Georgia Trend Daily – Jan. 31, 2020
Jan. 31, 2020 Saporta Report
Georgia Hispanic Chamber joins chorus of support for U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal
David Pendered reports that the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has added its voice to the choir of praise for the trade agreement with Mexico and Canada that President Trump signed Wednesday. “This agreement will continue to facilitate commerce between Georgia and two of our most important trading partners,” GHCC President and CEO Santiago Marquez said in a statement.
Jan. 31, 2020 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
A year of positive economic impact
Mary Ann DeMuth reports that according to the Decide DeKalb Development Authority, last year was a stellar one for growth in the county. Capital investment reached $1.14 billion, eight times the amount invested in in 2018. Through its recruiting efforts, the organization helped generate 748 new full-time jobs and 747 expansion jobs while retaining 6,016 jobs in the county.
Jan. 31, 2020 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Delta rolls out credit card benefit changes, higher fees
Kelly Yamanouchi reports that Delta Air Lines is rolling out changes to its SkyMiles American Express cards that take effect Thursday — with higher fees and some different benefits. The new features justify the increase in fees, said WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzalez in a written statement, but card holders should “go over the new terms and decide if the cards are still suitable for their needs.”
Jan. 31, 2020 Atlanta Business Chronicle
Record $1.8B year for metro Atlanta venture capital
Madison Hogan reports, though 2019 was a record-breaking year for raising venture capital in Atlanta, the Southeast hub finished Q4 with a fizzle more than a bang. Local startup funding declined by 71%, compared to the same period of 2018.
Jan. 31, 2020 Gwinnett Daily Post
BOC approves dog food processing plant near Norcross
Curt Yeomans reports that you might say luck was on the side of a local dog food company Tuesday after Gwinnett commissioners gave their blessing to let the firm move into a vacant warehouse near Norcross. Lucky Premium Treats LLC received the commission’s permission this week to open a processing plant in part of a vacant building on the 1200 block of Oakbrook Drive.
Jan. 31, 2020 Gainesville Times
Stacy Hall announces run for District 50 in state Senate
Megan Reed reports that Stacy Hall, chairman of the Habersham County Board of Commissioners, is running for the Georgia Senate to represent District 50, which includes a small part of East Hall County.
Jan. 31, 2020 Athens Banner-Herald, Capitol Beat
Online sales tax for big retailers in Georgia signed into law
Beau Evans reports that Gov. Brian Kemp has signed legislation imposing state sales taxes on online purchases facilitated by large retailers like Amazon, Google and Uber. The tax is projected to raise hundreds of millions of dollars annually in Georgia.
Jan. 31, 2020 Marietta Daily Journal, Capitol Beat
Coastal Georgia Senator wants closer look at mine project near Okefenokee Swamp
Dave Williams reports that a state senator from coastal Georgia is calling for a closer examination of the potential impacts of a planned titanium mine near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. In a letter dated Jan. 27, Sen. William Ligon, R-Brunswick, suggested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conduct more studies on how mining a 12,000-acre site south of the refuge in Charlton County and post-mine restoration would alter surface water and groundwater flows before awarding a permit to Alabama-based Twin Pines Minerals.
Jan. 31, 2020 GPB
Major League Sports Organizations Push For Mobile Sports Betting
Sam Bermes-Dawes reports that four of the major league professional sports teams based in Atlanta are teaming up to push for legalization of some forms of sports betting in Georgia. The Georgia Professional Sports Alliance, a conglomerate of the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta United voiced support for mobile and online wagering in a letter published just before the start of the new legislative session in the Georgia General Assembly.
Jan. 31, 2020 Georgia Recorder
Georgia Senate committee not champing at the bit for race track
Maggie Lee reports that supporters of horse racing and wagering in Georgia for decades have pressed the state Legislature to legalize parimutuel betting and open the gate to horse tracks. Lawmakers from both the state’s legislative chambers pondered the possibilities of expanding legalized gambling during study committee hearings last fall.
Jan. 31, 2020 The Center Square
Collins’ Senate run could create rift between Georgia Republicans
Jason Schaumburg reports that Georgia U.S. Rep. Doug Collins’ announcement that he is running for the U.S. Senate has the potential to create a divide in the state’s Republican party. Collins, who represents Georgia’s 9th Congressional District and is the top Republican on the House Judicial Committee, has been a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump.
Jan. 31, 2020 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Follow Up: Harsh words launch work on Georgia budget
Jim Denery reports, with the opening budget hearings behind them, it’s now Georgia legislators’ turn to rewrite Gov. Brian Kemp’s plan for spending cuts. Judging by what they’re saying, the governor isn’t going to be happy.
