Spring 2014 Econonmic Development Department Newsletter

8/12/2019 Spring 2014 Econonmic Development Department Newsletter

1/16

Economic Development Quarterly

Airport Runway

Extension Update

Kroger Marketplace

Are you

AthensMade?pring 2 14


2/16

ATE OF ATHENS CLARKE COUNTY ECONOMY

1,500 new jobs for 2014

Employment is expected to increase by 1.7% as projected by the Terry College of Business,

University of Georgia

Top sectors for job creation

Manufacturing

Caterpillar will be adding 1,100 jobs over

the next 5 years.

Healthcare

Athens healthcare role will expand as a

medical service center for northeast GA.

Biomedical

UGAs medical school campus

establishment will further development of

biomedical industries.

High Tech

UGAs College of Engineering will enhance

entrepreneurial development and help

recruit high tech companies like recently

expanded Ethicon, Inc.

Cost of living

8.3% less than thenational average

2.7% less than the

9.6 2.5

23.5

2.3159.1

2.7

6.2

11.9

4. 7 2.3

2.8

7.5

Accommodation and Food Services Construction Education Services

Fi nan ce an d In sur an ce He alt h Ca re an d So ci al Assi st an ce Man ufa ctu ri ng

Professional Services Public Administration Retail Trade

Support Services Transportation Wholesale Trade

Other Services-

Employment by industry

SOURCE: Georgia Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census, Terry College of Business University of Georgi

Average weekly wage

$715

Ranked 8th highest of top 14 metropolitan areas

Lowest unemployment

in state of Georgia

5.4%

Unemployment for the state of Georgia is 7.4%

Athens


3/16

CONTENTS Spring 201

ON OUR COVER:Georgia Theatre

TheGeorgia Theatreis a

prominent music venue

inAthens, Georgia,

located in an oldcinema

that began as the YMCA in

1889 and later became the

Elite Theater movie house

and Majesc Hotel and

later the Masonic Temple.

It also served as the

United Methodist Church in the 60s unl 1977 when it was turned

into a concert hall. Many prominent acts from the earlymusic of

Athensperformed at the Theatre, including a range of

folk,popularand country acts. The Policeplayed a show at the

Theatre in 1979, on their rst American tour.

In subsequent years, it has been

the host to many shows

including shows featuring

members ofR.E.M.,Widespread

Panic,Beck,Warren Zevon,

Umphreys McGee, andDave

Mahews Band.The Derek

Trucks Bandrecorded their

2004concert albumLive at

Georgia Theatreat the venue.

On the morning of June 19, 2009, a major

re erupted in the Georgia Theatre,

inicng severe damage to the building,

including a roof collapse. The GeorgiaTheatre underwent renovaons in 2010

and 2011 and reopened August 1, 2011.

The newly renovated Georgia Theater is

designed to be a concert venue with a

state-of-the-art sound system and

numerous acousc improvements;

together with improved seang, two

balconies, and an open air roof area with

a full bar and comfortable pao seang.

1953

IN EVERY ISSUE:Leer from the Director 4

Quarter Rewind 5Featured Property 14

2009

Meet the StaffOur department may be small but we would like to

introduce to you the folks who make it possible.

CaterpillarTheres a new kid in town and hes ready to make new

friends.

Airport RunwayExtension Update

Increased safety and beer eciency are the topgoals for this project.

Are youAthensMade?

This new campaign hopes to promote business inAthens and the people behind it.

VIP VisitorsThe EDD hosted 32 Internaonal Consulates gave

them a small taste of Athens, literally.

Kroger MarketplaceThe landscaping of northeast Athens is beginning to

change, for the beer.

ContributorsMarcie HunterJe MontgomeryDenise Plemmons

5

Join us online!

#AthensGAUSA

68

111

Contact the DepartmentAthens-Clarke County Economic Development Department246 W. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601 706-613-3233www.AthensBusiness.org

1889
http://www.athensbusiness.org/http://www.athensbusiness.org/http://www.youtube.com/athensgaushttps://www.linkedin.com/groups/Athens-GA-USA-6513250http://www.twitter.com/AthensGAUSAhttp://www.athensbusiness.org/http://www.facebook.com/AthensGAUSAhttp://www.athensbusiness.org/


4/16

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706 613 3233

A

s we welcome spring, the season of rebirth

provides an opportunity for reecon, and we

certainly have a lot to be proud of in Athens.The last few months have been very busy at the

Economic Development Department. Companies from all over

the globe are considering Athens as their new home. Several of

our exisng industries are planning expansions, and business

connues to grow. Caterpillar met their goal and began

producon in October. The Ethicon development has gone

vercal. This new industry growth, the growth of exisng

industry, and the presence of public sector jobs in our area

have contributed to the areas unemployment rate dropping to

levels not seen in over ve years. We connue to have one of

the lowest unemployment rates in the State.

But this is no me for pause; Athens is in the midst of a process

of securing our righul place on the list of economic

development powerhouses. We must connue to aack every

opportunity with a sense of urgency! During the recession

many companies made the strategic decision to hold on to

their cash, and are now in a posion to make capit

investments. It is me to capitalize on this pent up demand.

The true measure of economic development is econom

growth new wealth creaon within the community. We are

community of creators, of makers, of doers; the success of th

business community is the success of the populous. We a

parcipate in this citys prosperity, and the long hours an

dedicaon to this community are what make Athens-Clark

County a wonderful place to live and do business.

The Economic Development Department stands ready to help

you are considering an expansion, consolidaon, or ne

venture. We have resources available and access to man

professionals that can assist you and we are only a phone ca

away. Find us on any of your favorite social media outlets, anbecome part of the conversaon. Athens is open for business!

Thus, in all these ways, we will transmit this City not only, not less, but greater and more

beauful than it was transmied to us. Athenian Oath

Letter from the Director

Ryan Moore, Director


5/16

Spring 2014

Meet the Staff: Ryan Moore, Director

Meet the Staff: Denise Plemmons, Program Support Analyst

Ryan Moore came to our department from Engham County Industrial Development Authority.

He played an integral role in bringing more than 600 jobs and $175 million in community

investment to that area including bringing a Portuguese manufacturing plant to the area, the

companys rst in the U.S. He also directed the development of more than 4,000 acres in

Engham County.

Ryan received his Economics Degree from Armstrong Atlanc State University and is a Cered

Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP).

In his spare me Ryan enjoys racing his KTM bike. Ryan loves to travel and indulge in the variety

of culinary experiences each locale has to oer. He and his wife, Heather; a teacher at Whitehe

Elementary, reside in Athens.

Denise Plemmons is in charge of managing the administrave and public relaons

aspects of the department, including website administraon, social media, and

special events.

Denise has been a resident of Athens-Clarke County since 1997 when she relocated

from Acworth to aend the University of Georgia. There she was a member of the

Redcoat Marching Band and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

Denise has a passionate heart for animal welfare and is a board member for the

Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter. She loves the theater, art, and family fun

which makes Athens a great place for her family. She and her husband, Andy; the

Media Specialist at David C. Barrow Elementary, and children, Alora and Anderson,

live in Winterville, GA.

U A R T E R R E W I N D

F A S T F O R W A R D

New Projects 6Clients Hosted 5Exisng Industry Visits 4

4/14-20/2014 Manufacturing Appreciaon Week4/23/2014 Industry Appreciaon Dinner5/1-2/2014 Perspecves on Progress Tour
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.georgiamaw.org/http://www.georgiamaw.org/http://www.pop-tour.com/http://www.pop-tour.com/http://www.pop-tour.com/http://www.georgiamaw.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


6/16

Athens signature colors of red and black have

taken a bit of a twist, and added yellow to the

mix, thanks to Caterpillar, the new kid in town.

Since rst discussions of bringing the

internaonal manufacturer to the Classic City, Athens cizens

welcomed the plant with open arms.Caterpillar Operaons Manager Todd Henry, who relocated to

Athens from Raleigh, N.C., recognized the outpouring of

support from the local community.

The government and local ocials have been really great to

work with and helped us keep our project meline on plan,

said Henry. Even at the state level, everywhere I go, it seems

people are so excited about Caterpillar coming to Athens and

expanding our presence in the state of Georgia.

And, righully so. The newly constructed manufacturin

facility, which will produce mini hydraulic excavators an

small track-type tractors, broke ground March 2012 an

quickly became the largest private employer in Athens and th

biggest economic development project in the state sinc

2006. The new $200 million facility has taken root in aindustrial plot of land that had been unoccupied for mor

than 30 years. Along with its million-square-foot plan

Caterpillar brings 1,400 jobs to the Athens area. An esmate

25 to 30 suppliers are projected to join Caterpillar in th

Athens area, establishing an addional 2,800 jobs for th

community. To top it all o, the economic impact generate

by Caterpillar is valued between $1 billion and $3 billion.

Selecng the Orkin/IBM site in Bogart for Caterpillar was n

easy feat, but has since reaped many benets.

Mayor Nancy Denson at the Athens Caterpillar Plant Grand O

October

brings metamorphosis to Athens job marketBy Marcie Hunte



7/16

The site in Athens gave us the physical footprint and

infrastructure needed to support this facility, Henry said.

In addion, the state of Georgia has a very posive

business climate and, along with local ocials, provided a

very compeve package to support the complex nature of

locang a project like this from Japan to the U.S.

According to the Athens-Banner Herald, $17.6 million in

property and infrastructure improvements were pledged by

the local government along with an esmated $24 million in

tax abatements over 20 years.

Athens government ocials and community leaders, along

with their Oconee County counterparts, worked together

relessly to establish Caterpillar in the Classic City.

(The enre community) did whatever it took. We were all

there to do what we needed to do, recalled Athens Mayor

Nancy Denson. We had support from geng facts and

gures together for the company from both school systems,

and St. Marys and Athens Regional hospitals. Local

industries supported us by providing informaon on the

workforce and their experience with the workforce in

Athens.

At the 2012 Georgia Economic Outlook series, Gov. NathanDeal addressed the importance Caterpillars move to the

peach state.

(The Caterpillar plant) is an excellent example of the work

that our Department of Economic Development is doing,

Deal said. And I tell you that one of the characteriscs of

this facility is the fact that this is not just the relocaon of

the plant from one part of the United States to another. It is

the relocaon of a plant in Japan to the mainland, and part

of the mainland that was chosen was the state of Georgia.

The move to Georgia has the benet to Caterpillar of

pung its products closer to its customers in North andSouth America. Caterpillar is the worlds leading

manufacturer of construcon and mining equipment, diesel

and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel -

electric locomoves.

Another benet that Caterpillar is seeing is Georgias Quick

Start custom workforce training. Working through Athens

Technical College, Quick Start is training Georgia workers in

the full spectrum of Caterpillars needs including those

working in the oce and producon employees.

Caterpillar is also leveraging the locaons excellent

proximity to two major interstates and its current

relaonship with the Georgia Ports, which its exisng

operaons in Georgia currently use.

While the new facility is gaining state and naon -wide

aenon, its new hometown holds the most pride of all.

The true Southern hospitality and charm is very evident

with the people in the Athens area, Henry noted. I have

three Rolodexes full of business cards with people who

always greet me with the same senment: How can I help?

And they mean it!

Manufacturing is in the top fiv

largest industry sectors in Athe

Clarke county. Manufacturing

employees contribute to the

economy by dining in local

restaurants, shopping in loca

establishments, buying gas for t

vehicles, and paying ad valore

taxes on their homes.

Elementary 5.4%

Post Grad Studies 9.6%

College Grad4 yr 13.2% College Grad- 2 yr 5.1%

Some College 25.3%

High School Grad/GED 29.1%

Some High School 12.3%

Job Creation

Capital Investment

Education of Labor Force

Manufacturing jobs $54KMost Clarke County jobs $39K

Manufacturing employees in

ACC have a combined incomof $329,331,756 which is 12.6

of our total wages

Taxes

verage Wage

additional

jobsare created in support indust

throughout the coun

For everyjob created by

manufacturing,

The industrial sectorof ACC had a

taxable value

that accounted for

For every $1of capital investmentin manufacturing in Athens-Clarke County

$1.35is added to the local economy

SOURCE: Athens-Clarke County Unified Governmen


8/16

When a business is scoung for its new

locaon, one large consideraon is the

accessibility of the community to their

business. Transportaon systems (including

air, rail, highways, and waterways) connect communies,

businesses, people, and provide crical support funcons.

Airports are essenal to its community's transportaon and

economic infrastructure, supporng its diversied industries

including technology, manufacturing, distribuon, tourism, and

agriculture. These businesses ulize airports to transport

employees, customers, vendors and goods, which spur economic

development. Athens-Ben Epps Airport connects Athenss

cizens and businesses to the rest of our state, our naon, and

our global economy.

Athens-Ben Epps Airport is the only commercially serviced

airport in northeast Georgia. Athens Airport is currently the

busiest small commercial airport in the state of Georgia with 105

ights per day. The next busiest comparable airport is Augusta,

Georgia with 69 ights per day. Our airport also supports aerial

inspecons, air cargo, aerial agricultural spraying, ight training,

military exercises, search and rescue, aerial photography and

surveys, real estate tours, and aerial banner towing.

Most Athenians are unaware of the economic impact that

Athens-Ben Epps Airport has on our community. Airport

Manager, Tim Beggerly, says that on any given day we have

corporate planes sing on the ramp. Athens-Ben Epps Field

supports many local businesses including Albuquerque Redi-Mix,

Baldor Electric, and Cessna Aircra Company. Bank of America

and Coca-Cola Enterprises regularly use the airport to conduct

business operaons in the area. It plays a vital role in supporng

the region with 172 jobs with an annual payroll of $5,662,100,

and $20,646,900 in economic output for the local and regional

economies.

The University of Georgia is a frequent user of our airport forathlec teams and guest speakers and entertainers for university

events. Addionally, UGA alumni account for a signicant

amount of acvity at our airport during home football and

basketball seasons. The presence of the University of Georgia,

together with the expanding corporate base in Clarke County

and the surrounding area, has resulted in demand for addional

runway beyond the current 5,522 feet.

Due to the current length of our runway, many corporate or

charter aircra are deparng under their maximum gross takeo

weight simply because the runway is not long enough to safe

takeo at their maximum weight. A $17 million runwa

expansion to add 600 feet to the runway is in progress at Athen

Ben Epps Airport and will result in making it safer for plane

takeo and land while allowing them to carry heavier load.

case a pilot has issues at takeo or landing, they have addion

runway to keep it on the ground, Beggerly said.

It will also enhance community and economic developme

potenal by meeng the travel needs of Corporaon

Universies, and visitors to our community. Beggerly adde

When companies are looking at cies for where they want tbuild, they are looking at their airport with everything else. A

the pieces of the puzzle may be in place but if they cant get the

airplanes in and out of the airport it may be a deciding facto

that they go somewhere else. They spend millions and millio

of dollars on these aircras because me is money to companie

and if they cant get in and out quickly they might go somewhe

else.

Construcon jobs are increased as well as the purchase of good

and services as Athens business and leisure visitors, wh

regularly arrive on commercial airlines and general aviao

aircra, spend money for lodging, food, other transportao

shopping, recreaon, and entertainment. The airport is als

preparing to support cargo planes by training sta an

purchasing addional equipment as they currently do not hand

much cargo but ancipate that it will increase due to th

expansion.

The project is composed of 3 phases with Phase 1 being th

grading and drainage which consists of installing 1.7 million cub

Leaving on a et Plane

Football game weekends alone in 2013 accounted for 3,362 ig

Leaving on a et PlaneWill be much easier aer the $17 Million Runway Extension at Athens-Ben Epps Airpo



9/16

Twenty-one industry project managers from the Georgia Department of

Economic Development and Georgia Power recently visited the Athens area as

part of a two-day bus tour of the region on September 6, 2013.

Project Managers serve as the rst point of contact for new industry looking to

locate in the state of Georgia, so its important for them to experience acommunitys cultural amenies rst hand, Ryan Moore, director of the Athens-

Clarke County economic development department said in a statement.

While in Athens, the group went to a recepon sponsored by the University of

Georgia and dinner on The Classic Center Theatre stage with entertainment by

Circle Ensemble Theatre and the band Saint Francis. The Athens-Clarke County

Economic Development Department and Georgia Power coordinated to provide

the dinner and

entertainment. The trip also included a discussion with Mayor Nancy Denson o

Athens-Clarke County as a locaon of choice for various industries and

educaonal leaders spoke to the group about the Athens workforce andeducaonal assets. It also included a bus tour of the area.

It was so great to work with the Classic Center to host this event, recalls Rya

Moore, Economic Development Department Director. One phone and they le

this event to perfecon.

The regional bus tour, organized by Georgia Power, visited several northeast

Georgia cies, including Gainesville, Cornelia and Hartwell.

yards of ll dirt to even out the slope, water detenon, and

quality control ponds, and an airport perimeter road. This phase

was to be completed by spring but with the unseasonably high

amounts of rain and the cold weather the project has been set

back several months and expected to be completed in the fall of

2014. This phase is esmated at cosng $12 million.

Phase 2 consists of paving the runway extension, installing new

LED runway lights. Phase 3 is a new instrument landing system

and new approach lighng system. Phase 3 is expected to be

completed by summer of 2015. The esmated cost for thesephases is $4.5 million.

As part of this project there is a tree management plan where

the airport will be planng trees to replace the ones that were

removed for the expansion. And the large lot o Winterville

Road where ll dirt was removed for the project is permied to

become a nursery.

Funding for this project is a combinaon of Federal Aviaon

Administraon at 95%, State of Georgia Aviaon Programs at

2.5%, and the Unied Government of Athens-Clarke County at

2.5%. The FAAs 95% poron is funded as part of the Aviaon

Trust Fund which receives its funding through excise taxescollected on the sale of Jet fuel and airline ckets.

This expansion with allow a Boeing 737 to leave with a full gas tank and to car

full load of 90-200 passengers where now they can only carry 50-70 passeng

This means UGA will be able to take only one plane as opposed to three w

their football team travels. The same goes for other teams that travel to U

Spring 2014

Athens Part of Regional Tour for Industry Leaders

The group enjoyed dinner on the Classic Center stage and a surprise

musical performance by Circle Ensemble Theatre.

Rope Roberts of Georgia Power welcomes the group in the C

Center at


10/16


The Athens-Clarke County Unied Government recently formalized a

strategic alliance with the City of Greater Geelong (pronounced jill-

ong) in Victoria, Australia to explore mutual interests in the life

science eld as well as other opportunies for economic

development and research.

n February, Athens-Clarke County District 8 Commissioner Andy

Herod visited Geelong while on a professional trip to Australia.

During his visit, Herod signed a Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU) with Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons to acknowledge the

strategic relaonship between the two cies.

Athens-Clarke County and the City of Greater Geelong make for a

natural t as partners, said Herod. Both have major universies,

both are known for their arts and cultural opportunies and events,both have growing life sciences opportunies, and both

governments were even created by unifying communies in the

1990s. This Memorandum of Understanding is designed to

encourage bold ideas and vision to achieve its goals, so both

communies signed it with the understanding that this is designed to

be an acve partnership.

The relaonship between the two cies inially grew from talks

between the University of Georgia and Deakin University, whose

campus is located in Geelong. In November 2013, a delegaon from

Geelong traveled to Athens-Clarke County to meet with Mayor

Nancy Denson, District 10 Commissioner Mike Hamby, Athens-Clarke

County Unied Government sta, and the University of Georgia todiscuss commercial opportunies in bio science and other

partnership opportunies.

Geelong Deputy Mayor Bruce Harwood aended this meeng and

submied the preliminary dra of the Memorandum of

Understanding to Athens-Clarke County for review upon his return to

Australia.

We are enthusiasc about the many ways this strategic relaonship

will benet both of our communies as we explore ways to sh

knowledge, ideas, and resources, said Athens-

Clarke County MNancy Denson. The economic development and rese

opportunies are parcularly excing for both Athens-Clarke Co

and Geelong.

Among the goals set forth by both communies in the MoU are

desire to run an informaonal exchange program, foster the pur

of opportunies for life science collaboraon and econo

development, support increasing employment in the eld of

sciences, and develop close working relaonships between the ci

local governments.

Although geographically opposite, Geelong and Athens have a lo

similaries, not the least of which is a strong life sciences presencthe worldwide marketplace, said Athens-Clarke County Econo

Development Director Ryan Moore. The Economic Developm

Department is vigilant in seeking out and implemenng relaons

that can enhance our global outreach eorts. This partnership i

opportunity to showcase the internaonal appeal of Athens -Cl

County. The Geelong team has been great to work with, and we

forward to a mutually benecial long-term relaonship.

The MoU was approved by the Athens-Clarke County Mayor

Commission at their February 4, 2014 meeng and is eecve

three years.

We look forward to acvely working with Athens-Clarke County

the mutual benet of both cies, said Greater Geelong Ma

Darryn Lyons.

The City of Greater Geelong is a city of 245,000 located n

Melbourne on the southeastern coast of Australia in the stat

Victoria on Port Phillip Bay. It is the home of the public Dea

University and its student populaon of over 44,000. For m

informaon about Geelong, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au.
http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/


11/16

Spring 2014

Most Americans know that R.E.M., the B-52s,

Kim Basinger, Herschel Walker, and Hugh

Acheson began their fame in our legendary

city of Athens but very few know that

Evoshield, Zaxbys, and even Jiery Joes did too. We are quick to

praise music and the arts in Athens but it is me to celebrate and

recognize our businesses too. We have amazing startups and even

bigger businesses that will soon be iconic and are proud to be

Athens made. Athens has an incredible entrepreneurial spirit and

we need to broadcast that to the world, says Jim Flannery,

Project Director for Four Athens, who helped develop and

implement the idea behind Athensmade.

The idea for Athensmade, which no one can really pinpoint its

origins but spurred from conversaons between local business

owners, is simple; create a logo, put it on anything made in

Athens, publicize to the world what our great town can produce.

Whether it is a product, a service, or even a person, together all

these things help shape Athens into the eclecc community it is.

These individuals who have chosen to make Athens home have

created vibrant, innovave, and game-changing companies that

provide thousands of jobs for cizens, smulate the local, regional,

and naonal economy, and provide the foundaon of what makes

Athens ourish.

There are some amazing companies that started right here in

Athens, said Michael Ripps, co-owner of Jiery Joes and

Athensmade supporter. Their stories need to be told.

The goal of Athensmade is to get Athens entrepreneurs to rally

around their shared love of our city and our entrepreneurial

culture, help the city aract new entrepreneurs, and also bu

community among exisng businesses. Flannery hopes t

campaign will help to empower our cizens to export their o

product knowing that they have their community behind them

support. Failure is part of the process but we have a commun

that will help you recognize those failures and help you learn fro

them, connues Flannery. Athensmade hopes to help oth

recognize Athens as a great place to live, work, andplay.

Athensmade is not the rst grassroots branding campai

Boulder, Colorado developed Colorado- Entrepreneurial

Nature in October of 2012. More than 300 companies ha

joined their movement since its launch. They have experience

higher per capita and more high tech jobs. AthensMade.com l

12 companies but that list is expected to grow signicantly as wo

spreads.

Joining this movement is easy. Head to Athensmade.com a

download the logo (it comes in a number of dierent colors a

sizes). Display it proudly on your company or personal website.

you feel proud about living here, working here, to be Athensmadand support entrepreneurship please join the movement.

Are you ?Can a logo help create jobs? Athensmade says YES!

The Economic Development Department signs MOU with the

Development Authority of Athens-Clarke County

The Department and the Authority inked a deal that will allow for more collaboraon in aracng new development and supporng

exisng industry. Per the agreement, the Department will provide Economic Development Services to the Authority that include

markeng and administraon for the Authority. In exchange, the Authority will make funds available to the Department for Economic

Development purposes on an annual basis. The agreement was originally contemplated in the Ordinance which created the departmen

"The agreement provides a mechanism by which the Department and the Authority can work more closely together and leverage each

organizaon's capabilies most eecvely. Economic Development does not happen in a vacuum and this type of collaborave eort ineeded in order to ensure that Athens-Clarke County can maximize its eecveness in aracng capital investment and creang jobs

within the community. The Authority is an asset to the Department's eorts, and we look forward to providing them service and worki

together for the benet of this community." said Ryan Moore.
http://www.entrepreneurialbynature.com/http://www.entrepreneurialbynature.com/http://www.entrepreneurialbynature.com/http://www.entrepreneurialbynature.com/http://www.entrepreneurialbynature.com/http://www.athensmade.com/http://www.athensmade.com/http://www.athensmade.com/http://www.entrepreneurialbynature.com/http://www.entrepreneurialbynature.com/


12/16

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233

International Dignitaries visit AthenOn March 20, 2014, 29 ocials of the Atlanta Consular Corps

stopped in Athens as part of their 2014 Internaonal VIP Tour. The

Atlanta Consular Corps is an associaon of ocials appointed by

foreign governments to represent their country in Georgia. Their

dues are to assist their naonals living and vising the Southeast

and to promote economic, commercial, scienc, and cultural

relaons between the country they represent and their host region. The consular oces and/or trade representaon from 70 naons

comprise the Atlanta Consular Corps. The Internaonal VIP Tour

exposes the guests to communies they may be unfamiliar with and

broadens their knowledge of what Georgia has to oer internaonal

businesses.

The Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department

coordinated with the University of Georgia to host this groups visit.

Their rst stop was to enjoy a sampling of coee at Jiery Joes. Co-

owners, Michael Ripps and Bob Googe, welcomed the guests and

shared their personal stories of expanding this community coee to

a naonally recognized brew. Master roaster, Charlie Mustard,

described the roasng process and allowed the group to experience

the olfactory journey the coee beans venture through before theirnal stop in your cup. The group parcipated in a taste test of three

dierent coee blends. Votes were cast using a single coee bean

per vote. The winning blend would become the Economic

Development Departments new co-branded Jiery Joes Coee

blend. The brew with the most beans was a blend of beans from

Columbia and Huehuetenango, Guatemala to be called Athena-nternaonal Blend.

"It was wonderful to welcome the Consular Corps to Jiery Joe's,

shares Ripps. It was a great opportunity to show that Athens is a

terric place to live and work. The fact that these ambassadors

parcipated in choosing the new EDD Athena blend was the

highlight, helping create another Athens product to share withvisitors from around the globe."

Aer a dinner hosted by UGA at the Special Collecons Library which

ncluded a welcome by Mayor Denson, remarks from UGA President

Morehead, Georgia Department of Economic Development

Commissioner Chris Carr, and Consul General Steve Brereton , the

group concluded their evening with the opportunity to experience

Athens infamous night life on the rooop of the Georgia Theatre.

Famous locals including Georgia Theatre owner, Wilmont Greene;

arst and sculptor, Stan Mullins; ACC Commissioners, Mike Hamby,

Kathy Hoard, Jerry NeSmith, Jared Bailey, Kelly Girtz; ACC Assistant

Manager, Blaine Williams, shared their love for Athens and the

opportunies it presents.

This has been a remarkable opportunity for Athens

to share its appeal to this disnguished group of

internaonal leaders, says Economic Development

Department Director, Ryan Moore. Our

department is proud to have been part of the VIP

Tour and connues to posion Athens as a world

class desnaon for Foreign Direct Investment. To view more of the VIP Tour, join t

conversaon on Twier: #GAVIPTO

Jiery Joes co-owners, Bob Googe and Michael Ripps welcome

guests to the Roa

Master Roaster, Charlie Mustard, shows the group the coee roasng pro

The Atlanta Consular Corps had 28 dierent countries represe

during their 2014 VIP T
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23gaviptour&src=typdhttps://twitter.com/search?q=%23gaviptour&src=typd


13/16

Coming Soon

@Hull Road and Hwy

For leasing informaon, please conta

Shannon Shuman Marn, Retail Leasing Advisors, L

www.retailleasingadvisors.

Direct: (404) 312-43

Coming Soon

@Hull Road and Hwy

N

ortheast Athens is starng to see the beginnings

of their new Kroger Marketplace shoppingcenter, Trail Creek Village, as the ground has

been leveled and the land begins to take shape

for its new home. But the 123,000 sq state-of-the-art grocery

store is not the only new building, there will be 30,000 sq of

shop space available for lease, 5 outparcels, as well as a Kroger

Fuel staon. The Landlord has signed leases with Great Clips and

Lee Nails and is negoang with many tenants that are common

in grocery anchored shopping centers, such as restaurants and

retail service tenants including medical and oce. The developer

is Barak Zukerman with Cideco Development, who has worked on

the project for two years. The development at Hull Road and U.S.

29 North is going to change the nature of that part of town.

For far too long northeast Athens has been underserved which is

in part why Kroger chose this site. With only a handful of fast

food restaurants, the students and sta of Athens Technical

College, workers at the nearby Athena Industrial Park, as well as

residents of Madison and Jackson County, have had to travel to

the Barne Shoals Road area for diverse dining opons as well as

grocery shopping. Shannon Marn, with Retail Leasing Advisors,

who is in charge of leasing the remaining property, shared that

the closest direct grocery competor outside of Athens is 20

miles north. This development will not only bring its own tenants

but it will ignite a new growth for that area.

So what can we expect with this humungous state-of-the-art

Kroger Marketplace? Quality household merchandise, dcor,

clothing, kitchenware, small appliances and a greater selecon of

items typically found in Kroger, says Marn. There will also be

more organic opons and a larger produce selecon. The Kroger

Company website boasts that the Kroger Marketplace is your

one-stop shopping desnaon. It also lists the following

departments: Baby World, Bed & Bath, Deli & Bakery, Fresh

Flowers, Fred Meyer Jewelers, Gourmet Cheese, Health &

Beauty, Home Fashion, Kitchen Place, Toys. The amenies

oered by the Kroger Marketplace will provide residents with

variety of new opons and a convenient shopping experience

says Glynn Jenkins, director of communicaons and pub

relaons for Krogers Atlanta Division. In addion to

convenience, the store will employ 300 Kroger associate

creang 200 new jobs in Athens, and we are proud to be a pa

of this community.

Kroger is not releasing an opening date but it is expected to b

late summer or early fall of this year.

Follow development and leasing

acvity on twier: #trailcreekathe

Spring 2014
http://www.retailleasingadvisors.net/https://www.kroger.com/topic/kroger-marketplacehttps://www.kroger.com/topic/kroger-marketplacehttps://www.kroger.com/topic/kroger-marketplacehttps://twitter.com/search?q=%23trailcreekathens&src=typd&mode=photoshttps://twitter.com/search?q=%23trailcreekathens&src=typd&mode=photoshttps://www.kroger.com/topic/kroger-marketplacehttps://www.kroger.com/topic/kroger-marketplacehttp://www.retailleasingadvisors.net/


14/16

Featured Building

Ground Level

Space Available: 33,190

SF

Rental Rate: $12 /SF/Year

Space Type: Creave/Lo

Lease Type: NNN

Metro Level

Space Available: 10,122 SF

Rental Rate: $12 /SF/Year

Space Type: Creave/Lo

Lease Type: NNN

First Floor-Oce


Rental Rate: $19.50 /SF/Year

Space Type: Oce Building

Min. Divisible: 3,000 SF

Lease Type: NNN

1st-Restaurant



Space Type: Restaurant

Lease Type: NNN

Second Floor



Space Type: Oce Building

Lease Type: NNN

ress laceIncredibly unique opportunity in downtown Athens with 33,000sf of space, most with 24

foot ceiling heights and street access to parking, pedestrians and bus service.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233
http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-office.php?ID=57http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-office.php?ID=57http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-office.php?ID=57http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-office.php?ID=57http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-office.php?ID=57http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-office.php?ID=57http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-office.php?ID=57http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-office.php?ID=57http://nicholsland.net/http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-office.php?ID=57http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-office.php?ID=57


15/16

292.587

acres

Featured AcreageAthena Industrial Park: Chrisan Tract

Transportation

The property is located in the Athena Industrial Park which

home to a variety of users manufacturing and distribuon

users. The property consists of 292.587 gently rolling acres

the Piedmont region of Northeast Georgia. The tract runs

along the two-lane paved access, Spring Valley Road, for

1,322.64 feet. A poron of the anterior boundary consists o

a segment of Buck Branch Creek. The 12.4 acre lake lies at

roughly the center of the property with a good poron of t

lands mber running along northeastern banks of the lake

Acreage Price: $17,200

Location Address: Spring Valley Road

Winterville, GA 30683

Lot Size: 292.587 acres

Will Subdivide?: Yes

Zoning: AR

Millage Rate: 13.70

Gas: Atlanta Gas Light (6 in)

Water: Athens-Clarke Water (12 in)

Sewer: Athens-Clarke Sewer (15 in)

Electricity: Customer choice

Fire Protection: Athens-Clarke County (ISO 2)

Nearest Interstate:I-85

(25 miles)

Nearest Georgia Port:Port of Savannah Garden City Terminal

(215 miles)

Nearest International Airport:Hartseld-Jackson Atlanta Internaonal

(84 miles)

Rail Served Potenal CSX mainline connecon

Taxes & IncentivesFreeport Taxes: 100% EXEMPTION, CLASS 1 RAW MATERIALS, CLASS 2 GOODS IN PROCESS/FINISHED GOODS, CLASS 3 TRANS-SHIPMEN

GOODS, Tier 1: Job Tax Credits $4,000 per job, 5% Investment Tax Credit, & other Tax Incenves

CHRISTIAN TRACT

292.587

acres

Property Information

Utilities

Location in Athens Accessibility to Interstates

Spring 2014
http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-land.php?ID=24http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-land.php?ID=24http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-land.php?ID=24http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-land.php?ID=24http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-land.php?ID=24http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-land.php?ID=24http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-land.php?ID=24http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-land.php?ID=24http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-land.php?ID=24http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-land.php?ID=24http://www.athensbusiness.org/property-land.php?ID=24http://www.boswellgroupathens.com/


16/16

Check out our updated website

CONTACT US Ryan Moore Phone: 706-613-3233 Cell: 706-612-8448

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Documents

Spring 2014 Econonmic Development Department Newsletter