Economic Development Quarterly

Airport Runway

Extension Update

Kroger Marketplace

Are you

AthensMade? Spring 2014

STATE 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

UGA’s medical school campus

establishment will further development of

biomedical industries.

High Tech

UGA’s 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 the

national average

2.7% less than the

9.62.5

23 .5

2.3159.1

2.7

6.2

11.9

4.72.3

2.8

7.5

Accommodation and Food Services Construction Education Services

Finance and Insurance Health Care and Social Assistance Manufacturing

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 Georgia

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

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CONTENTS Spring 2014

ON OUR COVER:

Georgia Theatre

The Georgia Theatre is a prominent music venue in Athens, Georgia, located in an old cinema that began as the YMCA in 1889 and later became the Elite Theater movie house and Majestic Hotel and later the Masonic Temple. It also served as the United Methodist Church in the 60’s until 1977 when it was turned into a concert hall. Many prominent acts from the early music of Athens performed at the Theatre, including a range of folk, popular and country acts. The Police played a show at the Theatre in 1979, on their first American tour.

In subsequent years, it has been the host to many shows including shows featuring members of R.E.M., Widespread Panic, Beck, Warren Zevon, Umphreys McGee, and Dave Matthews Band. The Derek Trucks Band recorded their 2004 concert album Live at

Georgia Theatre at the venue. On the morning of June 19, 2009, a major fire erupted in the Georgia Theatre, inflicting severe damage to the building, including a roof collapse. The Georgia Theatre underwent renovations 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 acoustic improvements; together with improved seating, two balconies, and an open air roof area with a full bar and comfortable patio seating.

1953

IN EVERY ISSUE:

Letter from the Director 4

Quarter Rewind 5

Featured Property 14

2009

Meet the Staff Our department may be small but we would like to

introduce to you the folks who make it possible.

Caterpillar There’s a new kid in town and he’s ready to make new

friends.

Airport Runway Extension Update

Increased safety and better efficiency are the top goals for this project.

Are you AthensMade?

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

VIP Visitors The EDD hosted 32 International Consulates gave

them a small taste of Athens, literally.

Kroger Marketplace The landscaping of northeast Athens is beginning to

change, for the better.

Contributors Marcie Hunter Jeff Montgomery Denise Plemmons

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Join us online! #AthensGAUSA

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Contact the Department Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department 246 W. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601 706-613-3233 www.AthensBusiness.org

1889

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233 Spring 2014 4

A s we welcome spring, the season of rebirth provides an opportunity for reflection, 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 existing industries are planning expansions, and business continues to grow. Caterpillar met their goal and began production in October. The Ethicon development has gone vertical. This new industry growth, the growth of existing industry, and the presence of public sector jobs in our area have contributed to the area’s unemployment rate dropping to levels not seen in over five years. We continue to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the State.

But this is no time for pause; Athens is in the midst of a process of securing our rightful place on the list of economic development powerhouses. We must continue to attack 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 position to make capital investments. It is time to capitalize on this pent up demand.

The true measure of economic development is economic growth – new wealth creation within the community. We are a community of creators, of makers, of doers; the success of the business community is the success of the populous. We all participate in this city’s prosperity, and the long hours and dedication to this community are what make Athens-Clarke County a wonderful place to live and do business.

The Economic Development Department stands ready to help if you are considering an expansion, consolidation, or new venture. We have resources available and access to many professionals that can assist you and we are only a phone call away. Find us on any of your favorite social media outlets, and become part of the conversation. Athens is open for business!

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

beautiful than it was transmitted to us.” – Athenian Oath

Letter from the Director

Ryan Moore, Director

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

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233 Spring 2014 5

Meet the Staff: Ryan Moore, Director

Meet the Staff: Denise Plemmons, Program Support Analyst

Ryan Moore came to our department from Effingham 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 company’s first in the U.S. He also directed the development of more than 4,000 acres in Effingham County.

Ryan received his Economics Degree from Armstrong Atlantic State University and is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP).

In his spare time Ryan enjoys racing his KTM bike. Ryan loves to travel and indulge in the variety of culinary experiences each locale has to offer. He and his wife, Heather; a teacher at Whitehead Elementary, reside in Athens.

Denise Plemmons is in charge of managing the administrative and public relations aspects of the department, including website administration, social media, and special events.

Denise has been a resident of Athens-Clarke County since 1997 when she relocated from Acworth to attend 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.

Q 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 6

Clients Hosted 5

Existing Industry Visits 4

4/14-20/2014 Manufacturing Appreciation Week

4/23/2014 Industry Appreciation Dinner

5/1-2/2014 Perspectives on Progress Tour

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A thens’ 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 first discussions of bringing the

international manufacturer to the Classic City, Athens citizens welcomed the plant with open arms.

Caterpillar Operations Manager Todd Henry, who relocated to Athens from Raleigh, N.C., recognized the outpouring of support from the local community.

“The government and local officials have been really great to work with and helped us keep our project timeline 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, rightfully so. The newly constructed manufacturing facility, which will produce mini hydraulic excavators and small track-type tractors, broke ground March 2012 and quickly became the largest private employer in Athens and the biggest economic development project in the state since 2006. The new $200 million facility has taken root in an industrial plot of land that had been unoccupied for more than 30 years. Along with its million-square-foot plant, Caterpillar brings 1,400 jobs to the Athens area. An estimated 25 to 30 suppliers are projected to join Caterpillar in the Athens area, establishing an additional 2,800 jobs for the community. To top it all off, the economic impact generated by Caterpillar is valued between $1 billion and $3 billion.

Selecting the Orkin/IBM site in Bogart for Caterpillar was no easy feat, but has since reaped many benefits.

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Mayor Nancy Denson at the Athens Caterpillar Plant Grand Opening on October, 31, 2013.

brings metamorphosis to Athens job market By Marcie Hunter

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

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“The site in Athens gave us the physical footprint and infrastructure needed to support this facility,” Henry said. “In addition, the state of Georgia has a very positive business climate and, along with local officials, provided a very competitive package to support the complex nature of locating 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 estimated $24 million in tax abatements over 20 years.

Athens government officials and community leaders, along with their Oconee County counterparts, worked together tirelessly to establish Caterpillar in the Classic City.

“(The entire 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 getting facts and figures together for the company from both school systems, and St. Mary’s and Athens Regional hospitals. Local industries supported us by providing information on the workforce and their experience with the workforce in Athens.”

At the 2012 Georgia Economic Outlook series, Gov. Nathan Deal addressed the importance Caterpillar’s 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 characteristics of this facility is the fact that this is not just the relocation of the plant from one part of the United States to another. It is the relocation 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 benefit to Caterpillar of putting its products closer to its customers in North and South America. Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.

Another benefit that Caterpillar is seeing is Georgia’s Quick Start custom workforce training. Working through Athens Technical College, Quick Start is training Georgia workers in the full spectrum of Caterpillar’s needs – including those working in the office and production employees.

Caterpillar is also leveraging the location’s excellent proximity to two major interstates and its current relationship with the Georgia Ports, which its existing operations in Georgia currently use.

While the new facility is gaining state and nation-wide attention, 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 sentiment: ‘How can I help?’ And they mean it!”

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

Manufacturing is in the top five

largest industry sectors in Athens-

Clarke county. Manufacturing

employees contribute to the

economy by dining in local

restaurants, shopping in local

establishments, buying gas for their

vehicles, and paying ad valorem

taxes on their homes.

Elementary 5.4% ——

Post Grad Studies 9.6% —

College Grad– 4 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 $54K Most Clarke County jobs $39K

Manufacturing employees in

ACC have a combined income

of $329,331,756 which is 12.6%

of our total wages

Taxes

Average Wage

additional

jobs are created in support industries

throughout the county

For every job created by

manufacturing,

The industrial sector of ACC had a

taxable value that accounted for

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

$1.35 is added to the local economy

SOURCE: Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

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W hen a business is scouting for its new location, one large consideration is the accessibility of the community to their business. Transportation systems (including

air, rail, highways, and waterways) connect communities, businesses, people, and provide critical support functions. Airports are essential to its community's transportation and economic infrastructure, supporting its diversified industries including technology, manufacturing, distribution, tourism, and agriculture. These businesses utilize airports to transport employees, customers, vendors and goods, which spur economic development. Athens-Ben Epps Airport connects Athens’s citizens and businesses to the rest of our state, our nation, 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 flights per day. The next busiest comparable airport is Augusta, Georgia with 69 flights per day. Our airport also supports aerial inspections, air cargo, aerial agricultural spraying, flight 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 sitting on the ramp. Athens-Ben Epps Field supports many local businesses including Albuquerque Redi-Mix, Baldor Electric, and Cessna Aircraft Company. Bank of America and Coca-Cola Enterprises regularly use the airport to conduct business operations in the area. It plays a vital role in supporting 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 for athletic teams and guest speakers and entertainers for university events. Additionally, UGA alumni account for a significant amount of activity 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 additional runway beyond the current 5,522 feet.

Due to the current length of our runway, many corporate or charter aircraft are departing under their maximum gross takeoff

weight simply because the runway is not long enough to safely takeoff at their maximum weight. A $17 million runway expansion to add 600 feet to the runway is in progress at Athens-Ben Epps Airport and will result in making it safer for planes takeoff and land while allowing them to carry heavier load. “In case a pilot has issues at takeoff or landing, they have additional runway to keep it on the ground,” Beggerly said.

It will also enhance community and economic development potential by meeting the travel needs of Corporations, Universities, and visitors to our community. Beggerly added, “When companies are looking at cities for where they want to build, they are looking at their airport with everything else. All the pieces of the puzzle may be in place but if they can’t get their airplanes in and out of the airport it may be a deciding factor that they go somewhere else. They spend millions and millions of dollars on these aircrafts because time is money to companies and if they can’t get in and out quickly they might go somewhere else.”

Construction jobs are increased as well as the purchase of goods and services as Athens business and leisure visitors, who regularly arrive on commercial airlines and general aviation aircraft, spend money for lodging, food, other transportation, shopping, recreation, and entertainment. The airport is also preparing to support cargo planes by training staff and purchasing additional equipment as they currently do not handle much cargo but anticipate that it will increase due to the expansion.

The project is composed of 3 phases with Phase 1 being the grading and drainage which consists of installing 1.7 million cubic

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Football game weekends alone in 2013 accounted for 3,362 flights.

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Leaving on a Jet Plane Will be much easier after the $17 Million Runway Extension at Athens-Ben Epps Airport

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233 Spring 2014

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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 first point of contact for new industry looking to

locate in the state of Georgia, so it’s important for them to experience a

community’s cultural amenities first hand,” Ryan Moore, director of the Athens-

Clarke County economic development department said in a statement.

While in Athens, the group went to a reception 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 on

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

educational leaders spoke to the group about the Athens’ workforce and

educational 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 Ryan

Moore, Economic Development Department Director. “One phone and they led

this event to perfection.”

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

Georgia cities, including Gainesville, Cornelia and Hartwell.

yards of fill dirt to even out the slope, water detention, 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 estimated at costing $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 lighting system. Phase 3 is expected to be completed by summer of 2015. The estimated cost for these phases is $4.5 million.

As part of this project there is a tree management plan where the airport will be planting trees to replace the ones that were removed for the expansion. And the large lot off Winterville Road where fill dirt was removed for the project is permitted to become a nursery.

Funding for this project is a combination of Federal Aviation Administration at 95%, State of Georgia Aviation Programs at 2.5%, and the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County at 2.5%. The FAA’s 95% portion is funded as part of the Aviation Trust Fund which receives its funding through excise taxes collected on the sale of Jet fuel and airline tickets.

This expansion with allow a Boeing 737 to leave with a full gas tank and to carry a full load of 90-200 passengers where now they can only carry 50-70 passengers.

This means UGA will be able to take only one plane as opposed to three when their football team travels. The same goes for other teams that travel to UGA.

9 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233 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 Classic Center atrium.

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10 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233 Spring 2014

The Athens-Clarke County Unified 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 field as well as other opportunities for economic development and research.

In 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 relationship between the two cities.

“Athens-Clarke County and the City of Greater Geelong make for a natural fit as partners,” said Herod. “Both have major universities, both are known for their arts and cultural opportunities and events, both have growing life sciences opportunities, and both governments were even created by unifying communities in the 1990s. This Memorandum of Understanding is designed to encourage bold ideas and vision to achieve its goals, so both communities signed it with the understanding that this is designed to be an active partnership.”

The relationship between the two cities initially grew from talks between the University of Georgia and Deakin University, whose campus is located in Geelong. In November 2013, a delegation from Geelong traveled to Athens-Clarke County to meet with Mayor Nancy Denson, District 10 Commissioner Mike Hamby, Athens-Clarke County Unified Government staff, and the University of Georgia to discuss commercial opportunities in bio science and other partnership opportunities.

Geelong Deputy Mayor Bruce Harwood attended this meeting and submitted the preliminary draft of the Memorandum of Understanding to Athens-Clarke County for review upon his return to Australia.

“We are enthusiastic about the many ways this strategic relationship

will benefit both of our communities as we explore ways to share knowledge, ideas, and resources,” said Athens-Clarke County Mayor Nancy Denson. “The economic development and research opportunities are particularly exciting for both Athens-Clarke County and Geelong.”

Among the goals set forth by both communities in the MoU are the desire to run an informational exchange program, foster the pursuit of opportunities for life science collaboration and economic development, support increasing employment in the field of life sciences, and develop close working relationships between the cities’ local governments.

“Although geographically opposite, Geelong and Athens have a lot of similarities, not the least of which is a strong life sciences presence in the worldwide marketplace,” said Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Director Ryan Moore. “The Economic Development Department is vigilant in seeking out and implementing relationships that can enhance our global outreach efforts. This partnership is an opportunity to showcase the international appeal of Athens-Clarke County. The Geelong team has been great to work with, and we look forward to a mutually beneficial long-term relationship.”

The MoU was approved by the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission at their February 4, 2014 meeting and is effective for three years.

“We look forward to actively working with Athens-Clarke County for the mutual benefit of both cities,” said Greater Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons.

The City of Greater Geelong is a city of 245,000 located near Melbourne on the southeastern coast of Australia in the state of Victoria on Port Phillip Bay. It is the home of the public Deakin University and its student population of over 44,000. For more information about Geelong, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au.

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11 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233 Spring 2014

M ost Americans know that R.E.M., the B-52’s, Kim Basinger, Herschel Walker, and Hugh Acheson began their fame in our legendary city of Athens but very few know that

Evoshield, Zaxby’s, and even Jittery Joe’s did too. “We are quick to praise music and the arts in Athens but it is time 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 conversations 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 eclectic community it is. These individuals who have chosen to make Athens home have created vibrant, innovative, and game-changing companies that provide thousands of jobs for citizens, stimulate the local, regional, and national economy, and provide the foundation of what makes Athens flourish.

“There are some amazing companies that started right here in Athens,” said Michael Ripps, co-owner of Jittery Joe’s 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 attract new entrepreneurs, and also build community among existing businesses. Flannery hopes this campaign will help to empower our citizens to export their own product knowing that they have their community behind them for support. “Failure is part of the process but we have a community that will help you recognize those failures and help you learn from them,” continues Flannery. Athensmade hopes to help others recognize Athens as a great place to live, work, and play.

Athensmade is not the first grassroots branding campaign. Boulder, Colorado developed “Colorado- Entrepreneurial by Nature” in October of 2012. More than 300 companies have joined their movement since its launch. They have experienced a higher per capita and more high tech jobs. AthensMade.com lists 12 companies but that list is expected to grow significantly as word spreads.

Joining this movement is easy. Head to Athensmade.com and download the logo (it comes in a number of different colors and sizes). Display it proudly on your company or personal website. If you feel proud about living here, working here, to be Athensmade, and 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 collaboration in attracting new development and supporting

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

marketing and administration 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 department.

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

organization's capabilities most effectively. Economic Development does not happen in a vacuum and this type of collaborative effort is

needed in order to ensure that Athens-Clarke County can maximize its effectiveness in attracting capital investment and creating jobs

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

together for the benefit of this community." said Ryan Moore.

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12 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233 Spring 2014

International Dignitaries visit Athens On March 20, 2014, 29 officials of the Atlanta Consular Corps stopped in Athens as part of their 2014 International VIP Tour. The Atlanta Consular Corps is an association of officials appointed by foreign governments to represent their country in Georgia. Their duties are to assist their nationals living and visiting the Southeast and to promote economic, commercial, scientific, and cultural relations between the country they represent and their host region. The consular offices and/or trade representation from 70 nations comprise the Atlanta Consular Corps. The International VIP Tour exposes the guests to communities they may be unfamiliar with and broadens their knowledge of what Georgia has to offer international businesses.

The Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department coordinated with the University of Georgia to host this group’s visit. Their first stop was to enjoy a sampling of coffee at Jittery Joe’s. Co-owners, Michael Ripps and Bob Googe, welcomed the guests and shared their personal stories of expanding this community coffee to a nationally recognized brew. Master roaster, Charlie Mustard, described the roasting process and allowed the group to experience the olfactory journey the coffee beans venture through before their final stop in your cup. The group participated in a taste test of three different coffee blends. Votes were cast using a single coffee bean per vote. The winning blend would become the Economic Development Department’s new co-branded Jittery Joe’s Coffee blend. The brew with the most beans was a blend of beans from Columbia and Huehuetenango, Guatemala to be called Athena- International Blend.

"It was wonderful to welcome the Consular Corps to Jittery Joe's,” shares Ripps. “It was a great opportunity to show that Athens is a terrific place to live and work. The fact that these ambassadors participated in choosing the new EDD Athena blend was the highlight, helping create another Athens product to share with visitors from around the globe."

After a dinner hosted by UGA at the Special Collections Library which included 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 rooftop of the Georgia Theatre. Famous locals including Georgia Theatre owner, Wilmont Greene; artist 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 opportunities it presents.

“This has been a remarkable opportunity for Athens to share its appeal to this distinguished group of international leaders,” says Economic Development Department Director, Ryan Moore. “Our department is proud to have been part of the VIP Tour and continues to position Athens as a world class destination for Foreign Direct Investment.” To view more of the VIP Tour, join the

conversation on Twitter: #GAVIPTOUR

Jittery Joe’s co-owners, Bob Googe and Michael Ripps welcome our guests to the Roaster.

Master Roaster, Charlie Mustard, shows the group the coffee roasting process.

The Atlanta Consular Corps had 28 different countries represented during their 2014 VIP Tour.

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Coming Soon… @Hull Road and Hwy 29

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For leasing information, please contact: Shannon Shuman Martin, Retail Leasing Advisors, LLC

www.retailleasingadvisors.net Direct: (404) 312-4305

Coming Soon… @Hull Road and Hwy 29

N ortheast Athens is starting to see the beginnings of their new Kroger Marketplace shopping center, 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 ft state-of-the-art grocery store is not the only new building, there will be 30,000 sq ft of shop space available for lease, 5 outparcels, as well as a Kroger Fuel station. The Landlord has signed leases with Great Clips and Lee Nails and is negotiating with many tenants that are common in grocery anchored shopping centers, such as restaurants and retail service tenants including medical and office. 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 staff 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 Barnett Shoals Road area for diverse dining options as well as grocery shopping. Shannon Martin, with Retail Leasing Advisors, who is in charge of leasing the remaining property, shared that the closest direct grocery competitor 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, décor, clothing, kitchenware, small appliances and a greater selection of items typically found in Kroger,” says Martin. There will also be more organic options and a larger produce selection. The Kroger Company website boasts that the Kroger Marketplace is “your one-stop shopping destination”. 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 amenities

offered by the Kroger Marketplace will provide residents with a variety of new options and a convenient shopping experience,” says Glynn Jenkins, director of communications and public relations for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “In addition to its convenience, the store will employ 300 Kroger associates, creating 200 new jobs in Athens, and we are proud to be a part of this community.”

Kroger is not releasing an opening date but it is expected to be late summer or early fall of this year.

Follow development and leasing

activity on twitter: #trailcreekathens

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233 Spring 2014

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Featured Building

Ground Level

Space Available: 33,190

SF

Rental Rate: $12 /SF/Year

Space Type: Creative/Loft

Lease Type: NNN

Metro Level

Space Available: 10,122 SF

Rental Rate: $12 /SF/Year

Space Type: Creative/Loft

Lease Type: NNN

First Floor-Office

Space Available: 18,300 SF

Rental Rate: $19.50 /SF/Year

Space Type: Office Building

Min. Divisible: 3,000 SF

Lease Type: NNN

1st-Restaurant

Space Available: 5,500 SF

Rental Rate: $19.50 /SF/Year

Space Type: Restaurant

Lease Type: NNN

Second Floor

Space Available: 28,204 SF

Rental Rate: $19.50 /SF/Year

Space Type: Office Building

Lease Type: NNN

Press Place

Incredibly 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 Spring 2014

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15

292.587

acres

Featured Acreage Athena Industrial Park: Christian Tract

Transportation

The property is located in the Athena Industrial Park which is

home to a variety of users manufacturing and distribution

users. The property consists of 292.587 gently rolling acres in

the Piedmont region of Northeast Georgia. The tract runs

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

1,322.64 feet. A portion of the anterior boundary consists of

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

roughly the center of the property with a good portion of the

land’s timber 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: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (84 miles)

Rail Served Potential CSX mainline connection

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

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

CHRISTIAN TRACT

292.587

acres

Property Information

Utilities

Location in Athens Accessibility to Interstates

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233 Spring 2014

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Check out our updated website!

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

Ryan.Moore@AthensClarkeCounty.com www.AthensBusiness.org

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