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 What's the Path from Good to Great for an EDO?
By Jay Garner, CEcD, CCE, FM, HLM
President and CEO
As the CEO of an economic development consulting firm, we are often asked to evaluate and recommend how economic development organizations (EDO's) can be the most effective. The effort to create wealth for citizens of communities is a very competitive and complex process. In the United States alone, there are over 18,000 municipalities, 3,141 counties or parishes and 50 States competing for new business growth and jobs for its citizens.
From that large universe, there are about 7,000 EDO's, Chambers of Commerce or some form of group that is charged with recruiting new business, helping existing business expand, or working to create an entrepreneurial environment so that new businesses can start up. Not unexpectedly, some of these organizations are very good, most are quite mediocre and some need serious help in being better at what they are supposed to do. Click here to read more. |
Jay Garner Asked to Provide Commentary to Area Development Magazine's 24th Annual Industry Survey 
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Wilkes County EDC Selects Garner Economics For Economic Development Strategy The Wilkes County EDC (North Carolina) has selected Garner Economics to conduct a comprehensive economic development strategy for their community.
Click here to read more.
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The Atlanta Development Authority Selects Garner Economics as Research and Data Consultant
The Atlanta Development Authority (ADA) recently selected Garner Economics as its research and data consultant. ADA is a research-based economic development organization focused on residential, business and investment growth within the city of Atlanta. Quality analysis and accurate data build the foundation for strategic economic development planning and execution as well as public policy recommendations.
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Garner Economics Completes Workforce Analysis for the St. Joe Company
Garner Economics was recently retained to undertake a comprehensive workforce analysis of Northwest Florida as it relates to the St. Joe Company's new West Bay development. The St. Joe Company's project at West Bay, Florida is one of the most unique commercial/industrial development opportunities in the United States today. Encompassing 71,000 acres, the project is one of Florida's largest mixed-use developments. The Panama City - Bay County Airport and Industrial District's new state-of-the-art airport, with a 10,000 feet runway, anchors the project.
Our analysis consisted of an in-depth occupational assessment, gauging specialization of the workforce to specific industry targets. The analysis included an innovative measure of potential labor pools for key occupations, providing critical information for cluster development. Call us to discuss how your workforce fits your industry targets.
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Garner Economics Participates in Louisiana Pilot Program
Garner Economics was recently selected by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development to conduct an assets and challenges assessment of eight Louisiana communities as part of the new Louisiana Development Ready Communities pilot program. Garner Economics evaluated eight communities using 67 different variables from the eyes of a site location consultant.
Click here to read more. 
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Garner Economics Completes Economic Development Strategy for Jefferson County, TN
Garner Economics recently completed a comprehensive economic development strategy for Jefferson, County, TN, a community outside of Knoxville. As part of our analysis, Garner Economics conducted stakeholder interviews and focus groups with nearly 100 people; conducted an economic assessment of the County benchmarking themselves to the U.S., the State of Tennessee, and two other locations selected by the client; conducted an assets and challenges assessment and GIS analysis from the eyes of a site location consultant; provided four business targets and then provided an action plan to accomplish organizational, product marketing and product improvement recommendations for the next five years. Garner Economics has made lasting friendships with our client, the Industrial Development Board, and we have been asked to assist them further as a result of their appreciation of our deliverables.
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Garner Economics Named One of the Best by Southern Business & Development Magazine
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Jay Garner, president and founder of Garner Economics, has
been chosen as one of the nation's top site consultants by Southern Business &
Development magazine. Garner has a 30-year career that includes highly successful
and award-winning work in the economic development field as well as performing key
leadership roles in this industry. His dramatic achievements with the Chambers of
Commerce in Mobile, AL and Asheville, NC have broadened his economic impact.
Click here to read more.
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Al Cook, CEcD Joins Garner Economics Board of Advisors
 Jay Garner, President of Garner Economics, is pleased to announce the addition of Al Cook to the company's board of advisors. Al joined the City of Opelika as Director of the Economic Development Department in March 2003. As director, Cook manages the day to day operations of economic development in the City of Opelika. Cook serves as secretary to the Opelika Industrial Development Authority.
Prior to joining the City of Opelika, Cook served as Executive Director for Florida's Great Northwest, Inc. He was responsible for the operations of this regional economic development marketing and research organization.
Before joining Florida's Great Northwest, Cook was employed by the Montgomery (AL) Area Chamber of Commerce as Senior Vice President for Corporate Development and Recruitment. At various times during his 11 year tenure, Cook's direct responsibilities included business recruitment, economic research, military and community affairs, and minority business development.
Cook's career previous to joining the Chamber included twelve years in manufacturing, where he was involved with the start-up of five manufacturing facilities in central Alabama.
Al is a Certified Economic Developer and a member of numerous civic and professional organizations. A native of Union Springs, Alabama, he is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.
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From site location assistance and locational audits to economic assessments, comprehensive economic development strategies, industry target identification, workforce evaluation, implementation assistance and more, our talented team of experts offers a full range of economic development services and solutions.
Jay Garner, CEcD, CCE, President
715 Birkdale Drive, Atlanta, GA 30215 | 770.716.9544 (p)
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