Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 4, 2021
CONTACTS: Joy Crosby Raynor Churchwell
229-386-3690 1-800-342-1196 joycrosby@gapeanuts.com rdchurchwell@gfb.org
Nomination meetings scheduled to fill posts on Georgia Peanut Commission
Peanut producers to vote on posts in GPC Districts 2, 4 and 5
MACON, Ga. – Nomination meetings to fill three positions on the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) Board of Directors will be held Dec. 20 and 21 in Ocilla, Cochran and Americus. The Georgia Farm Bureau Federation will conduct the meetings during which peanut producers will nominate peers to represent the Peanut Commission’s Districts 2, 4 and 5. The terms of the commission members who currently represent these districts expire Dec. 31, 2021.
“I encourage peanut growers in these districts to attend the meeting for their district and participate in the nomination process for these Georgia Peanut Commission positions,” says Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “The Georgia Peanut Commission plays an important role in promoting Georgia peanuts by supporting research that addresses production issues growers face, educating producers about peanut industry issues, and promoting the nutritional benefits of eating peanuts to consumers.”
The Georgia peanut production area is divided into five districts based on acreage distribution and geographical location with one board member representing each district. Each nominee must produce peanuts and live within the district for which he or she is nominated.
The GPC District 5 nomination meeting will be held on Dec. 20 at 9 a.m. at the Sumter County Farm Bureau Office located at 141 Highway 27 East, Americus, Georgia. Donald Chase of Macon County is the district incumbent. Counties in District 5 include Chattahoochee, Clay, Lee, Macon, Marion, Peach, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Terrell and Webster.
The GPC District 2 nomination meeting will be held on Dec. 21 at 9 a.m. at the Irwin County Farm Bureau office located at 495 Lax Highway, Ocilla, Georgia. Armond Morris is the incumbent in the district. Counties in District 2 include Atkinson, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Thomas, Tift, Turner and Worth.
The GPC District 4 nomination meeting will be held on Dec. 21 at 9 a.m. at the Bleckley County Farm Bureau Office located at 157 West Dykes St., Cochran, Georgia. Rodney Dawson of Pulaski County is the District 4 incumbent. Counties in District 4 include Bleckley, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Houston, Laurens, Pulaski, Telfair, Twiggs, Wheeler, Wilcox and Wilkinson.
Any peanut producer may be nominated or make nominations at the meeting for the peanut district in which he or she lives. Incumbents are eligible for renomination.
If more than one person is nominated, an election will be conducted by mail ballot at a date to be announced. Commission by-laws state that a person must receive a majority of the votes cast for a position in order to be elected to the board. If only one person qualifies for the position, no election is required and the nominated person automatically becomes a member of the Georgia Peanut Commission Board. Commission members serve terms of three years.
Founded in 1937, Georgia Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general farm organization. The organization has 158 county offices, and its volunteer members actively participate in activities that promote agriculture awareness to their non-farming neighbors.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 2, 2021
Contact: Jordan Thomas Cooper, cooperjt5@gmail.com
Former Trump, Bush, Haley aide to release three new books
Jordan Thomas Cooper, former aide to President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Jed Bush and South Carolina Governor Niki Haley, is set to release three books in the new year.
Cooper is the son of Calvin Cooper and Dr. Patricia Sanders-Cooper, the first African-American state trooper assigned to Berkeley and Charleston Counties in South Carolina and the first African-American countywide teacher of the year in Berkeley County.
Cooper graduated from Berkeley High School and played four sports under South Carolina High School Hall of Famer Dr. Jerry Brown. He graduated from University of South Carolina with a degree in History and additional graduate coursework while playing football under College Football Hall of Famer Steve Spurrier.
Cooper also worked for Charlamagne Tha God, Toure, Harriette Cole, and Claudia Jordan and other leaders in the entertainment industry.
He was a speechwriter for Florida Governor Jeb Bush, constituent correspondent for Nikki Haley, speechwriter for Henry McMaster, director of youth outreach for Rick Perry, and statistician for President Donald Trump.
Reviews for Cooper’s books include the following accolades:
Jack Abramoff called Cooper’s inspirational quote book for each day of the year “great.”
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend said the inspirational quote book for each day of the year is “fantastic.”
TBN Host Cynthia Garrett called the inspirational quote book for each day of the year is “wonderful.”
DJ Gezza who has DJ’ed for Jay-Z, Nas, Webbie, and Trick Daddy said this of Cooper’s joke book for each day of the year. “It’s a good read and people should read it. It really has some real quotes about everything that went through the world. It was some information that I didn’t even know existed until I found his joke book.”
Former RNC Delegate and Trump campaign staffer Robert Sinners said this of the joke book. “These are jokes for elevated thinking.”
Allen University Official DJ Boss Money called the joke book for each day of the year “a must read. All the jokes in the book are pretty good.”
Former Charleston County GOP Chair and Rep. Lin Bennett said Cooper’s articles for his compilation of “are very helpful for societal issues and they’re well-written.”
Coastal Carolina University’s first student-athlete to play two sports (football and baseball) Darryl Williams said Cooper is “the best talker” he knows.
Deandra “Dede” Dobbins, a cousin of The Obamas and singer Khalid, said this of Cooper’s compilation of articles book. “Jordan is one of the best writers of his generation. He looks somewhat like each member of the R and B group TGT. An interesting read.”
Keep Calm and Chalk Owner and Tail Race Tavern bartender Jordanne White said Cooper’s human sexuality joke book for each day of the year is “a funny book.” “If you want to have a biblically educated family on sex, read it.”
Former SC Faith A and M Football Coach and personal trainer Andy Woolcock called Cooper’s human sexuality joke book for each day of the year “informatively hilarious for the good person.”
Former WH Chief of Staff under George H.W. Bush. Dr. John Sununu, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air writer Patricia Raper, and The Rosenhaus Brothers all have Cooper’s books on their reading lists.
To purchase one of Cooper’s books or to write a review, please contact him at cooperjt5@gmail.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 23, 2021
Media Contact:
Jonny Foster, 888.313.2665 x167, jofoster@arcadiapublishing.com
Neely Young releases book on important Georgia figures
Georgia rose on the backs of great mean and women. Author and longtime journalist Neely Young has released Georgia Made – the Most Important Figures who Shaped the State in the Twentieth Century, a book that details the lives of these significant men and women who hauled Georgia up from its poor, agrarian roots, making it among the most diversified, prosperous states in the country.
The book, published on Oct. 25, 2021, is a continuation of Young’s long-standing interest in Georgia history and historical figures. They fought for freedom and served in the statehouse and White House. They excelled at sports, founded institutions that shaped countless lives and inspired through art and lives lived artfully. They are famous, obscure, colorful, outrageous and saintly, all with fascinating stories and all consequential, sometimes in ways felt the world over.
These individuals include Martin Luther King Jr., Jimmy Carter, Ted Turner, Alice Walker, Juliette Gordon Low, “Hammerin’ Hank” Aaron and Vince Dooley. Many here are no-brainers, while others may surprise. But all deserve recognition among the most influential Georgians of the twentieth century.
A native of Cedartown, Georgia, Young is a graduate of the University of Georgia and a proud journalist. In 1968, he joined his family-owned newspaper, the Valdosta Daily Times, working in the photography department.
After leaving Valdosta, he worked in various positions, and as both editor and publisher, for Georgia newspapers in Marietta, Canton, Dalton and Clayton County. In 1986, he became CEO of Morris Newspaper Corporation, which owned and operated 40 newspapers in six states.
He has served as a curator on the Georgia Historical Society and often wrote about historical figures in his columns for Georgia Trend magazine. Georgia Made is a continuation of Young’s long-standing interest in Georgia history and historical figures and a journey through the lives of these significant men and women.
Published by Arcadia Publishing and The History Press, Georgia Made includes a foreword by Senator Saxby Chambliss.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Liz Thompson 202-266-8495
ethompson@nahb.org
or Cindy Morley 770-365-2103 cmorley@hbag.org
Former Georgia Senator John H. Isakson Inducted into National Housing Hall of Fame
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 – The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) inducted former longtime Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) into its National Housing Hall of Fame during the association’s fall leadership meeting in Houston last week.
The National Housing Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose spirit, ingenuity and determination have changed the nation’s housing for the better, making the United States one of the best housed nations in the world.
“It is a true privilege to welcome Sen. Johnny Isakson into the NAHB Housing Hall of Fame, following his decades of public service and commitment to the housing industry,” said NAHB First Vice Chairman Jerry Konter, a home builder and developer from Savannah, Ga. “He has always been a tireless advocate for homeownership and housing issues and he has had a lasting impact on our industry. He is a man of true character, honor and integrity and is very deserving of this honor.”
“Every home builder and home owner in Georgia has benefited from the work and commitment of Johnny Isakson over the past 40 years,” said Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp. “As a local business leader, member of the Georgia General Assembly, the U.S. House of Representatives, and most recently in the U.S. Senate, Johnny Isakson has been a relentless champion for private property rights and homeownership.”
Following in the footsteps of his father, Johnny Isakson began his business career in 1967 when he opened the first Cobb County office of a small family-owned real estate business, Northside Realty. He eventually went on to serve as president of the company for 22 years. During his time leading the business, it became the largest independent residential real estate company in the Southeast and one of the largest in America.
Isakson went on to lead a life of public service, first as a member of the Georgia General Assembly, then serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1999-2005, before going on to serve as U.S. senator from 2005-2019.
In his role as statesman, Sen. Isakson had a significant impact on the housing market. During the 2007-2008 housing crash and subsequent financial crisis, Isakson authored a temporary tax credit for first-time home buyers that helped stem the collapse of the housing market. Isakson also championed a temporary tax provision that incentivized lenders to work out arrangements with home owners who were underwater on their mortgages, enabling them to stay in their homes without tax penalty. He has reached across party lines, working with every peer in the Georgia General Assembly, the U.S. House and Senate to ensure that private property rights and homeownership are protected.
“Sen. Isakson spent his time in public service improving the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians. The Home Builders Association of Georgia (HBAG) and homeowners around the state are especially grateful for the critical work he did as our U.S. Senator to pull us out of the Great Recession.” said HBAG President Bradley Jones, a custom home builder from Columbus.
The National Housing Hall of Fame was established in 1976 and honors builders, developers, architects, financiers, land planners and government administrators who have made major contributions to the housing industry. Hall of Fame honorees are selected by the National Housing Center Board of Governors.
Other Housing Hall of Fame inductees this year include former NAHB Chairmen Rick Judson, Kevin Kelly and Barry Rutenberg.
For Immediate Release: Contact: Jordan Lunsford
Sept. 30, 2021 (229) 386-3502
P.O. Box 967 • 445 Fulwood Blvd. • Tifton, Georgia 31793 (229) 386-3470 • FAX (229) 386-3501 • http://www.gapeanuts.com
Georgia Peanut Bank Week celebrates peanut harvest Oct. 11-15, 2021
Georgia Peanut Commission and Georgia Bankers Association unite to promote peanuts
TIFTON, Ga – The Georgia Peanut Commission and Georgia Bankers Association will join forces Oct. 11-15, 2021, to promote the 45th annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week. Financial institutions and local banks across the state will offer a tribute to Georgia’s 4,500 peanut farm families and the sustainability they provide to Georgia’s state and local economies.
The 2021 theme, “Georgia Peanuts: Bringing Balance to Your Life!” will showcase the affordable and nutritious peanut. Recent research studies indicate and highlight regularly eating peanuts can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Individuals can reap these benefits by taking one daily ounce (about a handful) of peanuts or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
“We’re excited to continue Georgia Peanut Bank Week for the forty-fifth year and salute peanut farmers and the nutritional benefits of peanuts,” says Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “This promotion is a great way to highlight all peanuts have to offer our communities across the state.”
The annual promotion will be taking place during an opportune time of the year: peanut harvest. In 2020, Georgia peanuts were planted on more than 800,000 acres throughout Georgia and accounted for 53 percent of peanut production in the United States. Peanuts were planted in 76 of Georgia’s 159 counties with an average yield of more than 4,100 pounds per acre.
The Georgia Peanut Commission urges everyone to stop by their local participating bank or financial institution during Georgia Peanut Bank Week to learn more about Georgia peanuts. For more information, visit
the GPC website at www.gapeanuts.com.
For Immediate Release: Contact: Hannah Jones
Sept. 30, 2021 (229) 386-3470
GeorgiaPeanutRestaurant Weekset forOct.4-11
13 Georgia chefs setto create special peanut-inspired dishes to coincide with Georgia Peanut Restaurant Week
TIFTON, Ga – The Georgia Peanut Commission has selected 13 chefs from across the state to create special Georgia Peanut-inspired dishes for the first-ever Georgia Peanut Restaurant Week, taking place from Oct. 4-11. Each chef will use ingredients including raw or roasted peanuts, peanut oil, or peanut flour, to name a few.
The selected chefs and some of their featured dishes can be found below. Also, be sure to visit the restaurants on Instagram for the special Georgia Peanut dishes on the menu and days they will be available.
- Athens Chef Jessica Rothacker, HeirloomCafé, peanut-inspired dishes include Cajun Boiled Peanut Hummus, Peanut Noodle Salad, West African Inspired Peanut Stew, and Black Bottom Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
- Atlanta Chef Deborah VanTrece, TwistedSoulCookhouse& Pours, will feature Spicy Peanut-Crusted Quail, Country Captain Chicken Stew, and Cajun Fried Turkey Monte Cristo
- Atlanta Chef Todd Richards, Lake&Oak, will feature Boiled Peanuts, Moked Peanut Hummus with Pork Rinds, and Peanut Crusted Catfish over Collard Green Fried Rice
- Atlanta Chef Nick Leahy, Nick’sWestside, will feature Chile Smoked Boiled Peanuts, Pinock Crest Catfish and Boiled Peanut Succotash, Peanut Crusted Schnitzel with Spaetzle Mac, and a Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream Sammie
- Atlanta Chrysta Poulus, FordFry Restaurants, will feature Peanut Pie, Peanut Brittle Ice Cream, and a Peanut Butter and Jelly Kolache
- Atlanta Chef Drew VanLeuvan, Ecco Buckhead, will feature Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Peanuts, Celery, Apple & Peanut Salad, and Salted BBQ peanuts
- Atlanta Chef Matt Basford, Canoe, will feature Peanut Butter Cheesecake, Savory Peanut and Coconut Panna Cotta, Roasted Berkshire Pork Tenderloin with Peanut – Cabbage Crepe, and a Georgia Peanut and Apple Salad
- Atlanta Chef Parnass Savang, TalatMarket, will feature Thai Style Snapper Ceviche with Green Peanut Oil, Crispy Rice Salad with Raw Peanuts, and Massaman Beef Shank with Potatoes, Fried Shallots, and Raw Peanuts
- Blue Ridge Chef Mellman, HarvestonMain, will offer Peanut Butter Panna Cotta with Peanut Brittle, Thai Peanut Melon Salad, and Georgia Peanut and Collard Stew.
- Columbus Chef Keating, Epic Restaurant, has created Foie Gras and Peanut Butter on Brioche, Arugula & Charred Endive Salad with a Peanut Vinaigrette, Peanut-Urfa Dusted Pork Loin, and more, including a signature cocktail.
- Savannah Chef Zach Shultz, Cotton&Rye, created three dishes including Boiled peanut spread, pickled raisins, celery relish, pretzel cracker, Chicken confit, house-made bacon; Chaurice sausage, stewed peanuts, and herb crumb, and a decadent dessert dish, We All Scream for…Peanuts
- St. Simons Chef Dave Snyder, Halyard’s Restaurant, has created several different dishes including Boiled Peanut Succotash with Cheshire Pork and Oregano, Beef Tenderloin Eggroll with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Lime, and Georgia White Shrimp Taco with Roasted Peanut Salsa
- Winder Chef Alex Friedman, BistroOff Broad, special dishes include Smoked Pad Thai Chicken Wings, Seared Sockeye Salmon with Peanut Flour Rigatoni, and Peanut Butter Cookie & Chocolate Ganache Pie
Georgia Peanuts Restaurant Week takes place in select markets across Georgia from October 4-11. Be sure to check each restaurant for days and hours of operation.
The peanut is one of Georgia’s most important crops. Thanks to approximately 4,500 peanut farmers, Georgia produced more than 1.64 million tons of peanuts in 2020, representing more than half of the country’s
crop.
For more information on Georgia Peanuts visitwww.gapeanuts.com or check out the Georgia Peanut
Commission on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.
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AboutTheGeorgia PeanutCommission
The Georgia Peanut Commission was established in 1961 under the state’s Commodities Promotion Act. Today, the commission represents Georgia’s 4,500 peanut farmers and conducts programs in the areas of promotion, research and education. To lea apeanuts on Facebook and Instagram or
@GeorgiaPeanuts on Twitter.
For Immediate Release – August 2, 2021
Caroline Snider, Georgia Cotton Commission
UGA Offering Field Days in 2021
On August 11, Georgia cotton producers, University of Georgia faculty and staff and industry personnel will gather for the Midville Field Day at the Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center. To pre-register, visit https://bit.ly/3y8lyPQ.
At the field day, attendees will see firsthand the research that UGA’s first class group of extension scientists are conducting with producer funds via the Georgia Cotton Commission and Cotton Incorporated.
Field days give producers the chance to interact directly with researchers and ask questions about issues on their farm. Topics will include variety selection, pest management, irrigation, precision ag and more. Pesticide credits will also be offered.
There will be other field days this year. The dates are August 31 at the Southwest Research and Education Center in Plains, September 8 in Tifton for the Cotton & Peanut Field Day and September 28 in Northeast Georgia. If you have questions about these events, please contact your county UGA Extension office.
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- Rep. Marcus Wiedower (R-Watkinsville) – Chairman
- Rep. Timothy Barr (R-Lawrenceville) – Vice Chairman
- Rep. Spencer Frye (D-Athens) – Secretary
- Rep. Beth Camp (R-Concord)
- Rep. Ginny Ehrhart (R-Marietta)
- Rep. Marvin Lim (D-Norcross)
- Rep. Derek Mallow (D-Savannah)
- Rep. Steven Meeks (R-Screven)
- Rep. Brian Prince (D-Augusta)
- Rep. Jason Ridley (R-Chatsworth)
- Rep. Will Wade (R-Dawsonville)
- Rep. Dale Washburn (R-Macon)
- Rep. Noel Williams (R-Cordele)
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Georgia Peanut Farmers Donate 70,560 Jars of Peanut Butter to Georgia Food Banks
TIFTON, Georgia – To celebrate the beginning of the 2021 peanut season, Georgia’s 4,500 peanut farmers are donating an additional 50,400 jars of peanut butter to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Feeding the Valley Food Bank, the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, Golden Harvest Food Bank, and Middle Georgia Community Food Bank through a partnership with the Georgia Food Bank Association. A donation of 20,160 jars of peanut butter have already been distributed to the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Second Harvest of South Georgia in March.
The donation is made possible by the Georgia Peanut Commission through Peanut Proud, the peanut industry’s humanitarian relief organization. Georgia-based truckload carrier, SouthernAG Carriers, graciously donated their trucking services to deliver the peanut butter. The peanut butter is manufactured with Georgia-grown peanuts by Tara Foods in Albany, Georgia.
“As a farmer, we are proud to partner with Georgia food banks to help feed more of our neighbors in need during this time of uncertainty for many families,” says Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “Peanut butter is one of the most requested food items at food banks due to its shelf life. Peanuts are a nutritional superfood which contain more protein than any other nut, as well as a good source of vitamin E and folate.”
The Georgia Food Bank Association is comprised of seven Feeding America affiliated food banks that serve 133 counties in Georgia. Their network of food banks distributed over 180 million pounds of food in 2020 through more than 2,000 partner agencies to children, seniors, and families struggling with hunger.
“We are grateful to partner with the Georgia Peanut Commission and Peanut Proud to help feed more struggling Georgians during these difficult times,” said Callie Roan, Corporate Partnerships Manager of the Georgia Food Bank Association. “Georgia’s food banks have been responding to a sustained 50% increase in the need for food assistance in Georgia since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This donation of protein-rich peanut butter will contribute greatly to the food banks’ shared mission of ending hunger in our state.”
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. Georgia’s 4,500 peanut farmers contribute approximately $2 billion annually to the state and local economy.
The non-profit organization, Peanut Proud, Inc., serves as the humanitarian relief organization for the peanut industry. Volunteers participate in food drives to collect peanut butter and donations are made by individuals, organizations and businesses to assist with peanut butter donations to food banks. Donations are accepted at any time for Peanut Proud and are tax deductible. Contributions can be mailed to: Peanut Proud Inc., P.O. Box 446, Blakely Georgia, 39823. For additional information on the peanut industry’s humanitarian relief project, visit www.peanutproud.org.
Additional information about the Georgia Food Bank Association and its member food banks is available online at www.georgiafoodbankassociation.org. Information about the Georgia Peanut Commission is available at www.gapeanuts.com.
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Peanut farmers approve the Georgia Peanut Commission by 94 percent
TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Peanut Commission’s referendum received reaffirmation with a vote of 94.43 percent, the highest the commission has received in its nearly 60-year existence. The 2021 referendum was held March 15 through April 16, 2021.
“I am thankful our board and staff have been able to work in the areas of research, promotion and education of peanuts, as well as support efforts in Washington to maintain legislation that is helpful for peanut farmers, which in turn, continues to allow us to provide a healthy, nutritious product for consumers,” says Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission.
As required by Georgia state law, the state’s peanut farmers vote on the commission every three years. The ballots were mailed to peanut growers the week of March 15 and the Certified Public Accounting firm of Allen, Pritchett and Bassett counted the ballots returned on April 23.
“Our staff is humbled by the support of peanut farmers in Georgia,” says Don Koehler, GPC’s executive director. “We will continue to seek opportunities through programs in research, education and promotion to enhance profit opportunities on the farm.”
Georgia peanut farmers invest $2 per ton annually to the commission to be used in the program areas of research, promotion and education. For additional information on the Georgia Peanut Commission and its activities, visit www.gapeanuts.com.
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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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