Emblem Plant Tour • April 29 • Atlanta

Learn about the textile industry, while touring one of the world’s leading suppliers in emblems, custom embroidered patches, high-visibility striping, and labels. They have over 400 embroidery heads, 12 heat press transfer cells, spread over 70,000 sq. ft. of production. They embrace and utilize Six Sigma and Lean for their processes and efficiencies.

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Contact: Marjorie Dykes, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, 770-338-0051

email: marjorie@georgiamanufacturing.com

Georgia Manufacturing Alliance appoints Heather Berry as membership coordinator/administrative assistant

Atlanta, GA — The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Berry as their new Membership Coordinator & Administrative Assistant. With her educational background and experience with Georgia-based companies, Ms. Berry will be vital in maintaining a rapidly increasing membership base while assisting in everyday administrative functions.

“I have worked with manufacturers in the past and have seen first-hand the impact they have on our state,” said Ms. Berry when asked why she decided to join the GMA team. “As a Gwinnett County native, it is an honor to help promote the leading manufacturers who support our state’s economic stability and growth.”

The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance has seen tremendous growth this year and now has over 350 members and five regional chapters. GMA hosted over 120 events last year including plant tours, networking events, tradeshows, and educational sessions and they have a rich schedule planned this year. Their upcoming schedule includes plant tours at Fastenal, KIA Motors Manufacturing, Peachtree Packaging, Red Hare Brewery, ViaSat, and World Emblem. They also have educational sessions planned for Continuous Improvement, Cyber Security, and Workforce Development.

“As our membership grows and our event calendar expands, we are excited to have Heather join our team. She will be handling the administrative tasks for our office, help with membership, and will be a great asset as we head into the Georgia Manufacturing Summit,” said Mr. Jason Moss, CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance.

GMA’s largest event of the year is the Georgia Manufacturing Summit which will be held October 9, 2019 at the Cobb Galleria. Expected to attract over 1,000 manufacturing professionals from across the Southeast, the Summit is considered the “Manufacturing Event of the Year” and will address the Trends to Track for 2020. Top name keynotes and over 40 industry leaders will provide an educational forum to discuss Manufacturing a Better Bottom Line, Supply Chain & Logistics, Workforce Development, Disruptive Technologies, Sales and Marketing Trends, and International Trade.

About the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance:

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Contact: Joy Crosby, Georgia Peanut Commission, 229-386-3690

email: joycrosby@gapeanuts.com

Georgia Peanut Commission increases funding for research projects in 2019

Board approves $653,901 in research projects

TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $653,901 in research project funding for the 2019-20 research budget year. This action was taken during the commission’s March board meeting. The research projects approved include 35 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, USDA Agricultural Research Service and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

“We are proud of our partnership with research institutions in the state and are excited about the potential benefits of these projects for farmers in the state and the entire peanut industry,” says Donald Chase, GPC Research Committee chairman. “As a peanut grower, I’m proud to invest in the Georgia Peanut Commission and in the future of the peanut industry by supporting research that continues to demonstrate a return on our investment.”

Georgia’s peanut growers invest $2 per ton annually toward GPC programs which includes research, promotion and education. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as, pests, weed and disease management.

Additionally, GPC manages funding for the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative which includes research funding of $1,239,098 for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board checkoff dollars from farmers.

For additional information and a complete list of the research projects funded by the Georgia Peanut Commission visit www.gapeanuts.com.

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Contact: Taylor Sills, Georgia Cotton Commission, 478-988-4235

email: taylor@georgiacotton.org

Georgia Cotton Commission approves 2020 research

At its March 27 Board Meeting, the Georgia Cotton Commission Board of Directors approved $656,287 in research for the 2020 crop year and also approved $25,500 in supplemental research for 2019.

This money will go to fund eighteen projects that will be conducted by researchers and extension specialists from the University of Georgia and the University of West Georgia. Projects range from funding for the UGA cotton team, to research on resistant weeds, evaluating the economics of conservation production, monitoring water use efficiency, and many more. The goal of this producer-funded research is to help the cotton producer’s bottom line by conducting research that can either raise yields, promote efficiency, or open new markets.

All projects are vetted by both the Commission Board of Directors and State Support Committee, made up of cotton producers from across the state, and the Commission’s research review committee, which is made up of researchers, crop consultants, and local UGA Extension Agriculture/Natural Resource agents.

“Despite the decrease in income for the Georgia Cotton Commission, our board is committed to providing the cotton farmer valuable research that can make a difference on their farms. Now, more than ever, it is important for us to fund research that makes an impact while being an effective steward of the farmer’s money,” said GCC Chairman Bart Davis, a Colquitt County cotton grower.

The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The Commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about the Georgia Cotton Commission please call 478-988-4235 or on the web at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.

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Contact: Taylor Sills, Georgia Cotton Commission, 478-988-4235

email: taylor@georgiacotton.org

Georgia Cotton Commission pleased with referendum vote

Every three years, pursuant to law, cotton farmers have the opportunity to vote to continue the assessment ($1/bale) that funds the Georgia Cotton Commission’s programs of research, promotion, and education. The 2019 referendum period was February 13^th-March 15^th. The Georgia Department of Agriculture recently recorded the votes and the result shows 92.5% of voters favored the continuation.

Bart Davis, a cotton, peanut, and corn grower from Doerun said, “I am pleased that growers voted to continue the program, and that the yes margin increased from 2016.” He further commented that times have been hard for Georgia cotton farmers over the past few years and that the Georgia Cotton Commission would continue to strive to find solutions, educate policy makers, and effectively promote cotton to the consumer on behalf of the cotton growers of the state. He concluded by saying, “We will continue to work with leaders in Washington to promote an effective disaster program to help Georgia’s farmers and rural communities recover from Hurricane Michael.”

The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The Commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about this and other topics please call 478-988-4235 or visit us on the web at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.

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Disclaimer

Contact: Marjorie Dykes, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, 770-338-0051

email: marjorie@georgiamanufacturing.com

Attracting and retaining workers a huge concern for Georgia manufacturers

Gainesville, GA – Attracting and retaining qualified employees is a huge concern to Georgia’s manufacturers. According to the Manufacturing Institute, the U.S. is in the early stages of a period of dramatic population aging, and the manufacturing sector appears to be disproportionately experiencing the ramifications. In 2012, the median age in manufacturing was 44.7 years versus 42.3 years for the total workforce.

The U.S. factory sector clearly needs an influx of young talent. In addition to focusing on educational needs, the nation must convince its university graduates and younger workers that there are rewards in a manufacturing career. Tim McDonald, Lanier Tech’s Executive VP of Economic Development, shared this piece of advice to parents. “You can send your child to a technical college,” McDonald said. “With financial aid, it is potentially free. They’ll graduate with little or no debt in two years and a near 100 percent job placement rate in a career that will pay them enough to move out of your basement.”

The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) addressed these concerns at a Workforce Development Showcase Panel Discussion and tour at Lanier Technical College on February 20^th. With a filled to capacity crowd of over 60 manufacturing professionals, the Panel shared what is working in the Hall County area for apprenticeships, workforce-based learning programs, and the resources that are available. Each speaker shared a different perspective regarding workforce challenges and the specific programs that have been developed with the manufacturers’ concerns in mind.

Panel participates included: Shelly Davis, VP of Existing Industry for the Hall County Chamber; Mike McGraw, Managing Member of Ranger Manufacturing; Tim McDonald, EVP of Economic Development for Lanier Tech; Sherree Moss, Human Resource Manager of ZF Industries; and Greg Vitek, Workforce Development at Lanier Tech.

The moderator of the event, Mike McGraw, shared his views as a Strategic Partner of PrideStaff, Managing Member of Ranger Manufacturing, and as the NE Chapter Director for the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance. “With the pulse on a variety of industries, we realize that we cannot sit back and think that we are going to find the people,” said McGraw. “We must take an active role to recruit, groom, and build the market of qualified employees. We look forward to collaborating on a future event with GMA to further highlight Lanier Tech and Northeast Georgia as leading the way for workforce needs in our community.”

The panel discussion was followed by a tour of Lanier Tech’s Kubota Advanced Manufacturing Building. Lanier Tech’s 335,000-square-foot campus is the first newly constructed technical college campus in the history of technical education in Georgia. Attendees toured the Kubota Advanced Manufacturing Campus which features 8 labs where students can study a variety of fields including: Air Conditioning (HVAC), Automotive Collision Repair, CNC Machine Tooling, Diesel Technology, Industrial Systems, Marine Technology, Motor Sports Vehicle Technology, and Welding and Joining.

During the tour, attendees also met Chase Sweda, a welding and joining student at Lanier Technical College from Hall County. He was named as the college’s winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL). GOAL is a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia and honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students.

The next Workforce Development Showcase for GMA will be a tour of GA QuickStart on April 25^th in Atlanta. Georgia Quick Start is the nation’s #1-ranked training program available at no cost to qualified companies. GA Quick Start has been in existence since 1967 and has trained over 1,200,000 employees.

Attendees will gain an understanding on how Quick Start can assist new, expanding, and existing industries to train their employees. This overview will be followed by a behind the scenes tour of their on-site labs which showcase the methodologies used in training such as Advanced Manufacturing, E-Learning, Media Production, and Animation. For more info and to register: https://www.georgiamanufacturingalliance.com/events/quick-start-workforce-development-showcase—atlanta

ABOUT GMA: The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) is a membership-based industry organization founded in 2008 to support Georgia’s manufacturing community. GMA provides monthly plant tours, educational sessions, tradeshows, and unique networking opportunities designed to help make profitable business connections for its members. The Georgia Manufacturing Directory, Georgia Manufacturing Summit, Georgia Manufacturing Calendar, and Buy From Georgia website are additional resources provided by GMA. To learn more about the organization, membership, and upcoming events, please call 770-338-0051 or visit their website https://www.georgiamanufacturingalliance.com/

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Contact: Nora Sullivan, Georgia Auctioneers Association, 855-422-0008

email: info@georgiaauctioneers.org

William Donald Patten inducted in Georgia Auctioneer Hall of Fame

February 22, 2019 – William Donald Patten of Lakeland, GA was the most recent inductee to Georgia’s Auctioneer Hall of Fame at our January, 2019 Winter Conference in Cordele, GA. The “Georgia Hall of Fame” honors famous or illustrates individuals chosen by the living members of the Georgia Auctioneers Hall of Fame. Mr. Donald Patten was selected because of his excellent qualities of honesty, high ethical standards, willingness to share and teach others.

Friends, family and business acquaintances may have heard Donald verbalize his principals as follows: “Always trade fair,” “Your word is your bond,” and “An honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.”

Mr. Patten attended Norman College, Valdosta State College and Piedmont College, before receiving a B.S. in Business Administration and Management. He a kept a “Newer Ending Effort” in regard to his education by attending every possible seminar, to include CAI. He has served as past President of the Georgia Grain Dealers Association and the local Lion’s Club. Also, has served as Chairman of the Flatlanders Fall Frolic Committee and a member off the City of Lakeland City Counsel and Lanier County Zoning Board. View a full list of the Georgia Auctioneers Hall of Fame members online at http://GeorgiaAuctioneers.org.

About Georgia Auctioneers Association: The Georgia Auctioneers Association is a strong non-profit trade association of professionals who have organized to promote and advance the auction profession. Our Board of Directors meets monthly to discuss issues affecting the auction industry, plan educational and networking opportunities. Our membership includes Auctioneers from multiple states, specializing in a variety of areas including real estate, automobile, retail / personal property, livestock and more.

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Contact: Taylor Sills, Georgia Cotton Commission, 478-988-4235

email: taylor@georgiacotton.org

Georgia Cotton Commission disappointed by inaction on Michael relief

The Georgia Cotton Commission is disappointed by a lack of response to the aftermath left by Hurricane Michael from our partners in the federal government. Over four months after the storm wreaked havoc to communities in southwest, central, and east Georgia, farms and agribusinesses are left with more questions than answers on federal assistance.

GCC Chairman Bart Davis, a cotton farmer from Colquitt County, said “it’s frustrating to meet with our leaders face to face and be promised assistance and nothing come in return,” noting that farmers across the state hope to start planting crops for 2019 in the coming weeks, and that financial institutions will be hesitant to provide operating loans to some without the promise of disaster assistance.

Georgia’s cotton crop has a farm gate value of roughly $1 billion and provides an economic impact significantly higher than that. “Our small towns will continue to suffer if something doesn’t change. The business that farmers provide communities by buying equipment, seed, and chemicals as well as paying employees are what send economic ripples through rural communities that everyone feels, and all of that is in danger,” Davis added.

“The simple fact of the matter is that current safety net procedures and crop insurance are not designed for severe losses such as the over $600 million that Hurricane Michael took from the 2018 Georgia cotton crop,” Davis continued.

Davis concluded by saying, “we thank our congressional leadership for what they have done to this point, but urge them and leaders in the executive branch to come together to help those affected by Hurricane Michael.”

The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The Commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about this and other topics please call 478-988-4235 or visit us on the web at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.

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Contact: Marjorie Dykes, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, 770-338-0051

email: marjorie@georgiamanufacturing.com

11th anniversary for Georgia Manufacturing Alliance celebrated on Feb. 7

Atlanta, GA — The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) celebrated its 11th Year Anniversary on February 7^that the 1818 Club in Duluth. Over 100 industry leaders from around the state came to show support for GMA and its founder Jason Moss. A special resolution from the GA House of Representatives recognized the accomplishments of Mr. Moss and his organization citing that GMA provides a unique platform for our state’s manufacturing leaders to share best practices and create strategic partnerships.

“The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance began in 2008 with a core group of 15 manufacturers and service providers that saw a need to find local resources for their industry”, said Mr. Moss “They wanted to buy, sell and trade locally, but did not have the platform or resources to make the connections. Our organization is now 325 members strong representing over 70,000 employees with six chapters across the state.”

Mr. Moss shared some of the GMA Highlights from 2018 which included:

Ribbon Cutting at new GMA headquarters
100 new members and 5 new annual sponsors – now reaching over 325 members statewide
18 Joint Industry Association of Georgia (JIAG) partners
120 plant tours, educational workshops, and networking events throughout the state
BuyFromGA.com website developed to promote consumer-based products
Over 800 attendees at the Georgia Manufacturing Summit with keynotes from Gulfstream President, Mark Burns and Thrush Aircraft Vice President, Eric Rojek
4th Annual People of Manufacturing Awards
2 Editions of the Georgia Manufacturing Directory – The #1 resource guide for the manufacturing community
National and International Press Coverage – Atlanta Business Chronicle, Business RadioX, Cobb Business Journal, Gwinnett Daily Post, IndustrialSage, Marietta Daily Journal, Savannah News, Supply Chain NOW Radio, and Welding Journal along with many other media sources

Part of the proceeds from GMA’s 10^th Year Anniversary went to support the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO) which provides housing and resources for veterans in transition. VEO is GMA’s charity of choice for 2019 and Dan Valentine, VEO Ambassador shared their vision for 2019. VEO’s Self-Sufficiency Model which focuses on taking “Invisible Veterans” off the streets of our cities and placing them into a safety net of support that provides immediate and long-term housing, skills training, and work opportunities.

ABOUT GMA: The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) is a membership-based industry organization founded in 2008 to support Georgia’s manufacturing community. GMA provides monthly plant tours, educational sessions, tradeshows, and unique networking opportunities designed to help make profitable business connections for its members. The Georgia Manufacturing Directory, Georgia Manufacturing Summit, Georgia Manufacturing Calendar, and BuyFromGa.com website are additional resources produced by GMA. To learn more about the organization, membership, and upcoming events, please call 770-338-0051 or visit their website https://www.GeorgiaManufacturingAlliance.com.

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Disclaimer

Contact: Marjorie Dykes, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, 770-338-0051

email: marjorie@georgiamanufacturing.com

Georgia Manufacturing Alliance recognized at Capitol with special House resolution

Atlanta, GA – The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) was recognized with a special Resolution at the Georgia House of Representatives on February 6^th at the State Capitol. The House Members commended GMA for fostering economic growth and supporting Georgia’s manufacturing industry.

“GMA’s value to the manufacturers of Georgia becomes exponential because of the impact it has on employees, employers, communities, and consumers,” said Representative Bill Werkheiser, Chairman of the House, Industry and Labor. “When best practices and ideas are shared among manufacturers, changes in processes can have economic impacts that are repeated year after year.”

Founded in 2008 by Jason Moss, the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance was established to provide resources to help support and promote manufacturers, educate their employees, and form strategic alliances that will help their businesses. They publish bi-annually the Georgia Manufacturing Directory which is designed to help source local manufacturers, suppliers and service providers to the industry. Their BuyFromGA.com website was developed to help consumers identify and buy locally made goods manufactured in Georgia.

GMA has 6 chapters representing 320 corporate members with over 70,000 employees. In 2018 alone, the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance hosted over 120 events including plant tours, workforce development showcases, educational workshops, networking event and their annual Georgia Manufacturing Summit. These events allow their members to share best business practices, make profitable business connections, and see world class manufacturing in action.

We are honored to have been presented this Resolution and to address the members of the House of Representatives,” said Jason Moss, CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance. “Our Mission is to serve the manufacturers through the resources we provide. Although our organization does not have an active role in lobbying for legislation, we recognize the importance of fostering a good relationship between the manufacturing community and government. We appreciate Representative Werkheiser’s involvement with our organization and his commitment to supporting the manufacturers in Georgia.”

ABOUT GMA: The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) is a membership-based industry organization founded in 2008 to support Georgia’s manufacturing community. GMA provides monthly plant tours, educational sessions, tradeshows, and unique networking opportunities designed to help make profitable business connections for its members. The Georgia Manufacturing Directory, Georgia Manufacturing Summit, Georgia Manufacturing Calendar, and Buy From Georgia website are additional resources provided by GMA. To learn more about the organization, membership, and upcoming events, please call 770-338-0051 or visit their website https://www.georgiamanufacturingalliance.com/

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Contact: Mark Smith Jr., Smith Communications, 706-454-1290

email: marksmithjr@msgr.com

Author Alice Walker to visit hometown of Eatonton for celebration of her 75th birthday

By Shannon Sneed

shannon@msgr.com

Alice Walker, Pulitzer Prize winning author and Eatonton native, will visit Putnam County on July 13 for a community celebration of her 75th birthday.

Event Co-Chairman Lou Benjamin, of the Georgia Writers Museum, said the museum saw her birthday as an opportunity to do a major event that would reengage a national spotlight on Eatonton and Putnam County much like the premiere of The Color Purple did 33 years ago.

The birthday celebration will be one week after the annual Dairy Festival and her first public appearance in her hometown since that 1986 premiere of the movie, which was based on her award-winning novel.

Although Walker’s birthday is Feb. 9, coordinators planned the event so that her grandson, who has been attending school, can be present to help celebrate.

“Alice is excited and looking forward to celebrating her birthday at home,” Larry Moore, who is on the development committee, said.

Walker will speak at The Plaza, and tickets will be available in the near future through the event’s website, currently under development. GWM initially put together an exploratory committee to see if the idea was feasible, enlisting Professor Valerie Boyd, from the University of Georgia, to help coordinate the event with Walker.

Boyd is in the process of curating and editing Walker’s journals that are due to be published in October.

“We feel pretty strongly that we will have anywhere between 300 and 500 people to descend on the area to celebrate this,” Benjamin said. “So, it’s intended as a community-wide event.”

The project is supported also by Georgia Humanities through appropriations made by the Georgia General Assembly.

“This is because we received a $2,000 grant from Georgia Humanities,” Shelagh Fagan said.

Benjamin and Moore announced the event to Eatonton officials at a Feb. 5 meeting advising the city is eligible to help sponsor the event. He noted that he would extend that same invitation to Putnam County officials.

There are several levels of sponsorship with the lowest tier being $500.

The day will begin with a registration process at the Plaza Arts Center.

Walker has long been interested in the educational development of local students and their contribution to the community, even writing a letter of appreciation in 2014 for the contribution Putnam County High School students made in the restoration of her historic childhood church, Ward’s Chapel AME.

The first item on the famous novelist’s tentative schedule is to meet privately with a group of students representing a cross section of Putnam and Greene County High Schools, Gatewood, Lake Oconee Academy, Georgia College, Spellman College and the University of Georgia. While Walker meets with the students, there will be a showing of the PBS special “Beauty in Truth” held in The Plaza Theater, followed by a panel discussion with Boyd, Evelyn White, Salamishah Tillet and others.

During one luncheon, which also will be held at The Plaza, a video will be shown of Walker’s friends, Butler-Baker School alumni and relatives. At the same time, a private luncheon will be held at Dot 2 Dot Inn for Walker, her family and the speakers.

Next, there will be a tribute to the famous Eatonton native by a group of speakers successful in the literary, music, arts world who have been influenced by her. Those possibilities include John T. Edge, of Southern Food-Ways Alliance, Poet Nickie Finney and Musician Gina Breedlove.

Throughout the day there will be greetings sent to Walker– some of them in person.

“We assume many of the celebrities that want to give greetings to her may not be able to attend, so Tytan Pictures has agreed to help us put in video form any greetings that are sent along to her,” Benjamin said.

Coordinators expect notables like Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, Laurence Fishburne and Whoopi Goldberg to send video greetings to Walker that will then be looped and streamed throughout the event.

Providing incentives for people to wander the town, there will be a series of activities running concurrently throughout the day. There will be a bus tour that will go to Butler Baker School and the Ward’s Chapel area to give a visual of Walker’s background and history in Putnam County. The GWM will host various speakers who will be conducting book signings and there will be an art show at the Artisans Village Art Gallery inspired by Walker.

Later that afternoon, there will be two different cocktail parties for the event.

That evening, a private party will be held at the Artisans Village Art Gallery with Walker, select government officials and some of the sponsors of the event.

After that, a public cocktail party will be held at The Plaza, which will consist of hors d’oeuvres and open bar, for the other ticket holders.

Last on the agenda, guests will sing Happy Birthday to Walker before she goes into the Plaza Arts Center Theater for questions from the audience with music and dancing to follow.

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Disclaimer

Contact: Lauren Goble, Georgia Farm Bureau, 478-474-0679, ext. 5135

email: ldgoble@gfb.org

National Ag in the Classroom to spread agricultural literacy message to more than 400 educators at national conference

Macon, GA – More than 400 educators from around the country will learn how to use agricultural concepts to teach reading, writing, math, science, social studies and more at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization’s (NAITCO) National Conference called ‘AgVenture in the Natural State’ to be held June 19-21 at the Little Rock Marriott.

NAITCO and the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom program will hold three days of workshops showing kindergarten through 12^th grade teachers how to use agriculture to teach core subjects. It received partial funding for the conference from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture (USDA/NIFA)

In addition, conference participants will go on traveling workshops of nearby agribusinesses and research facilities to learn about beef, poultry and rice production, worldwide hunger at Heifer International, and other agricultural issues at these and other stops. They also will hear from keynote speakers such as Temple Grandin, world renowned animal behaviorist and autism spokesperson, and Dr. Marty Matlock, executive director of the University of Arkansas Resiliency Center and Professor of Ecological Engineering in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department.

Early registration for the conference is $435 until April 15. After that, it goes up to $485. To register, please visit https://naitcconference.usu.edu/Register.cfm. The conference will be held at the Little Rock Marriott. To reserve a hotel room, please visit https://naitcconference.usu.edu/Venue.cfm.

CHS Foundation is once again offering scholarships to K-12 teachers who would like to attend the conference. The scholarship covers the cost of early registration of $435. To apply for a CHS Foundation Scholarship, please visit https://agclassroom.org/teacher/grants.cfm.

The conference will honor national teacher winners and a national Agriculture Advocate winner for the innovative ways they use agriculture to teach students about this important industry.

“We are excited to host this year’s National Agriculture in the Classroom National Conference in Arkansas,” says Will Fett, president of NAITCO and executive director of the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation. “The national conference will use workshops, awards, and tours of farms to show educators how effectively agriculture can be used in formal classroom instruction.”

NAITCO and Nutrien, Ltd. will announce new developments with its online games called ‘Journey 2050’ and ‘Farmers 2050,’ which allow players to become virtual farmers who make day-to-day decisions about what to plant, how to care for it and how to sustainably grow food.

Of the more than 400 conference participants expected to register, about half are teachers from around the country, many of whom received scholarships provided by CHS Foundation, Inc. to cover their conference registrations. In addition, American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture will honor at the conference teachers and agriculture industry educators for using agriculture as an effective teaching tool as part of its White-Reinhardt Fund for Education program.

A big ‘thank you’ goes to national conference sponsors USDA/NIFA, CHS Foundation Inc., Nutrien Ltd., American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, American Egg Board, Ardent Mills, Corteva Agriscience, Farm Credit, Monsanto, Ford Motor Co., Iowa Farm Bureau, Protect the Harvest, Riceland Foods Foundation, Tyson Foods, among others. Their support helps keep registration costs low so more teachers can attend.

NAITCO is a non-profit organization representing Agriculture in the Classroom programs in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Its mission is to educate K-12 teachers and students about the importance of agriculture by providing them with educational resources, grant opportunities, awards programs and a national conference that demonstrate how agriculture can be used to effectively teach core subject areas.

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Disclaimer

Contact: Lauren Goble, Georgia Farm Bureau, 478-474-0679, ext. 5135

email: ldgoble@gfb.org

CHS scholarships available for teachers who want to attend national Ag in the Classroom national conference

Macon, GA – CHS Foundation is once again offering scholarships to help K-12 teachers attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom National Conference ‘AgVenture in the Natural State’ June 19-21 in Little Rock, AR.

The scholarship covers early registration to the conference of $435. Teachers are responsible for covering their other travel costs to attend the conference. To apply for a scholarship, teachers must fill out an application explaining how attending the conference will help them advance agricultural literacy in their classrooms.

To apply, please visit the online application at https://www.agclassroom.org/teacher/grants.cfm. The deadline for applications is March 1.

NAITCO is a non-profit organization made up of Agriculture in the Classroom programs in 50 states including the District of Columbia and six territories. Its mission is to educate teachers and students in kindergarten through 12th grade about the importance of agriculture by incorporating agricultural concepts into classroom instruction.

The CHS Foundation is funded by charitable gifts from CHS Inc., the nation’s leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company. The CHS Foundation is focused on developing a new generation of agriculture leaders. It is achieving its goals through these strategic initiatives: advancing innovation in cooperative education, cultivating opportunity through university partnerships, growing high-impact youth leadership programs and accelerating potential for careers in ag. Together with its signature partners, it develops agricultural leaders for life. For more information on our programs go to www.chsinc.com/stewardship

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Disclaimer

Contact: Taylor Sills, Georgia Cotton Commission, 478-988-4235

email: taylor@georgiacotton.org

2018 Georgia Quality Cotton Award winners announced

The 2018 Georgia Quality Cotton Awards were presented at the Georgia Cotton Commission’s 12^th Annual Meeting and UGA Cotton Production Workshop on January 30, 2019 in Tifton, GA. The awards are co-sponsored by the Georgia Cotton Commission and BASF, and administered by the University of Georgia Cotton Team.

The purpose of the awards are to recognize producers and ginners of high-quality cotton fiber and to identify their general management practices for the benefit of other growers. The producers and their gins received a plaque and the winning producers received a $500 cash award. The UGA County Extension Agent for each winner was also recognized as they work closely with the farmers during the growing season.

The awards are given in each of these three cotton acreage categories: 1) less than 500 acres, 2) 500 to 1,000 acres, and 3) greater than 1,000 acres within the four regions of the state. Winners in these categories are determined by the loan value and premiums of their cotton. The winners’ excellent achievements are due largely to their management practices and expertise. The sponsors of this program congratulate all of the following winners:

Region 1

Less than 500 acres
- Grower – Robert Rawlins, Turner County
- Ginner – Sconyers Gin and Warehouse, Sycamore
- UGA Extension Agent – Will Gay
500-1000 acres
- Grower – Chad Hawkins, Wilcox County
- Ginner – Arabi Gin Company
- UGA Extension Agent – Andrew Sawyer
1000+ acres
- Grower – Lancaster Farms, Pulaski County
- Ginner – Heart of Georgia Peanut & Gin, Hawkinsville
- UGA Extension Agent – Jay Porter

Region 2

Less than 500 acres
- Grower – Tucker Cobb, Washington County
- Ginner – Midville Warehouse, Inc.
- UGA Extension Agent – Brent Allen
500-1000 acres
- Grower – Ed Wilson Farms, Jenkins County
- Ginner – Midville Warehouse, Inc.
- UGA Extension Agent – Jason Mallard
1000+ acres
- Grower – Dean Johnson
- Ginner – Bryant’s Gin, Bartow
- UGA Extension Agents – Katie Burch and Pamela Sapp

Region 3

Less than 500 acres
- Grower – Mike Lindsey, Cook County
- Ginner – BCT Gin Co., Inc., Quitman
- UGA Extension Agent – Tucker Price
500-1000 acres
- Grower – Branch and Branch Farms, Tift County
- Ginner – Omega Gin Company
- UGA Extension Agents – Scott Carlson and Justin Hand
1000+ acres
- Grower – Michael York, Brooks County
- Ginner – BCT Gin Co., Inc., Quitman
- UGA Extension Agents – Stephanie Hollifiend and Michasia Dowdy

Region 4

Less than 500 acres
- Grower – Clifford Dollar, III, Decatur County
- Ginner – Sowega Cotton Gin & Warehouse, LLC, Climax
- UGA Extension Agent – Nan Bostick
500-1000 acres
- Grower – Andy Sparrow, Seminole County
- Ginner – Clover Leaf Gin, Donalsonville
- UGA Extension Agent – Cody Powell
1000+ acres
- Grower – RBF & M+S Roberts Farms, LLC, Worth County
- Ginner – Worth Gin, Sylvester
- UGA Extension Agent – Bryce Sutherland

The final award given was the overall Best Cotton Award. This was awarded to the Georgia cotton producer with highest loan value and premium. The 2017 Best Cotton Award went to Mike Lindsey with a loan value of 56.14 cents/lb and a premium of 4.14 cents/lb.

For a full photo album of the winners, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GeorgiaCottonCommission.

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Disclaimer

Contact: Marjorie Dykes, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, 770-338-0051

email: marjorie@georgiamanufacturing.com

Fastenal joins Georgia Manufacturing Alliance as an innovator sponsor

Atlanta, GA – The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance had a banner year in 2018 and continues to expand its reach by adding new members and sponsors in the first quarter of 2019. Fastenal, North America’s largest fastener distributor and an efficient single source for 30 product categories, has come onboard as an Innovator Sponsor and will be a valuable resource in providing products for the OEM (original equipment manufacturer), MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations), and construction industries.

Supported by the company’s global sourcing and logistics resources, each of Fastenal’s 56 Georgia branch locations and 27 Georgia onsite customer locations tailors its inventory and service to meet the unique needs of local customers. Fastenal’s product offering is complemented by a spectrum of services, specialists and solutions, including custom manufacturing; various industrial services; expert consultants in the areas of engineering, Lean Six Sigma, safety, and metalworking; and a suite of supply chain technology, including the world’s most widely used industrial vending program.

“Fastenal has an acute focus on innovative world class supply chain and an ever-present desire to better understand the needs of our manufacturing partners in Georgia,” said Mike Phillips, Regional Sales Director. “We are very excited to partner with the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance community.”

On April 9th, Fastenal will host the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance for a tour of their 200,000 sq. ft. distribution and warehouse facility in Atlanta. Attendees will get a behind the scenes look into their Distribution Center and learn how Fastenal has grown 600% over 15 years in this facility through a $10 million investment in distribution automation technology.

Also on April 9th , they will provide an Educational Lunch and Learn on Safety in the Workplace, which will explore:

Who/What is OSHA
OSHA’s top 10 most cited violations
General safety in the workplace (PPE, respiratory, signage, first aid)

For more info about these upcoming events, visit https://www.georgiamanufacturingalliance.com/events/

“Fastenal provides a much-needed resource by providing companies with the fasteners, tools, and supplies they need to manufacture products, build structures, protect personnel, maintain facilities, and equipment,” said Jason Moss, CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance. “We are proud to have them join GMA as an Innovator Sponsor and provide educational support to manufacturers in our area.”

ABOUT GMA: The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) is a membership-based industry organization founded in 2008 to support Georgia’s manufacturing community. GMA provides monthly plant tours, educational sessions, tradeshows, and unique networking opportunities designed to help make profitable business connections for its members. The Georgia Manufacturing Directory, Georgia Manufacturing Summit, Georgia Manufacturing Calendar, and Buy From Georgia website are additional resources provided by GMA. To learn more about the organization, membership, and upcoming events, please call 770-338-0051 or visit their website https://www.georgiamanufacturingalliance.com/

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Disclaimer

Contact: Joy Crosby, Georgia Peanut Commission, 229-386-3690

email: joycrosby@gapeanuts.com

USDA set to reopen FSA offices

TIFTON, Ga. — The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that all Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices will reopen to provide additional administrative services to farmers and ranchers during the lapse in federal funding.

“At President Trump’s direction, we have been working to alleviate the effects of the lapse in federal funding as best we can, and we are happy to announce the reopening of FSA offices for certain services,” Perdue says. “The FSA provides vital support for farmers and ranchers and they count on those services being available. We want to offer as much assistance as possible until the partial government shutdown is resolved.”

This announcement will allow the peanut marketing loan program to function as designed and the supply chain to work more effectively for the peanut industry.

“We’re very pleased USDA was able to help our industry in a timely manner and open up FSA offices in Georgia and across the nation,” says Armond Morris, a Georgia peanut farmer and chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “We had a real problem on our hands that would have certainly damaged our industry and negatively affected all segments. We certainly appreciate the U.S. Department of Agriculture for taking our concerns into consideration, and responding with a helpful solution”.

Starting on Thursday, Jan. 24, Farm Service Agency offices will put employees back to work full-time for two weeks. After two weeks, assuming the department is still without funding, they will be open three days a week until the shutdown concludes.

“We are highly appreciative of USDA’s collaborative approach, working proactively to support the entire U.S. peanut industry, and peanut growers,” says Karl Zimmer, president and CEO of Premium Peanut. “Without this action, the potential to cause significant, detrimental and long-term impact to the entire peanut industry existed, creating additional hardship for American peanut growers still working to recover from Hurricane Michael. Now, with ongoing support from USDA, we can continue to operate, supporting a thriving domestic business in addition to creating value for U.S. agriculture through our significant exports of peanuts and peanut products to countries around the world.”

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Disclaimer

Contact: Nora Sullivan, Georgia Auctioneers Association, 855-422-0008

email: info@georgiaauctioneers.org

2019 Georgia auctioneer bid-calling contest winners

Georgia Auctioneers Association (GAA) congratulates all the contestants of our 2019 Bid Calling Contest at Veterans State Park on January 19, 2019. Frank Trunzo, won $1000 grand prize for Big Peach Classic Award, Elton Baldy won GA Bid Calling Champion, Michael Acord is first runner up and Keith Yoder won second runner up.

Our annual bid calling contest is focused on giving experienced auctioneers a stage to show off their talents, and allow new auctioneers an opportunity to obtain experience performing before a large group in a live auction event. The contest includes an interview portion followed by first round eliminations and a final round to determine the winners.

A special thanks to Todd Spence, GAA Board member who worked hard to put this event together and all other GAA board members who contributed their time and efforts to making the auction and contest a success.

We encourage anyone who is interested in participating in our future bid calling contest to contact us online at http://GeorgiaAuctioneers.org or 855-422-0008.

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Disclaimer

Contact: Joy Crosby, Georgia Peanut Commission, 229-386-3690

email: joycrosby@gapeanuts.com

Georgia Peanut Commission board members renominated

TIFTON, Ga. — Three Georgia Peanut Commission board members were renominated without opposition to the Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors at nomination meetings held on Dec. 10, 2018. The Georgia Farm Bureau Federation conducted the nomination meetings for the commission’s districts two, four and five.

Armond Morris, Tift County, representing district two; Rodney Dawson, Pulaski County, representing district four and Donald Chase, Macon County, representing district five, all previously held the seat for their district, which expired Dec. 31, 2018. Since only one person was nominated for each district, no election is required and the nominated person automatically becomes a member of the Georgia Peanut Commission Board. Now, after renomination, they will serve Georgia peanut farmers on the board for the next three years.

The Georgia peanut production area is divided into five districts based on acreage distribution and geographical location with one board member representing each district. Additional board members include: Joe Boddiford of Screven County, representing district three and Tim Burch of Baker County, representing district one.

The Georgia Peanut Commission represents more than 4,500 peanut farm families in the state and conducts programs in the areas of research, promotion and education. For more information on the programs of the Georgia Peanut Commission, visit www.gapeanuts.com.

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Disclaimer

Contact: Jessie Bland, Georgia Peanut Commission, 229-386-3472

email: jessie@gapeanuts.com

Peanut Leadership Academy Class XI includes Georgia farmers and shellers

TIFTON, Ga. – Twenty peanut growers and sheller representatives from across the Southeast, Texas and Virginia-Carolina area began Class XI of the Peanut Leadership Academy Dec. 9-12, 2018, in Panama City Beach, Florida. The Peanut Leadership Academy is hosted by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and is a cooperative effort between Syngenta Crop Protection, the American Peanut Shellers Association and grower organizations. The program began in 1998 with the first class of 14 peanut growers from Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Since then, the academy has grown to include farmers from Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and sheller representatives.

Activities in the leadership program are structured to give participants a thorough understanding of the U.S. peanut industry. Throughout the course of 18 months and five sessions, program attendees participate in sessions ranging from field trips, meetings with industry leaders and professional development training, as well as one session in Washington, D.C., where class members have an opportunity to visit with members of Congress about issues affecting the peanut industry. During this time, class members build on leadership skills, discuss and debate key industry issues and build relationships.

During the first session, the class members participated in leadership team building skills, etiquette training and learned more about the entire peanut industry while joining the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation annual meeting.

Georgia participants in PLA Class X include: Knapp Boddiford, Sylvania; Blake Edenfield, Brooklet; Megan Fletcher, Golden Peanut & Tree Nuts; Andrew Grimes, Tifton; and Kevin Rentz, Brinson.

Session two of Class XI is scheduled for April 3-5, 2019. For more information on the Peanut Leadership Academy, contact PLA Coordinator, Jessie Bland at the Georgia Peanut Commission or visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org.

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Disclaimer

Contact: Greg Brooks, Walton EMC, 770-266-2307

email: gbrooks@waltonemc.com

Walton EMC contracts with 200 megawatts of new solar projects for Facebook’s Newton data center

MONROE, Ga. – Walton Electric Membership Corporation (EMC), a consumer-owned utility with a reputation for energy innovation, has executed contracts with two solar developers for three new solar projects as part of its agreement to supply 100 percent renewable energy for Facebook’s data center in Newton County, Georgia. The collaboration is the largest solar development project in Georgia.

Facebook chose Walton EMC as the power supplier for the Newton Data Center when it announced the 970,000 square foot facility in March.

Silicon Ranch and Strata Solar will construct world-class solar power plants that will support the new data center. The facilities will be located in Southwest Georgia.

“We are happy to welcome Silicon Ranch and Strata Solar to the quality partnership of Facebook, Walton EMC and Morgan Stanley to complete the groundbreaking energy supply arrangement for Facebook’s Newton Data Center,” said Walton EMC CEO Ronnie Lee. “Our unique agreements will serve as models for similar projects all across the country and bring noteworthy economic rewards locally.”

“We are thrilled to be working with Walton EMC, Silicon Ranch and Strata Solar to bring more than 200 megawatts (mW) of new solar resources to Georgia,” said Rachel Peterson, vice president of data center strategy for Facebook. “We are committed to supporting all of Facebook’s operations with 100 percent renewable energy and these new solar facilities will help us meet that goal for our Newton Data Center. Developing these resources within the same electric grid that supports our data center will bring even more investment to the region.”

The Newton Data Center is Facebook’s ninth such state-of-the-art facility in the country. The centers are among the most advanced, energy-efficient facilities in the world. They use 38 percent less electricity than the average data center.

Economic boon for Georgia

The solar power plants will economically benefit local communities, with ripple effects felt all across the state.

Every facility will add substantial revenue to each county’s tax income which will benefit local school systems.

Construction will create more than 800 jobs, with additional employment for ongoing operation and maintenance. Local labor and local contractors will fill most of these positions.

The total investment of Silicon Ranch and Strata Solar will reach more than $230 million. Collectively, this is the largest solar development in Georgia, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Silicon Ranch Project

Location: Early County, Georgia
Size (electrical): 102.5 mW (AC)
Expected Completion: 2019
Jobs created: construction – 400; operation and maintenance – two to three plus local contractors

The Early County facility will deploy the first locally-produced solar modules from Hanwha Q CELLS’s new manufacturing facility in Georgia, which is also the largest in the United States.

Strata Solar Projects

Location: Calhoun and Colquitt Counties, Georgia
Size (electrical): Calhoun – 80 mW (AC); Colquitt – 20 mW (AC)
Expected Completion: 2020
Jobs created: construction – 400; operation and maintenance – two to three plus local contractors

Growing Georgia’s economy with renewable energy

Facebook’s emphasis on siting renewable resources within the same electric grid as its data centers created an opportunity to bring additional investment in solar generation to Georgia.

“Partnering on the project with a customer-focused, consumer-owned electric cooperative helped to inspire the collaboration,” added Matt Kisber, CEO of Silicon Ranch.

“Facebook and Walton EMC are driven by a ‘concern for community’ and a commitment to the customers they serve. These principles have made them global and national leaders in their respective markets,” said Kisber. “As the long-term owner of every solar project we develop, Silicon Ranch shares these values, and we are proud to support the renewable energy goals of Facebook’s Newton Data Center while bringing an economic shot in the arm to rural Georgia.”

“Innovative companies like Facebook, partnered with customer-focused utilities like Walton EMC, are driving renewable energy growth across the country,” said Markus Wilhelm, CEO of Strata Solar.

“Strata is proud to bring our reputation for quality and efficiency to two more projects in Georgia,” he said. “By partnering on clean energy projects like these, we can grow the Georgia economy while bringing significant benefits to local communities.”

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About Walton EMC

Walton EMC is a customer-owned power company that serves accounts over its 10-county service area between Atlanta and Athens, Ga. Its primary focus is providing exceptional service to its 128,000 residential, commercial and industrial customer-owner accounts while also caring for the area’s communities. Learn more at facebook.com/waltonemc.

About Silicon Ranch Corporation

Silicon Ranch is the U.S. solar platform for Shell and one of the largest independent solar power producers in the country. Silicon Ranch develops to own all of its projects for the long-term, a distinction that means the company is deeply committed to its partners and communities and stands behind the performance of its facilities day in and day out. The company’s operating portfolio includes more than 120 facilities across 14 states from New York to California, including the first large-scale solar projects in Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. To learn more, visit siliconranch.com and go to facebook.com/siliconranch.

About Strata Solar

Strata Solar is a leading provider of utility-scale, commercial and industrial solar photovoltaic systems. Strata has constructed over 1 gigawatt (gW) in total solar capacity and maintains a development pipeline of over 3gW. The company’s integrated approach, which includes development, financing, engineering, procurement, construction, operations and maintenance, allows Strata to consistently build quality projects with long-term ownership in mind. Strata is consistently ranked as one of the largest utility-scale solar integrators in the U.S. To learn more, visit stratasolar.com.

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Disclaimer

Contact: Marjorie Dykes, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, 770-338-0051

email: marjorie@georgiamanufacturing.com

Optimum Productions, award-winning video marketing agency, joins Georgia Manufacturing Alliance as developer sponsor

Atlanta, GA — The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance continues to expand its reach and has added Optimum Productions as an annual sponsor. Optimum Productions is an award-winning video production agency that provides video and sales expertise for all size businesses and name brands such as Anixter, Coca-Cola, Hewlett Packard, HD Supply, NCR, Stanley Black & Decker, and SunTrust. They have won nine Telly Awards and their team combines video storytelling and technical know-how with an extensive range of production services that bring businesses and products to life.

Optimum Productions also produces IndustrialSage which is a weekly video-podcast series that focuses on digital marketing for the industrial and manufacturing space. They interview leading professionals to learn how they are solving challenges within the industry and have produced over 60 episodes to date.

“It’s clear that industrial marketers and sales teams are experiencing a dramatic shift as technologies rapidly evolve and millennials quickly overtake Gen X in the workforce,” said Danny Gonzales, CEO and Executive Producer of Optimum Productions. “94% of B2B buyers do some form of online research before buying; and 80% of B2B buyers have already made up their decision before they contact you. We are excited to be able to bring our expertise in digital sales and marketing to the manufacturing community and help them be more profitable for 2019.”

On January 15^th in Alpharetta, Optimum Productions will host a hands-on workshop on Digital Sales & Marketing that will help manufacturers and suppliers build digital campaigns and improve sales. Topics will include: The State of the Industry; Inbound Marketing 101; SMART Goals; The Content Funnel; Sales & Marketing Enablement; Software & Tools (Tips/Tricks) Click here to learn more: https://www.georgiamanufacturingalliance.com/events/digital-sales-marketing-lunch-learn-alpharetta

“Sales and marketing are always the number-one topic that manufacturers want to learn about,” said Jason Moss, CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance. “Optimum Productions produced our opening video and led our Sales & Marketing panel at the Georgia Manufacturing Summit in October. They are on the leading edge of the business video industry, and we are excited to add them as a GMA sponsor and to have them on our Educational Team to provide Digital Sales & Marketing trainings for our members.”

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Disclaimer

Contact: Marjorie Dykes, Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, 770-338-0051

email: marjorie@georgiamanufacturing.com

Consumers are supporting local jobs by shopping from BuyFromGa.com

Atlanta, GA – The Made in Georgia movement is sweeping across the state, and consumers are checking out www.BuyFromGeorgia.com to find products they can purchase for the holidays. Studies show that there are currently 606 million products on Amazon, and this website was created to educate people on products that are made in our state.

The www.BuyFromGA.com website features 100s of items that are manufactured in Georgia that consumers can purchase using their Amazon account. This site was developed by the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance who is on a mission to educate people about what is made in their community and the impact those goods have on their local economy.

The www.BuyFromGA.com website features name brand and unique items that would make great gifts for the holidays while supporting Georgia employees and their families. Just a sample of gift ideas includes:

Claxton Fruit Cakes made in Claxton, GA
Kumho Tires made in Macon, GA
Magic Circle Trampolines made in Columbus, GA
Mizuno Golf Clubs made in Norcross, GA
Okabashi Shoes made in Buford, GA
Primo Grills made in Tucker, GA
Savannah Bee Honey and Beauty Products made in Savannah, GA
West Georgia Cornhole made in Winston, GA

“The www.BuyFromGA.com site was developed to make people aware of how they can make a difference by shopping and buying local made goods,” said Jason Moss, CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance. “We want to continue our mission to support the manufacturers in our state and to bring awareness of the 100s of consumer based products that are produced in our great state.”

ABOUT GMA: The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) is a membership-based industry organization founded in 2008 to support Georgia’s manufacturing community. GMA provides monthly plant tours, educational sessions, tradeshows, and unique networking opportunities designed to help make profitable business connections for its members. The Georgia Manufacturing Directory, Georgia Manufacturing Summit, and Georgia Manufacturing Calendar are additional resources produced by GMA. To learn more about the organization, membership, and upcoming events, please call 770-338-0051 or visit their website http://www.GeorgiaManufacturingAlliance.com.

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