Sports Retailer to Locate Distribution Center in Twiggs County

Company will invest $50 million and create 200 new jobs

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Academy Sports and Outdoors will locate a new distribution center just outside Jeffersonville in Twiggs County.

"Georgia's logistics advantages have once again attracted a great company and new jobs for our citizens," Governor Perdue said. "Our business climate is strong because Georgia has the right resources, including workforce and transportation infrastructure, which allow successful companies such as Academy Sports and Outdoors to come here and thrive."

The company will break ground in late fall 2007, with operations expected to begin in early 2009.

The center will be located southeast of Macon at Interstate 16 and Hwy. 96. The company will add more than 200 new jobs within the first year of operation.  The 750,000 square foot distribution center represents an approximately $50 million investment and will serve locations in the Southeast United States, east of the Mississippi River.

Academy Sports and Outdoors is one of the nation's largest – and oldest – sporting goods retailers, founded in San Antonio, Texas in 1938.  Headquartered just outside of Houston, Academy Sports and Outdoors is a leader in the sporting goods industry by continually offering the broadest selection of sporting equipment, apparel and footwear at everyday low prices.

For more information about Academy Sports and Outdoors, visit their website at www.academy.com.