Georgia Trend Daily – Nov. 14, 2023
Nov. 14, 2023 GlobalAtlanta.com
How Renewvia Is Powering Africa From Atlanta
Trevor Williams reports that Renewvia Energy’s executives never envisioned that a simple diversification play would end up spurring a transatlantic odyssey of investment and impact. Founded in 2008, the Atlanta-based solar contractor had a healthy business in the United States, with off-grid installations helping companies reduce the power cost through solar arrays on industrial buildings and parking lots.
Nov. 14, 2023 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Economic Development Around the State
Christy Simo reports, Pratt Industries Inc. is building a new production facility in Warner Robins. It’s the 13th site in Georgia for the Atlanta-based recycled paper and packaging company, the fifth-largest corrugated packaging company in the U.S.
Nov. 14, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hyundai to raise wages 25%, hoping to head off union efforts
Michael E. Kanell reports that Hyundai Motor Group said Monday it will hike wages for its U.S. manufacturing workers, the third non-union competitor to raise pay in the wake of last month’s landmark union deal with the “Big Three” Detroit automakers. The South Korea-based company, which said it is investing $12.6 billion to build vehicle and battery plants in Georgia, announced a new wage structure Monday that will mean a 25% wage hike in the next four years.
Nov. 14, 2023 Athens Banner-Herald
Golden Pantry trying new concept
Wayne Ford reports that a North Carolina technology company has joined a partnership with the Golden Pantry stores to introduce the prototype of a new retail store, the company announced recently. Juxta, a business venture by Vontier Corp., reached the agreement with Golden Pantry, which plans to place a “Nomad” mini-store in Wire Park in Watkinsville.
Nov. 14, 2023 WABE
Georgia early childhood educators reflect on post-pandemic workforce shortages
Juma Sei reports, on the first day of Pre-K Week this year, 22 four-year-olds gathered for storytime in the dual-language classroom of the Kids R First Academy in Marietta. Their eyes were fixed on a visitor: a woman with a book in hand, whom the toddlers affectionately called “Ms. Amy.” Amy Jacobs–“Ms. Amy”–is the Commissioner for Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning.
Nov. 14, 2023 Marietta Daily Journal
Cobb Schools and Wellstar Announce $2 Million Partnership
Jake Busch reports, Cobb Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale revealed a new $2 million partnership between the school district and Wellstar Health System at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Marquee Monday luncheon. Both Ragsdale and Marietta Schools Superintendent Grant Rivera, the luncheon’s keynote speakers, praised the work of their districts’ career centers, which offer student different pathways for working right out of high school through certification programs.
Nov. 14, 2023 Dalton Daily Citizen
Judicial Council announces American Rescue Plan Act award to the Conasauga Judicial Circuit
Staff reports that the Judicial Council of Georgia Ad Hoc Committee on ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funding has awarded grants totaling $20.7 million to be distributed among 39 judicial circuits that applied for 2024-25 funding, including $38,501 to the Conasauga Judicial Circuit (Whitfield and Murray counties).
Nov. 14, 2023 Macon Telegraph
Climate and conservation clash: Why this Houston County naturalist is fighting a solar farm
Gautama Mehta reports, a Houston County naturalist is trying to stop a solar farm from being built on a 4,700-acre site directly adjoining the Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area — a patch of land he was instrumental in persuading the state to preserve 13 years ago. John Trussell, a 72-year-old retired probation officer, certified Georgia Master Naturalist, and longtime writer for a Georgia outdoor magazine, sits on Houston County’s planning and zoning commission.
Nov. 14, 2023 Albany Herald
Deputy HUD secretary makes internet access announcement in Albany
Alan Mauldin reports, applying for internet service will be easier for residents in HUD housing under a program announced on Monday in Albany. U.S. Housing and Urban Department Deputy Secretary Adrienne Todman announced the new streamlined enrollment process for the affordable connectivity program during a stop at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany facility in east Albany.
Nov. 14, 2023 Georgia Recorder
State schools superintendent eyes revamped funding approach in 2024 Legislature
Ross Williams reports, public schools make up the biggest portion of Georgia’s state budget. This January could see delivery on efforts to make students living in poverty a priority in the state’s funding formula, new pay raises and literacy training for teachers, the state taking over some of the ballooning costs of transporting students and more slots in the state’s Pre-K program, according to a list of Georgia Department of Education priorities for the coming regular session.
Nov. 14, 2023 Capitol Beat News
Jones goes after Raffensperger in potential preview of 2026 governor’s race
Dave Williams reports, in the category of election campaigns starting earlier and earlier, Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones launched an attack ad Monday against GOP Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. In the ad, Jones slams Raffensperger for being a no-show on the job and missing budget hearings and a recent state Senate committee hearing on election integrity.
Nov. 14, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kemp’s political machine emerges as rival to Georgia GOP
Greg Bluestein reports, Gov. Brian Kemp is taking new steps to rev up his political machinery by sending $175,000 to Republican allies in the state Legislature through a powerful fundraising committee that has fast become a rival to the Georgia GOP. The governor announced the contributions at a weekend retreat of his Georgians First Leadership Committee at Barnsley Resort, where dozens of donors gathered to hear from Kemp’s top advisers, party officials and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
