DeAnnKomanecky reports that Savannah has earned another accolade, this time as the fastest growing industrial market in the United States. The designation in the annual Emerging Industrial Markets report by Colliers International, a global real estate and investment management company, credits Savannah’s port as the catalyst for growth.
Karen Kirkpatrick reports that most Georgians – and a large number of tourists from much farther away – are familiar with coastal hotspots like Tybee, Jekyll and St. Simons islands. The beaches are beautiful, the shopping, golf, activities, hotels and restaurants plentiful. And these locations contribute to the economy of Georgia in substantial ways.
Ty Tagami reports that legislation to thwart attacks on Georgia schools by assembling dossiers on students to gauge any risk they pose is facing concerns about intrusion into privacy. Senate Bill 15 would provide funding for equipment to harden schools against intruders while also supporting safety planning.
Eric Mandel reports that the Home Depot Inc. is cutting four underperforming units from its exterior installation business, resulting in layoffs around the country. Home Depot spokesperson Stephen Holmes said that after a review of its installation business, the Atlanta-based retail giant decide to wind down the roofing, siding, insulation and gutters installation programs.
Staff reports that the Gwinnett Chamber is currently seeking an exceptional leader with strong local and regional relationships to fill the role of President/CEO. The Gwinnett Chamber, one of the largest suburban Chambers of Commerce in the nation and the voice for businesses, recently announced Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman’s retirement from the role of President & CEO, effective June 30.
Staff reports that the Milken Institute recently announced their 2018 list of the top small cities in the country for job and economic growth, with Athens jumping to No. 8 in the most recent ranking. Athens moved up 34 spots from 2017′s rankings. That increase is the largest of any city in the top 20.
Trevor Williams reports that local economic development leaders often make the case that Georgia-made products are in high demand overseas. In the past few weeks, they have posted the lists to prove it.
Staff reports that thanks to a higher number of students, more employees, and more expensive off-campus housing, the economic impact of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on south Georgia soared to a record $529,838,507 in Fiscal Year 2017, according to a recent statewide study.
Wes Wolfe reports that for nearly three weeks, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s halted the permitting process that would allow geological and geophysical surveying off the Atlantic Coast — generally known as offshore energy exploration. BOEM leadership, however, indicated they want to go back to work, and a Friday order allows that to begin.
Mary Ann DeMuth reports that in a 10-day period just before and after Super Bowl LIII, Second Helpings Atlanta recovered 17,044 pounds of food from events around Atlanta. That translated into 14,203 nutritious meals for those in need, many of whom live near Mercedes-Benz Stadium where the big game was played.
Joshua Silavent reports that each public school in the state is poised to receive $30,000 to improve security measures on its campuses after the Georgia House of Representatives approved a mid-year budget adjustment on Feb. 8.
Ross Terrell reports that a bill to allow the growth of hemp has been filed at the state Capitol. The recently passed federal farm bill included a provision legalizing the cultivation of industrial hemp, but Congress left it up to states to decide what hemp is.
ShaddiAbusaid reports that a bill that would make it illegal to record a conversation without first telling the other person has many concerned the legislation could have a chilling effect on the First Amendment. Senate Rules Chairman Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga, introduced Senate Bill 59 Tuesday. It would require the consent of all parties involved before a conversation could be recorded.
G. G. Rigsby reports that reporting requirements for Georgia parents who homeschool their children are very simple: Just once a year, tell the state the child’s name, age and address. Even a phone number is optional.
Johnny Kauffman reports that a new data analysis suggests the sharp drop in votes in the lieutenant governor’s election last year may be connected to the race of voters. The finding raised more questions about the results of the down-ballot contest in which Republican Geoff Duncan handily defeated Democrat Sarah Riggs Amico.
Natasha Lance and DoneshaAldridge report, Netflix has become known as an inexpensive way to wind down and enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies at home. But the price to do so could go up, as Georgia lawmakers consider a tax on streaming services. Some state legislators want a 4 percent tax on Netflix and other streaming services, such as digital books and music downloads.
Greg Bluestein reports that House Speaker David Ralston issued a forceful call to protect vulnerable Republican incumbents ahead of next year’s presidential election by urging conservatives not to demand ideological purity from candidates. Speaking Saturday at the Fannin County GOP dinner, Ralston told an audience of dozens of supporters that the Democratic streak that flipped about a dozen legislative seats across the Atlanta suburbs was a wakeup call to the “cold, hard reality” that Republicans face next year.
Meredith Leapley, a 2007 Georgia Trend 40 Under 40 honoree, is celebrating 26 years as founder and CEO of Leapley Construction Group. A Maryland native, Leapley founded her company in 1999 to be a premier commercial interior general contractor. Meredith…
John Ahmann, a 2001 Georgia Trend 40 Under 40 honoree, currently serves as CEO of Westside Future Fund. At the time of his 40 Under 40 honor, he was Senior Vice President for Community Development at the Georgia Chamber of…
