Georgia Trend Daily – Dec. 20, 2021
Dec. 20, 2021 Marietta Daily Journal
Former Senator Johnny Isakson dies at 76
Aleks Gilbert reports that businessman, former U.S. Senator and longtime Cobb County resident Johnny Isakson died overnight. He was 76. Isakson held the distinction of being the only Georgian ever to have been elected to the state House, state Senate, U.S. House and U.S. Senate, and in 2016 he also became the first Georgia Republican ever to be elected to a third term in the U.S. Senate.
Georgia Fintech Academy students present recommendations to FIS, a global provider of financial services technology
Dec. 20, 2021 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Georgia Fintech Academy’s New Home: Robinson College of Business
Kenna Simmons reports that the Georgia Fintech Academy, a unique partnership between the state’s fintech sector and the University System of Georgia, has a new permanent home at the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. In a statement, Fintech Academy Executive Director Tommy Marshall said the move will further increase direct connections between fintech companies and universities across the state.
Dec. 20, 2021 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Buttigieg vows to recruit more truckers in visit to Savannah port
Michael E. Kanell reports, in a visit to the Port of Savannah Friday, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg promised to push initiatives that will ease two crucial bottlenecks in the supply chain: the shortage of truckers and the lack of capacity at the nation’s shipping terminals. “One of the reasons we are here is that we think that what the Georgia ports have done could be a model for other places around the country,” Buttigieg said during a press conference in Savannah.
Dec. 20, 2021 Rome News-Tribune
Chick-fil-A’s Dan Cathy talks business model, philanthropy
Hunter Riggall reports that Chick-fil-A’s signature franchise model, customer service and charity work were some of the topics Dan Cathy, the company’s chairman, discussed at a chamber of commerce event this week. While the consistency of Chick-fil-A’s products is often cited as a reason for its huge popularity in the South, Cathy told the audience the company’s franchise model is the heart of its success.
Dec. 20, 2021 Brunswick News
Jekyll to celebrate 75th anniversary of state park
Lauren McDonald reports that the Jekyll Island Authority has big plans to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the creation of the state park. Under acting Gov. M.E. Thompson, the state purchased Jekyll Island for $675,000 in 1947.
Dec. 20, 2021 GlobalAtlanta.com
Copa’s Flight to Panama Offers Atlanta Travelers Deeper Reach Into Latin America
Trevor Williams reports that Panama’s Copa Airlines launched a nonstop flight four times a week to Atlanta last weekend, competing directly with Delta Air Lines Inc. on the route and offering one-stop access to an array of destinations across Latin America.
Dec. 20, 2021 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Economic Development Around the State
Christy Simo reports, for the eighth year in a row, Georgia has been named the Top State for Doing Business by Area Development magazine. Georgia also earned the No. 1 ranking in overall cost of doing business, cooperative and responsive state government, competitive labor environment, workforce development programs and available real estate.
Dec. 20, 2021 The Current
Spaceport referendum races against property purchase
Mary Landers reports that Camden County Superior Court Judge Stephen G. Scarlett heard arguments Friday regarding the issuance of a temporary restraining order to prevent the county from buying the land for Spaceport Camden before voters can weigh in on the decision directly. Scarlett intends to rule on the matter next week.
Dec. 20, 2021 Albany Herald
Winners of Congressional App Challenge announced
Staff reports that Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., recently announced the Eighth District’s 2021 Congressional App Challenge winners, Aarin Dave and Deshaun Hester. A panel of engineering judges chose the two Hahira Middle School eighth-graders as winners for their Android App, LifeLearn.
Dec. 20, 2021 GPB, Fresh Take Georgia
Gainesville developments offer new life in downtown district
Tricia Cumiskey reports that Gainesville residents, businesses and city officials say they are looking forward to the imminent completion of some $200 million in new development and infrastructure upgrades to the city’s historic downtown. A combination of public and private financing will bring new apartments, shops, restaurants, venues and higher education facilities to the area surrounding the Gainesville Square, as well as improved sidewalks and parking options.
Dec. 20, 2021 Georgia Health News
State officials back off plan to cut support time for people with severe disabilities
Andy Miller reports that state officials have dropped their plan for limiting the hours of support allowed for more than 180 Georgians with severe medical or behavioral health needs. The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) had proposed the limits under a “waiver” proposal submitted to the federal government.
Dec. 20, 2021 The Center Square
Report: Georgia’s COVID relief spending transparency among country’s best
Nyamekye Daniel reports that Georgia was one of six states classified as having exemplary disclosure of its Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) spending, according to a new report on transparency in CRF spending. The CRF was established from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Dec. 20, 2021 Capitol Beat News
Georgia mental health system facing growing demand, fewer workers
Dave Williams reports that a three-digit national mental health crisis hotline due to begin service next summer poses a mixed blessing for Georgia. The new 988 line is expected to more than double the number of Georgians who will reach out for help.
Dec. 20, 2021 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Politically Georgia: The life and legacy of Johnny Isakson
Greg Bluestein reports, it was the start of the 2016 campaign and the race for president was just heating up. So was U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson’s bid for a third term. After months of hinting about it, the Rev. Raphael Warnock told his church that he wouldn’t challenge Isakson. That didn’t mean Isakson was in the clear.
