Valley Partnership Logo

Summer 2011 

Becca Hardin

Becca Hardin

EVP Economic Development

(706) 257-1190 bhardin@thevalleypartnership.com

 

 

Brian Sillitto 2

Brian J. Sillitto

VP Economic Development

(706) 596-7004

bsillitto@thevalleypartnership.com

 

David Lyons 2

David Lyons

Project Manager

(706) 575-8693

dlyons@thevalleypartnership.com

 

 

 

 

Deal Calls Columbus a "Bright Spot" 

Georgia's Governor says Columbus is the "exception to the rule"

 

Governor Deal in Columbus, Georgia

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, visited Columbus in June and called the city "a bright spot" in an otherwise economically stagnant environment.

 

Speaking to a group of about 75 community leaders at the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the governor stated, "We have some challenges. Certainly, as we see the economy continuing to be difficult, Georgia is experiencing part of that as well. You're one of the bright spots. You are the exception to the rule. Other parts of our state, there are a few bright spots, but overall there is still difficulty in creating the job opportunities that we want for our state."

 

Gov. Deal said the state is starting to be recognized as a good place for businesses to locate. "Many companies recognize that this is the place to be," Deal said, pointing to Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport, Savannah's bustling harbor and the state's ample rail and interstate connectivity.

 

Revised Benning Growth Estimates  

Anticipated population about 20% lower that initial projections
 

The Fort Benning growth estimates relating to BRAC have been lowered due to budget constraints, units leaving or being deactivated at the post, and efficiencies designed into the new Armor School.

 

ANALYSIS OF FORT BENNING GROWTH ESTIMATES

Upcoming Events  

A look at calendar items of interest

 

September 13 - 16 DSEi - Defense & Security Equipment International (London)

 

September 14 - River Valley Regional Transportation Roundtable Public Meeting

                          Columbus Technical College, Library Auditorium, 5:30 - 7:30 pm


September 20 - GDEcD Commissioner Chris Cummiskey visit (Columbus, Ga.)

 

September 28 -30 Columbus Chamber of Commerce Inter-City Leadership Conference

                              Charlotte, NC

 

October 10 - 12 2011 AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition (Washington, D.C.)

Quick Takes

Snapshots of happenings from around The Valley Partnership

Westmoreland Visit to NCR

In August, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga., made a stop in Columbus to see the results of onshoring first-hand at NCR's manufacturing center in Columbus, Georgia.

Pictured (l to r) Becca Hardin, Justin Clay, Stewart Houghtaling, Rep. Westmoreland and Don Naciuk.

 
McCauley Propeller Presentation

In September, business leaders from several countries including Australia, France, Germany and Norway attended McCauley Propeller Systems annual customer service conference at Columbus State University's Coca-Cola Space Science Center. Becca Hardin was presented with a special propeller by Juan Mora (l) and Peter Wilkinson.


Aflac Bankers Meeting Columbus, GA

In August, a delegation of Japanese bankers who are customers of Aflac Japan visited Columbus as part of a visit to Georgia. Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce president & CEO Mike Gaymon (pictured left) and Mayor Teresa Tomlinson had the opportunity to promote Columbus to the delegation at a lunch hosted by the Chamber.

 
ABC Auto Auction Columbus

In August, ABC Columbus Auto Auction held its first dealers-only sale on Blanchard Boulevard. This exciting new business features three auction lanes.

 

Technology Parkway Road Widening Project

In August, Robinson Paving began laying asphalt at Muscogee Technology Park. Construction of the new four-lane section of Technology Parkway is expected by be completed by Spring 2012.

 

Featured Property
Muscogee Technology Park
 
Muscogee Technology Park (MTP) is a 1400-acre industrial business park located in Columbus, Georgia. MTP has received the Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development designation. GRAD sites must have:

  • Clear ownership and availability
  •  Defined zoning
  •  Defined development guidelines and covenants in place
  •  Transportation access
  • Access to all utilities
  •  

    GRAD sites must also provide proof of the following:
     

  • Wetland and stream delineation and jurisdictional determination
  • Aerial topography survey
  • Preliminary geotechnical investigation
  • Phase 1 environmental assessment
  • Cultural resources/endangered species study
  •  

    Our Project Management Team will work with you to review and analyze the Columbus, Georgia Region's comprehensive selection of buildings, properties and business parks.

    About Us
     
    The Valley Partnership is a one-stop resource for information about business development resources and opportunities in the Columbus, Georgia Region.