Governor Perdue Announces $17.5 million in OneGeorgia Awards
| Wednesday, November 7, 2007 |
Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774
|
MACON,
“The OneGeorgia Authority is a valuable resource for rural
Governor Perdue and members of the OneGeorgia Authority Board approved grants from the OneGeorgia Authority’s portfolio of financing programs including EDGE, Equity, BRIDGE and ESB as well as Centers of Innovation Research Grants, Entrepreneur Friendly Implementation Grants and “Entrepreneurial Friendly” community recognition. These projects, along with their respective local leadership and company representatives, were recognized at the OneGeorgia board meeting.
The EDGE (Economic Development, Growth & Enterprise) Fund is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants that are being considered as a relocation or expansion site and are competing with another state or country for the location of the project. The seven EDGE awards, totalling $9,707,000 are leveraged against more than $358 million in total project costs and are projected to create over 1,464 jobs within the next five years.
The EDGE recipients include:
Development Authority of
EDGE funds will be used to assist with site preparation costs for the construction of a manufacturing facility to support the location of Trojan Battery Company (TBC), a leading manufacturer of deep cycle (long-life) battery technology. TBC will construct a 132,000 square-foot facility situated on 42 acres in the
- EDGE Award: $500,000
- Total Project Cost: $34,780,000
- 150 new jobs in two years increasing to 170 new jobs in four years
- Interstate competition:
EDGE funds will be used to assist with the acquisition of two existing buildings situated on 6.4 acres in the
- EDGE Award: $200,000
- Total Project Cost: $5,793,610
- 65 new jobs in five years
- Interstate competition:
Development Authority of
EDGE funds will be used to assist with infrastructure improvements. TRACO is a leading manufacturer of windows and doors. Founded in 1943, the Company offers building products for the residential, commercial, retail and corporate industries. The Company has manufacturing facilities in
- EDGE Award: $437,000
- Total Project Cost: $12,319,604
- 300 new jobs in three years
- Interstate competition:
EDGE funds of $140,000 will be used to assist with the expansion of a cooler/freezer distribution center to support the relocation and expansion of the MBM Corporation’s existing
- EDGE Award: $140,000
- Total Project Cost: $8,224,191
- 100 new jobs in five years; Retention of 80 jobs
- Interstate competition:
Okefenokee Area Development Authority / Enhanced Recovery Corporation
EDGE funds of $600,000 will be used to purchase telecommunications equipment, specifically, the hardware and software components of the auto dialer system, in support of the location of Enhanced Recovery Corporation (ERC), a call center. The company will occupy 35,000 square-feet of a vacant Winn Dixie building. ERC, a privately held company, started in 1999 and operates as a collection agency. Headquartered in
- EDGE Award: $600,000
- Total Project Cost: $5,750,000
- 300 new jobs in two years
- Interstate competition:
EDGE funds will be used for equipment acquisition and street improvements to support the location of a cellulosic ethanol plant. Range Fuels, Inc. (RFI), a privately held company headquartered in
- EDGE Award: $6,250,000
- Total Project Cost: $225,324,000
- 69 new jobs in five years
- Interstate competition:
Development Authority of the City of
EDGE funds will be used to assist with land acquisition and public infrastructure to locate a sporting goods distribution center in
- EDGE Award: $1,580,000
- Total Project Cost: $66,590,832
- 250 new jobs in two years increasing to 380 jobs in three years
- Interstate competition:
The Equity Fund is designed to assist communities and regions in building the necessary infrastructure to support economic development. The program’s flexibility also provides financial assistance to enhance publicly-owned tourism initiatives, workforce development opportunities and downtown revitalization projects. In addition, loan funds are available through the Equity Revolving Loan Fund to assist small business owners with business growth and expansion opportunities.
Twelve Equity awards totalling over $4.2 million were made today. These awards include:
Equity grant funds will be used to restore the old Eatonton/Putnam County Jail to a
- Equity Grant Award: $153,190
- Total Project Cost: $492,099
Equity grant funds will be used to assist with equipment needed at the
- Equity Grant Award: $345,000
- Total Project Cost: $1,023,356
- Create 22 new jobs immediately
City of
Equity grant funds will be used for the construction of sewer infrastructure to the
- Equity Grant Award: $500,000
- Total Project Cost: $3,832,051
- Retain 187 jobs and Create 15 new jobs (202 total jobs)
Brooks County Development Authority – Roastwood Materials
Equity grant funds will be used to assist with the cost of water, sewer and road infrastructure extensions into the county's first industrial park to support its anchor tenant, Roastwood Materials. This 250-acre industrial park was purchased by the Brooks County Development Authority in 2005 for $1.25 million. The company will construct a new wood drying kiln facility and saw mill in order to process lumber products for use in the construction of decks, exterior siding and interior paneling for Lindal Cedar Homes and Lindal Additional. Lindal Cedar Homes, started in 1945 and with nearly 300 sales outlets nationwide, are designed from the patents, copyrights and trademarks of Sir Walter Lindal. The company has a patented tongue & groove interlocking design requiring no nails or screws for assembly and a patent/trademark for the kiln processing. Roastwood and Lindal have executed a 5-year renewable contract for production of wood products. In addition, the Company will purchase lumber from
- Equity Grant Award: $500,000
- Total Project Cost: $4,170,921
- Create 52 new jobs
Equity grant funds will be used to assist with land acquisition of 180 acres to begin developing an industrial park known as the
- Equity Grant Award: $433,000
- Total Project Cost: $577,350
Joint Development Authority of
Equity grant funds will be used to improve and extend a publicly owned rail spur on the Hartwell Railroad main line to serve businesses in
- Equity Grant Award: $235,807
- Total Project Cost: $1,664,402
- Create 44 new jobs
Middle Georgia Regional Development Authority –
Equity grant funds will be used to assist with the renovation of a historically significant structure, the 90-year old, 11,200 SF former Pillowtex Mill site located in downtown Hawkinsville for use as the Ocmulgee River Community Market. The local economy was devastated in 2001 when the plant closed and 519 employees were displaced, leaving behind slum and blight. Specifically, the redevelopment will feature 37-40 sheltered vendor stalls for agricultural products and crafts from local and regional artisans, a restaurant and two retail shops. The existing unsheltered farmers market has been operated by Better Hometown since 2004; has expanded from 16 weeks annually to year-round; and vendor membership has increased from 10 to 30. Up to 65 residential units (Cottonmill Lofts) will be constructed by NC-based developer, Landmark Group as a part of this mixed-use redevelopment along the
- Equity Grant Award: $500,000
- Total Project Cost: $8,303,975
Equity grant funds will be used to assist with land acquisition of 140 acres to establish
- Equity Grant Award: $500,000
- Total Project Cost: $574,480
Clay
Equity grant funds will be used to acquire, stabilize and market Sutton's
- Equity Grant Award: $320,700
- Total Project Cost: $519,349
Town of
Equity grant funds will be used to assist with public infrastructure improvements to the town's water system by providing a backup source of drinking water and upgrading/replacing their 30-year old PVC waterlines with 6-inch ductile iron pipe. The town has a population of 200; however, an estimated 250,000 visitors travel to Tallulah Gorge State Park and YMCA camp each year, pushing the Town's current infrastructure beyond its limits. Improvements, including a second well would allow for the development of a 55-room lodge and a U.S. Forest Service district office that will employ between 30 and 35.
- Equity Grant Award: $268,973
- Total Project Cost: $293,393
Baldwin
Equity grant funds will be used to assist construction of a new 2,500 square feet terminal at
- Equity Grant Award: $353,954
- Total Project Cost: $564,428
Equity grant funds will be used to assist with sewer infrastructure extension from
- Equity Grant Award: $150,000
- Total Project Cost: $1,819,186
Governor Perdue and the board recognized the most recent recipients of technology grants from the BRIDGE (Broadband Rural Initiative to Develop
The BRIDGE award recipients included:
City of
BRIDGE grant funds will be used to assist with the cost of a feasibility study needed to determine the economic benefits and costs of providing wireless broadband access to underserved parts of the City of
- BRIDGE Grant Award: $9,000
- Total Project Cost: $10,000
City of
BRIDGE grant funds will be used to assist with the cost of a feasibility study to determine the economic benefits and costs of providing wireless broadband access to underserved parts of the City of
- BRIDGE Grant Award: $7,500
- Total Project Cost: $10,000
City of
BRIDGE grant funds will be used to assist with the cost of a TechSmart feasibility study to determine needs, assets, limitations and costs of providing wireless broadband to underserved areas of
- BRIDGE Grant Award: $7,000
- Total Project Cost: $10,000
- Date of Award: 11/7/07
South GeorgiaRegional Information Technology Authority
BRIDGE grant funds will be used to construct a wireless broadband system across the 5-county area. A feasibility study conducted by TechSmart reflects a great demand for high speed connectivity in the counties of Baker, Calhoun, Early, Miller and Mitchell. The backbone of these rural counties is agriculture and, more recently, nature-based tourism. Wireless broadband provides an opportunity to support their economy while protecting their valuable resources. This project supports a system that will allow farmers to implement precision agricultural practices increasing profits, preserving natural resources and decreasing chemical and water usage. There will be multiple benefits to the counties in the area of business development, tourism, education and local government efficiency.
- BRIDGE Grant Award: $2,700,000
- Total Project Cost: $3,772,686
The board also reviewed the latest ESB Loan Guarantees made since the last board meeting. The Entrepreneur-Small Business Loan Guarantee Program was created over two years ago to support the growth of entrepreneurs and small businesses in less developed areas. The ESB Loan Guarantee Program is the authority’s first public-private partnership, providing a shared risk with
Eight ESB Loan Guarantees in the amount of $454,475 were approved by the board today:
Storage Solutions, LLC/Pinnacle Bank (Elberton)
Storage Solutions, LLC is a start up self-storage company in
- ESB Loan Guarantee Amount: $20,000
- Current jobs: 2; Proposed new jobs to be created: 1
Moore’s Monument & Vault Company/Planters First Bank (Cordele)
- ESB Loan Guarantee Amount: $45,000
- Current jobs: 1; Proposed new jobs to be created: 1
Lee’s Family Meat Market/Atlantic South Bank (East Dublin)
Lee’s Family Meat Market is a start up full service meat and seafood shop specializing in the highest quality of fresh meats, seafood and grocery products. Mr. Shane Lee, owner, has over seventeen years experience in the grocery business that began under the guidance of his father, A.B. Lee, in his family owned and operated meat business. Lee’s Family Meat Market will also offer catering services and employ three to five people.
- ESB Loan Guarantee Amount: $30,000
- Current jobs: 2; Proposed new jobs to be created: 3
Your Name Here/Citizens Bank (
Your Name Here provides embroidery, screen printing and ad specialties for individuals and businesses. The business was started in 1999 and recently expanded to include a retail store selling some of their clothing merchandise. The company also works with schools to provide a school uniform program for their students. Your Name Here currently employees five individuals, and this expansion will allow them to add an additional machine operator.
- ESB Loan Guarantee Amount: $45,000
- Current jobs: 5; Proposed new jobs to be created: 1
Deep South Tire/ United National Bank (
Deep South Tire and Brake is a start up commercial tire retailer. Deep South Tire and Brake sells repairs and replaces commercial tires. ESB loan guarantee was used to assist the owner with the purchase of land and the tire shop. The loan was used to purchase the property which includes seven acres and a commercial building. Business is expected to create five new jobs in
- ESB Loan Guarantee Amount: $71,975
- Proposed new jobs to be created: 5
T.J.’s Italian-American Restaurant/ Planters First (Cordele)
T.J.’s Italian American Restaurant is a start up 80 seat restaurant offering family style service of popular Italian and American foods in Cordele. The restaurant was a successful business in Cordele for 20 years. The Sears’ son plans to re-establish the same friendly atmosphere and good food provided by his parents for many years. Future projected expansion of the business in four to six months will offer a full delivery service menu.
- ESB Loan Guarantee Amount: $20,000
- Proposed new jobs to be created: 10-12
Radio Elberton, Inc. /First Citizens Bank (Toccoa)
Radio Elberton, Inc. is an existing radio station located in Lavonia recently purchased by a company already owning and operating five other radio stations. Loan proceeds were used to construct a radio tower, rehabilitate the building and purchase/install radio broadcasting equipment.
- ESB Loan Guarantee Amount: $110,000
- Current jobs: 25; Proposed new jobs to be created: 2
Gilliard’s Store, LLC/United National Bank (
Gilliard’s Store, LLC is a start up country meats and small grocery store located in
- ESB Loan Guarantee Amount: $112,500
- Current jobs: 1; Proposed new jobs to be created: 2
The OneGeorgia Authority announced research grants today supporting the Centers of Innovation program totalling $220,171. The Georgia Centers of Innovation program, launched by Governor Perdue in 2003, builds on the state’s world-class assets and home-grown industries to provide support for researchers and entrepreneurs in the areas of aerospace, agriculture, biotech, information technology and maritime logistics.
“The centers work together in a seamless network connecting state leaders, academic research, business experts and entrepreneurs to nurture innovative ideas and forge new relationships,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “The objective is to grow long-term economic opportunities, create jobs and attract new companies all across rural
The four recipients of the Centers of Innovation Research Grant program were recognized at today’s board meeting. These awards will provide matching research funds to support the following entrepreneurial research projects:
1. GIS-Enabled Ship Recognition System
Georgia Institute of Technology – Industry Partner:
Grant Award: $100,000
2. Catalytic Conversion of Glycerin and Woody Biomass into Synthetic Natural Gas and Liquid Fuels
Grant Award: $100,000
3. Development of Elastomer-Impregnated Foam Wheelchair Cushions
Georgia Institute of Technology – Industry Partner: Cushion by Design
Grant Award: $10,171
Technology Outreach: Northwest Region
4. TAG Machine Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology – Industry Partner: DeLong’s Gizzard Equipment
Grant Award: $10,000
Technology Outreach: East Region
The board also received an update on the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s community-based Entrepreneur Friendly program. Ben Hill,
Once a community has earned the Entrepreneur Friendly designation, they have the opportunity to apply for entrepreneur and small business implementation grants of up to $25,000. At today’s meeting, grants from the Entrepreneur Friendly Implementation Fund (EFIF) were awarded to
The board also approved a request from Dean Scott Angle and Dr. John McKissick at the
The OneGeorgia Authority was created utilizing one-third of the state’s tobacco settlement to assist the state’s most economically challenged areas. The OneGeorgia Authority is expected to receive about $1.6 billion over the 25-year term of the settlement.
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