Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Marie Gordon, 404-962-4075
Alison Wentley, 404-962-4086
In Time for 2021 Masters Tournament, Bridgestone Golf Officially
Certified as Georgia Made™
ATLANTA, April 7, 2021 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development today announced that Bridgestone Golf, represented by the Masters tournament winners and the world’s top golf talent, is officially a Georgia Made™-certified company. Georgia-manufactured Bridgestone Golf products, such as golf balls, clubs, bags, and other accessories, are represented by world-class players like Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Georgia’s own Matt Kuchar, Lexi Thompson, and Bryson DeChambeau. The company set a new record for sales during the first quarter of 2021.
“We’re proud that Bridgestone Golf has joined our ‘Georgia Made’ family of companies. This designation is a sign of pride in our state and the benefits of the relationship our manufacturers enjoy with the state of Georgia,” said Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce Scott McMurray, Georgia Department of Economic Development. “The Masters tournament has always played a special role in our mission, putting Georgia’s brand on a world stage, so the timing couldn’t be better with Bridgestone officially coming on board.”
As part of the “Georgia Made” family, Bridgestone Golf is highlighted in state marketing efforts, including digital advertisements emphasizing the state’s selling points and the benefits of Georgia Made certification. The company also hosted Site Selection magazine’s announcement that Georgia earned the “No. 1 State for Business” designation for the eighth year in a row at their headquarters in Covington, Georgia, in November 2020.
Additionally, Bridgestone Golf is featured in a group of “success stories” sharing the unique experiences of key Georgia Made companies in the state. The Bridgestone story underscores how Georgia’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic benefitted Bridgestone at a time when similar companies in other states were required to remain closed. Golf balls and equipment surged as the popularity of outdoor activities increased during the global pandemic. As a result, sales surged, and Bridgestone was compelled to increase its production capacity to 30% and workforce by 20% to satisfy strong consumer demand.
“On top of a very strong recovery in 2020, we’re seeing the same strong momentum in 2021,” said Bridgestone Golf USA CEO Dan Murphy. “As a matter of fact, we just finished the first quarter and set a new record for company sales in that time period.”
In the success story, “Georgia and Social Distancing Tee Up Golf Boom for Bridgestone Golf USA,” Murphy describes the advantages of being in a productive business environment that required safety protocols, but allowed businesses to re-open earlier than other states.
Murphy also explains why he feels the Georgia Made program is beneficial to the company.
“Lots of golf is played in the Southeast and being able to say our golf balls are ‘made here and played here’ is a big point of pride for us. The program supports our goal of being considered Georgia’s hometown golf company and will tell that story in our retail store displays,” he states. “We believe it will help us be successful as well as promote our brand.”
Details about Bridgestone’s work with Georgia Piedmont Technical College, the Covington/Newton Chamber of Commerce, and GDEcD are also featured in the story.
Additionally, Bridgestone is one of a number of companies that participated in the official launch of the Georgia Made program at “Georgia Made Day” at the State Capitol, featuring Governor Brian P. Kemp in February 2020.
Read more about Bridgestone Golf’s success in Georgia, and learn more about the Georgia Made program at www.georgia.org/georgia-made.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Marie Gordon, 404-962-4075
Alison Wentley, 404-962-4086
Georgia Made™ Companies Play Key Role in Fight Against Pandemic
ATLANTA, April 5, 2021 – A little more than a year since the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development(GDEcD) celebrates a group of Georgia Made™-certified manufacturers that have all started, pivoted, or stepped up production of personal protective equipment (PPE) or health care supplies to combat the pandemic while maintaining or even increasing operations and employment. Thanks to their efforts, the state and its people are on the road to recovery, and vaccine distribution is a key priority.
“While this last year has taken a toll on everyone, it’s been remarkable to see the way Georgia companies have adapted to fill a need,” said Scott McMurray, GDEcD deputy commissioner for Global Commerce. “From companies that have completely shifted their business models to startups that were created entirely in response to COVID-19, the manufacturers in our state have done their part to fight the pandemic while contributing to business in Georgia, and our state government has been responsive to their needs.”
A few of these newly certified “Georgia Made” manufacturers of PPE include:
- Commercial Stainless Fabricators (CSF), Marietta – CSF pivoted its product line in the pandemic’s early days by repurposing materials to produce a portable, compact air purifier that is 99.9% effective against airborne viruses. The company also began making hands-free door handles and repurposed sneeze guards as desk shields and table spacers.
- Luosh USA, Marietta –After the founders of Luosh USA noticed a lack of high-quality disposable face masks made in the United States, they decided to make their own. On top of manufacturing 3-ply disposable masks with materials sourced from U.S. suppliers, they are also in the process of developing an N95 mask product line.
- Morito Scovill Americas, Clarkesville– Morito Scovill Americas accelerated manufacturing its core products used in PPE garments in response to the pandemic, including stainless steel fasteners for medical gowns. It is now producing 40% more of those items.
- America Knits, Swainsboro – After having been in business for less than six months, America Knits shifted its entire production line from making T-shirts and undergarments to producing cotton masks and hospital isolation gowns, which have been shipped to assisted living facilities and hospitals throughout the country.
CSF, Luosh USA, Morito Scovill Americas, and America Knits have all earned the state’s official “Georgia Made” certification. The program, launched by GDEcD ahead of the pandemic in early 2020, provides support in the logistics, manufacturing and marketing of Georgia products. To earn the “Georgia Made” distinction, companies must meet certain criteria, including having at least 50% of their final product manufactured in Georgia.
These four companies are also on the COVID-19 Supplier List. The public-facing list, assembled by GDEcD’s Centers of Innovation division, is a statewide system that connects hospitals and health care facilities, school systems, businesses, and individuals to manufacturers and suppliers of critical PPE and health care supplies. Georgia was among the first states to identify and publicize manufacturers and suppliers of PPE to fight COVID-19.
“Our relationships with our Georgia businesses have never been stronger,” added McMurray. “I want to thank these companies for their response and our Georgia Center of Innovation for their work to connect with them to keep business moving and Georgia stocked with needed health care supplies through their innovative COVID-19 Suppliers Interactive List and Map.”
In response to the need for the creation of additional PPE in Georgia, the Georgia legislature, with support from Governor Brian P. Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, and House Speaker David Ralston, passed a tax credit to aid PPE manufacturers, including those existing Georgia manufacturers who did not traditionally manufacture PPE or hand sanitizer but began doing so in response to COVID-19. The new credit is also designed to incentivize more production of PPE and hand sanitizer in Georgia so the state will be better equipped to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and further enhance its position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing.
For more information on the Georgia Made program, visit www.georgia.org/georgia-made.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.
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Georgia Peanut Commission and Alfredo make Peanut Butter Donation
Over 1,400 Jars Donated to Canine Assistants
TIFTON, Ga. – In conjunction with the beginning of the NASCAR weekend at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, the Georgia Peanut Commission and the Be Your Own Hero Foundation partnered with Front Row Motorsports’ NASCAR Cup Series driver Anthony Alfredo to give back to the local community.
Canine Assistants, a non-profit organization, dedicated to educating people and dogs so they may enhance the lives of one another, received 1,440 sixteen-ounce jars of creamy peanut butter, courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission. Alfredo was on-site to help make the delivery for Georgia Peanuts and the Be Your Own Hero Foundation.
“We can’t thank the Georgia Peanut Commission enough for this generous gift,” said Jennifer Armold, Founder, Canine Assistants. “Many people are unaware the need we have for peanut butter to help train our service dogs. This donation serves an important need for us to help train our dogs and help get them to the people to depend on them.”
The service dogs are placed with people who have difficulty with mobility, epilepsy/seizure disorders, or Type 1 Diabetes as well as dogs in pediatric hospitals and similar facilities. The Be Your Own Hero Foundation, the charity of choice of Fr8 Auctions, helped introduce the Georgia Peanut Commission to Canine Assistants for the donation.
“This is a ‘gr8’ way for the Georgia Peanut Commission, Be Your Own Hero Foundation, Fr8 Auctions and Front Row Motorsports to start the weekend,” said Jessica Hatcher, Founder, Be Your Own Hero Foundation #BraveLikeWyatt. “This is what the NASCAR family is all about, coming together to help others. We know the people at Canine Assistants and when the Georgia Peanut Commission wanted to make a donation, we knew this was a perfect match.”
Alfredo, who will be supported on the track this weekend by the Georgia Peanut Commission, was eager to jump in and help make the donation to Canine Assistants.
“This is really cool what the Georgia Peanut Commission has done to help in the training of the service dogs and help others in need,” said Alfredo. “The things that you can do off the track to help others is special to me. I’m proud to be here today and represent all our partners in this event.”
The Georgia Peanut Commission conducts programs in the areas of promotion, research and education. Funding is derived from a $2 per ton assessment on all producers. Peanuts are a $2.2 billion industry in Georgia and a vital part of the economy. They also give back to the community they work and live.
“It’s our privilege to make this donation today,” said Joe Boddiford, Promotion Committee chairman for the Georgia Peanut Commission. “When we partnered with Front Row Motorsports and Anthony Alfredo for this weekend’s NASCAR activities at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, the first thing we wanted to do was make a donation and make a difference in the community. Helping others is something we’re proud to do today.”
The website, www.gapeanuts.com is the home for all NASCAR fans to learn more about the commission, download educational materials for the classroom, get health and nutrition information, recipe ideas and more.
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Georgia Peanut Commission increases funding for research projects in 2021
Board approves $886,235 in research projects
TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $886,235 in research project funding for the 2021-22 research budget year. This action was taken during the commission’s March board meeting. The research projects approved include 42 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Fort Valley State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
“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,” says Donald Chase, GPC Research Committee chairman. “We are proud of our partnership with research institutions and look forward to seeing the results which will benefit farmers in the state and the entire peanut industry.”
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 $1,823,198 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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Martha Harris, Office Manager of the Georgia Cotton Commission for the past 21 years, retired effective March 31.
Kelly Rodgers of Perry, Ga. joined the Georgia Cotton Commission staff January 4 to serve as the Operations Coordinator upon Harris’s retirement. Prior to the Commission, Rodgers worked in an administrative role at a local insurance company. She is married and has a daughter, who is a freshman at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a son, who is a junior at Perry High School.
Harris joined the GCC in 2000. During her time, Harris provided administrative support and assisted in coordinating and planning Commission programs.
GCC Chairman Bart Davis, a cotton farmer from Colquitt County, said, “Martha’s service to the Georgia Cotton Commission will always be remembered. Her support for Georgia’s cotton industry is greatly appreciated, and we wish her the best during her retirement.” Davis continued, “We are excited to welcome Kelly Rodgers to the Commission staff and look forward to working with her.”
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.
Georgia Peanut Commission holds referendum March 15 – April 16
TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold a referendum March 15 through April 16 giving peanut producers an opportunity to vote on reaffirming the commission. State law mandates a referendum be held every three years. Georgia peanut producers invest $2 per ton to fund the commission and its research, education, promotion and communication programs.
The last referendum in 2018 passed with a 94.02 percent reaffirmation.
“I urge all peanut producers to vote in this referendum. Research, education, and promotion continue to be the core focus of the commission,” says Armond Morris, GPC chairman. “It is extremely important for growers to continue to focus their efforts on supporting research and promotional efforts through their checkoff dollars. One way for farmers to do that is by continuing their support of the Georgia Peanut Commission.”
GPC Executive Director Don Koehler urges producers to contact him by email at don@gapeanuts.com or 229-386-3470 if they have any questions about the commission’s activities or the referendum.
Peanut producers who do not receive a ballot may obtain one by calling the commission. The commission requests that anyone who receives a ballot but is no longer farming to write, “no longer producing” on the certification envelope and return it to the commission. This will assist the commission in updating its mailing list. The commission’s address is P.O. Box 967, Tifton, Georgia 31793.
The Certified Public Accounting Firm of Allen, Pritchett, and Bassett will count the votes.
Celebrate March – National Peanut Month
The Georgia peanut industry joins together to celebrate National Peanut Month in March and donate peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank
TIFTON, Georgia – March is National Peanut Month, a time to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods! The Georgia peanut industry kicked off the celebration this week by hosting the 2021 Georgia PB&J Day in Atlanta, Georgia. During the event, the Georgia Peanut Commission and Peanut Proud donated 10,080 jars of peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Peanuts and peanut butter were promoted during the event by industry partners serving grilled PB&Js, country-fried peanuts, peanut candy and more. Governor Brian Kemp presented a proclamation recognizing March as National Peanut Month while Sen. Larry Walker III, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and Rep. Robert Dickey, chairman of the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee presented resolutions recognizing the importance of Georgia’s peanut industry.
“Peanuts are Georgia’s official state crop, and the state boasts the largest share of peanut production in the U.S. at nearly 53 percent for the 2020 crop,” says Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “Georgia’s 4,500 peanut farmers contribute approximately $2 billion annually to the state and local economy.”
Sponsors and exhibitors include the Georgia Peanut Commission, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Federal State Inspection Service, American Peanut Shellers Association, The Peanut Institute, Premium Peanut, Southern Ag Carriers, The Hershey Company, Peanut Proud, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Loyal Q and Brew and Just Bakery of Atlanta.
As part of the celebration, peanut butter valued at $10,000, was presented to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Atlanta Community Food Bank provides food and grocery products to more than 700 nonprofit partner agencies with hunger relief programs throughout 29 counties in metro Atlanta and north Georgia. According to Ben Burgess, corporate relations manager with the food bank, the need for food assistance is not going away.
“A recent study of our service area showed that 80,600 people are served each week by programs supported through the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Peanut butter is a very nutritious and important product to those clients because it has a stable shelf life,” Burgess says. “One jar can make several meals for a family or individual in need. This donation will help the nearly 20 percent of Georgian residents and the one in four children who are food insecure in the state.”
Coincidentally, March is National Nutrition Month – a great time to recognize the nutritional value of peanuts. One serving of peanuts is a good source of protein, vitamin E, niacin, folate, phosphorus and magnesium. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.
For additional details and photos from the 2021 PB&J Day, visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at gapeanuts.com.
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About the Georgia Peanut Commission
The Georgia Peanut Commission has been working on the behalf of Georgia’s peanut farmers since 1961 in the areas of promotion, research and education.
About The Atlanta Community Food Bank
The Atlanta Community Food Bank works to end hunger with the food, people and big ideas needed to ensure our neighbors have the nourishment to lead healthy and productive lives. Far too many people in our own community experience hunger every day, including children, seniors and working families. Through more than 700 nonprofit partners, we help more than 755,000 people get healthy food every year. Our goal is that all hungry people across metro Atlanta and North Georgia will have access to the nutritious meals they need when they need them. It takes the power of our whole community to make that possible. Join us at ACFB.org.
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For Immediate Release:
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2021
CONTACTS: Joy Crosby, joycrosby@gapeanuts.com, 229-386-3690
Georgia Peanut Commission Research Report Day set for Feb. 10
TIFTON, Ga. — The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold the annual Research Report Day, Feb. 10, 2021, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at their headquarters in Tifton, Georgia, and available virtually. The event provides growers and industry representatives an opportunity to hear the latest reports and newest information available on peanut research projects funded by GPC in 2020.
“The commission works to wisely invest peanut farmers’ dollars into research projects across Georgia in an effort to reduce production input costs and improve agronomic techniques,” says Donald Chase, GPC Research Committee chairman. “Although some of the findings are preliminary, the projects are exciting, and many times new recommendations or observations are announced.”
GPC awarded $739,693 to peanut research facilities in the state during 2020. This effort funds 40 research projects from the University of Georgia, the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as pests, weed and disease management.
Individuals interested in participating in the virtual report presentations should contact GPC at
229-386-3470 or email Hannah Jones at hannah@gapeanuts.com. The agenda for the GPC Research Report Day is available online at www.gapeanuts.com. All research reports will be available online following the GPC Research Report Day.
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