Georgia Trend Daily – Sept. 20, 2019

Sept. 20, 2019 Albany Herald

August record job numbers for Georgia applauded

Staff reports that Gov. Brian P. Kemp remarked Thursday that Georgia’s latest employment figures indicates a positive direction for economic development in the state. Georgia added 20,800 jobs last month, marking the strongest August in the last 20 years and doubling the number of new jobs created in August 2018. The 20,800 jobs added push Georgia’s total job number to a new state record of 4.64 million jobs.

Sept. 20, 2019 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!

Organization: Project Chimps

Candice Dyer reports, imagine a retirement refuge deep in the forest, with villas, plenty of food, exercise space, room to roam and a life free from the daily grind. It’s available on a 236-acre sanctuary in the mountains of Blue Ridge, but it isn’t for people. Instead, Project Chimps is for chimpanzees, who are living the good life after years in a research facility.

Sept. 20, 2019 Atlanta Journal-Constitution

In ‘Poultry Capital,’ stakes are high amid Trump immigration crackdown

Jeremy Redmon reports that newcomers driving north on Atlanta Highway could feel disoriented. For roughly two miles, many of the colorful signs are in Spanish. Taquerias beckon motorists with chorizo, carne asada and al pastor tacos. The crowded Viajes Latinos travel agency advertises boletos de avión, plane tickets. Lavanderías — coin laundries — pitch agua caliente, hot water.

Sept. 20, 2019 Atlanta Business Chronicle

Here’s why Georgia Power wants you to pay more

Dave Williams reports that with electricity in Georgia already priced higher than in seven of its Southern neighbors, Georgia Power Co. is seeking to raise customer rates by 7% starting in January. If approved following hearings set to begin Sept. 30, the typical residential customer would see an increase of $9.78 per month on their bill, or $117 a year.

Sept. 20, 2019 Georgia.org

RAI Industrial Fabricators to Build New Facility in Banks County, Create 30 New Jobs

Staff reports that Governor Brian P. Kemp announced Thursday that RAI Industrial Fabricators, LLC will build a new state of the art steel fabrication facility, creating 30 new jobs and investing $20 million in Martin Bridge. Headquartered in Athens, Georgia, RAI Industrial Fabricators is seeking to meet the needs of a growing client base and provide more services and products for their customers. This new facility will double the capacity of their existing operation in Athens in anticipation of future growth.

Sept. 20, 2019 Georgia Water Coalition

Georgia Water Coalition Announces Clean Water Heroes in 2019 Clean 13 Report

Staff reports that Georgia’s leading water protection coalition released its Clean 13 report for 2019. The report highlights individuals, businesses, industries, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies whose extraordinary efforts have led to cleaner rivers, stronger communities and a more sustainable future for Georgians.

Sept. 20, 2019 Savannah Morning News

State commission aims to cut red tape, grow small business

Katie Nussbaum reports that seventy years ago, when it came to picking a career path, only one in 20 workers needed a license or permit to pursue their chosen occupation. Today, nearly one in three workers needs a license, according to the Institute of Justice. The Georgians First Commission, established by Gov. Brian Kemp during his first day as governor, is reviewing those state licensing policies and procedures with a goal to cut red tape and grow small businesses.

Sept. 20, 2019 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!

Jekyll Island Festivities

Mary Ann DeMuth reports, this weekend, Sept. 20 through Sept. 22, the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival returns with plenty of different takes on the classic southern dish as well as family friendly entertainment, live music, an artists market, a craft brew fest and a newly added 5K race. Twice honored by the Southeast Festival and Events Association as Best Festival, the annual weekend event attracts more than 45,000 visitors to the barrier island. It’s held on 30+ acres of the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District.

Sept. 20, 2019 Gainesville Times

How Mars Wrigley plans to invest $60 million at its South Hall plant

Jeff Gill reports that chewing gum giant Mars Wrigley Confectionery announced a $60 million investment Thursday in its South Hall plant — one that’s expected to result in 126 new jobs. “This investment, which will help secure our future growth, will help us be more efficient and really will help support our reputation in the industry as leaders in quality and food safety,” said Matt Arends, site director at the plant, to the Gainesville-Hall County Development Authority on Sept. 19.

Sept. 20, 2019 Rome News-Tribune

Regional Commission hears update about Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative

Daniel Bell reports that Deana Perry, executive director of broadband for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, compared the work her office is doing right now to building the legs for a stool — you might not be able to sit down yet, but you wouldn’t ever be able to sit down if the stool didn’t have those legs. Members of the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Council heard from Perry and Brittney Hickom, broadband program consultant 1 for the GDCA, during their monthly meeting in Calhoun on Thursday.

Sept. 20, 2019 Georgia Health News

Georgia officials confirm 5 lung cases tied to vaping; others probed

Andy Miller reports that state public health officials have confirmed five cases of vaping-related lung illnesses in Georgia, with another 10 being investigated. The CDC said Thursday that nationally, 530 people have experienced lung injuries associated with the use of e-cigarette or vaping products. The CDC said it has analyzed 373 of those cases, and two-thirds of that number are people 18 to 34 years old, and 16 percent are younger than 18 years old.

Sept. 20, 2019 Valdosta Daily Times, Georgia Recorder

Thousands voice Okefenokee mining concerns

Stanley Dunlap reports that a large coalition of environmental organizations is asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop a company from mining near the Okefenokee Swamp, joining more than 20,000 people who chimed in by the deadline last week to comment. Just prior to the deadline for public comments, 16 conservation groups sent the Corps a 73-page letter opposing the Twin Pines’ application to conduct strip mining in South Georgia.

Sept. 20, 2019 Gwinnett Daily Post

Ben Haynes enters 2020 Democratic field for Gwinnett sheriff’s race

Curt Yeomans reports that the Democratic field of candidates running for Gwinnett County sheriff next year grew a little bigger Thursday. Ben Haynes, who is a criminal investigator in the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office, announced he will run for the office next year during a kickoff event at the Gwinnett County Historic Courthouse. Haynes is at least the third Democrat to announce plans to run for the office in 2020, joining Curtis Clemons and Keybo Taylor in the race.

Sept. 20, 2019 Georgia Recorder

Four qualify to compete for SW Georgia House seat in November

Jill Nolin reports that four candidates will compete to replace long-time Republican lawmaker Ed Rynders in a special election set for Nov. 5. The race will feature two southwest Georgia mayors, a military serviceman and a retiree. It includes a Democrat but the solidly conservative district, which includes parts of Lee, Sumter and Worth counties, is expected to stay in Republican hands.

Sept. 20, 2019 Atlanta Journal-Constitution

State House panel grapples with Georgia maternal mortality crisis

Ariel Hart reports that Georgia has a maternal mortality crisis. State officials are struggling to understand it. More Georgians die in the time before, during and after childbirth than women in most other states and even many developing countries. And the U.S. has the worst rates among developed nations.