Georgia Trend Daily – Nov. 14, 2019

Nov. 14, 2019 Georgia.gov

Irving Tissue to Expand, Create 150+ Jobs in Macon

Staff reports that Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Irving Tissue, one of North America’s leading manufacturers of household paper products, will expand its operations in Macon, creating more than 150 jobs and investing $400 million in a new manufacturing facility following the grand-opening of the company’s most recent plant in Macon.

Nov. 14, 2019 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!

E-vehicle solutions

Mary Ann DeMuth reports that micromobility – the use of small battery-powered vehicles like electric scooters and electric bicycles – is on the verge of revolutionizing transportation in cities like Atlanta. However, the trend has taken hold so quickly that local governments and the companies that make these handy, dockless vehicles are scrambling to try to work out some of the kinks.

Nov. 14, 2019 Atlanta Journal-Constitution

2 more Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen restaurants will close in Florida

Stephanie Toone reports that two of Georgia-based restaurateur Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen locations will soon close in Florida, according to a spokesperson. Paula Deen Ventures spokesman Jaret Keller told The Associated Press that licensing partner Phoenix Hospitality decided to close its Destin and Panama City Beach restaurants.

Nov. 14, 2019 Atlanta Business Chronicle

Convoy raises $400M to further streamline the shipping industry

Paxten Mertyn reports that freight logistics technology company Convoy announced Wednesday it raised $400 million in Series D funding, increasing the startup’s valuation to $2.7 billion. Convoy employs more than 800 people, including about 600 at its Seattle headquarters and 200 in Atlanta, where the company opened an office early this year.

Nov. 14, 2019 Georgia Dept. of Labor

Georgia sets records in October

Staff reports that State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said on Nov. 13 that Georgia’s unemployment rate fell in October to tie the state’s all-time low, matching a record set nearly 20 years ago. That record wasn’t the only one set in October. Georgia also set new highs for jobs and employment.

Nov. 14, 2019 Macon Telegraph

200 new jobs coming to Middle Georgia as Buc-ee’s plans new location in Warner Robins

Justin Baxley reports that a popular convenience store chain boasting the “world’s cleanest bathrooms,” a friendly beaver and 200 new jobs is coming to Warner Robins, according to a company news release. Buc-ee’s announced plans to break ground on a new location in Warner Robins on 11 a.m. Nov. 18 at the corner of Russell Parkway and I-75. The facility will be 53,000 square feet and feature 116 fueling stations.

Nov. 14, 2019 Georgia.gov

AEV Establishes Headquarters for Atlanta Reign, Atlanta’s First Professional Esports Team

Staff reports that Governor Brian P. Kemp on Nov. 13 announced that AEV (Atlanta Esports Ventures), a partnership between Cox Enterprises and Nevada-based Province, Inc., will locate the headquarters for Atlanta Reign, a professional esports team based in Atlanta. The facility in Midtown Atlanta will result in the creation of 45 new jobs and an investment of $100,000,000 in the growing esports ecosystem in Atlanta.

Nov. 14, 2019 Valdosta Daily Times

Valdosta company adds 10 jobs

Chris Herbert reports that dozens gathered at Miller Business Park to attend “The Blessing of the Grounds.” The ceremony celebrated the expansion of the CJB Applied Technologies, a company specializing in contract formulation and development in the agricultural market, with the construction of a new 8.4-acre standalone facility. The expansion will create 10 new jobs and bring $2.5 million of capital investment.

Nov. 14, 2019 GPB

Department Of Justice Grants Georgia $153M For ‘Public Safety’

Sarah Rose reports that Georgia will receive from the U.S. Department of Justice $153 million in grant money for what Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Claire Murray described Tuesday as “public safety” initiatives, nearly $4.3 million of which will go toward human trafficking survivors in the state.

Nov. 14, 2019 Albany Herald

Georgia Trust announces state’s ‘Places in Peril’

Staff reports that the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation released today its 2020 list of 10 Places in Peril in the state. Sites on the list include Antioch Baptist Church in Crawfordville (Taliaferro County); Asbury United Methodist Church in Savannah (Chatham County); Cary Reynolds Elementary School in Doraville (DeKalb County); Central State Hospital in Milledgeville (Baldwin County); Fountain (Stone) Hall in Atlanta (Fulton County); Heritage Park in Griffin (Spalding County); John Nelson Deming Home in Valdosta (Lowndes County); Masonic Lodge No. 238 in Dalton (Whitfield County); Nolan Crossroads in Bostwick (Morgan County), and Rose Hill School in Porterdale (Newton County).

Nov. 14, 2019 Georgia Health News

Deal reached on millions in erroneous Medicare payments

Andy Miller reports that Federal health officials have worked out an agreement to resolve an overpayment problem with medical providers in Georgia and other states. The terms of that agreement, like the payment issue itself, are complicated. A year ago, Georgia Health News reported that the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) planned to recoup $55 million in improper payments to hospitals and other providers in a few states.

Nov. 14, 2019 Saporta Report

South Fulton voters make bid to attract development by approving tax incentive

David Pendered reports that the lure of economic development prompted voters in the City of South Fulton to authorize the creation of special tax districts that could spur growth along corridors that once were vital industrial areas, such as Fulton Industrial Boulevard and Old National Highway – and possibly even along the Chattahoochee River.

Nov. 14, 2019 Brunswick News

Senate committee OKs bills on whales, marine debris

Wes Wolfe reports that during a busy day on Capitol Hill the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved nearly two dozen bills, including legislation that would lead to significant steps to protect North Atlantic right whales and work to combat marine debris pollution. “The North Atlantic right whale was named the official Georgia state marine mammal when I served as minority leader in the Georgia State House, and I am proud that my state’s coast is still home to one of the few known calving grounds for this magnificent animal,” U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson said in a statement in September.

Nov. 14, 2019 The Center Square

Georgia commission to oversee medical marijuana industry

Nyamekye Daniel reports that eligible patients in Georgia may soon be able to reap the benefits of medical marijuana with the initiation of the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission. Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and House Speaker David Ralston announced their appointments to the seven-member board on Tuesday.

Nov. 14, 2019 Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Jolt: In Trump farm bailout, Georgia gets the most cash per acre

Jim Galloway, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell report that a new report from Democrats in the U.S. Senate has found that the Trump administration, in a bailout intended to keep farmers afloat during the trade war with China, has showered more subsidies on Southern farmers than anywhere else. And there’s an implication that Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, the former Georgia governor, has engaged in a bit of home cooking.