Georgia Trend Daily – Oct. 18, 2019
Oct. 18, 2019 WABE 90.1
Georgia Lost Jobs In September, But The Unemployment Rate Dropped
Anthony Gorman reports that Georgia lost jobs last month, though the unemployment rate dropped to a record low. The state Department of Labor said that 2,100 jobs were lost in September. Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said the loss is minor because jobs are plentiful.
Oct. 18, 2019 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Economic Development Around the State
Christy Simo reports that Arglass Yamamura LLC, based in Japan, is investing $123 million to build its first U.S. glass container manufacturing plant in Lowndes County, creating 150 jobs. Italian refrigeration systems manufacturer Rivacold will create 140 jobs and invest $5 million into a new facility in Buford. Its products are used in sectors like food retail, medical, vending machines and the dairy industry.
Oct. 18, 2019 Saporta Report
Fort Mac to buy out would-be developer, search for new one
Maggie Lee reports that a top leader at Fort McPherson says he thinks redevelopment work on 144 acres at the shuttered base can start in 2020. But first, there’s the big job of finding a developer. By a unanimous voice vote of all members present, the board of the Fort McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority voted on Thursday to start negotiating a severance in its relationship with Macauley Investments.
Oct. 18, 2019 Atlanta Business Chronicle
Newell Brands highlights Sandy Springs office development’s turnaround
Douglas Sams reports that consumer products giant and Sharpie maker Newell Brands is highlighting the turnaround of a 38-acre Sandy Springs office development. Newell Brands Inc. (Nasdaq: NWL) agreed last month to lease about 50,000 square feet at Embassy Row, a project that battled high vacancy a few years ago but has since made a comeback.
Oct. 18, 2019 Georgia.gov
Parsons Corporation to Expand Operations at Georgia Cyber Center
Staff reports that Governor Brian P. Kemp announced yesterday that Parsons Corporation, a leading cybersecurity technology provider, is expanding their operations at the Georgia Cyber Center by adding more than 80 new jobs. “We are thrilled a leading cybersecurity company like Parsons is seeing rapid growth at the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta,” said Governor Kemp.
Oct. 18, 2019 GlobalAtlanta.com
Dutch Firm to Buy Peachtree City’s Cooper Lighting for $1.4 billion
Trevor Williams reports that the former Philips Lighting business based in the Netherlands has agreed to purchase Peachtree City-based Cooper Lighting for $1.4 billion. Eindhoven-based Signify, which the company has been called since 2018, said the acquisition of Cooper from Eaton Corp. would strengthen its position in North America, particularly in the professional space, as well as in the LED segment that makes up the bulk of Cooper’s business.
Oct. 18, 2019 Union-Recorder
Andalusia named ‘Distinctive Destination’
Gil Pound reports that Andalusia, the former home of famed author Flannery O’Connor, was recently recognized as a “Distinctive Destination” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It joins another Georgia College-owned property, the Old Governor’s Mansion, in receiving this national recognition based on an application describing the site’s history and architecture in addition to photographs.
Oct. 18, 2019 Valdosta Daily Times, CNHI
Ga. lawmakers weigh gambling
Riley Bunch reports that lawmakers are weighing the pros and cons of legalized gambling, but ultimately, it’s up to voters to decide. A constitutional amendment could bring casinos, horse-racing and sports betting to Georgia. Both House and Senate lawmakers are hoping to break down what this would mean for the peach state.
Oct. 18, 2019 The Center Square
Georgia senators put microscope on portable benefits for workers
Nyamekye Daniel reports that members of the Georgia Senate met Thursday to address an issue that underlies the growing trend of contracted workers in the country. Independent workers could make up more than half of the workforce by the next decade, according to a Marist Institute for Public Opinion poll. With the demand for a gig economy comes the growing problem of access to employee benefits.
Oct. 18, 2019 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kemp reiterates pledge to pay teachers more, but doesn’t say when
Ty Tagami reports that Gov. Brian Kemp is committed to paying teachers more, but he didn’t say when. In a brief speech to a gathering of school superintendents Thursday, Kemp touted results from last winter’s legislative session, including full funding of the state’s portion of school budgets and new money for student mental health services and school security.
