Georgia Department of Community Affairs newsletter, 42528

IN THE NEWS

Summer 2016

Community Done Right success stories are a result of local governments adopting a partnership attitude with DCA and with each other and are
examples to follow for all Georgia communities.
REGION 9
Rural Wilcox County has a population of 8,847, a workforce of 2,865 and a per capita income of only $13,228. In an on-going effort to increase wages throughout the community, leaders in Wilcox
County have been working with existing businesses and industries to create more job opportunities and diversify their local economy.
The City of Abbeville, the county seat, designated a 40-acre tract as an industrial park. When a local business approached the city about expansion, Abbeville leaders asked Lynn Ashcraft, DCA Regional Representative, for assistance with

Winder Designated as a
Local Foods, Local Places Community
ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl was on hand with Commissioner Camila Knowles and Winder Mayor David Maynard to celebrate this innovative approach to downtown redevelopment and community
engagement.
The City of Winder was recently designated a Local Foods, Local Places community by the US EPA. Local Foods, Local Places helps people create walkable, healthy, economically vibrant neighborhoods through the development of local food systems. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), EPA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), with support from the White House Rural Council. An initial $25,000 grant from the Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission will help Winder create a community

planning and financing options for the infrastructure to support the growing entrepreneur in their newly designated park. In April 2016, the City of Abbeville was awarded a OneGeorgia Equity grant of $500,000 to assist with sewer and road infrastructure with the Abbeville Industrial Park. The local business has created 40 new jobs and made a private investment of $970,000.

kitchen in an elementary school repurposed as a community education and recreation center.

Local leaders see the growth potential for the industrial park, as the company's suppliers and service providers have expressed interest in an Abbeville location. With infrastructure now available, Abbeville and Wilcox County are in a much stronger position to attract and grow new and existing businesses.
Since this business' successful location in the park, Lynn has also been able to assist the City of Abbeville with work on a downtown revitalization plan. The city and Downtown Development Authority recently gave DCA's design team a tour of their downtown and are hoping to revitalize Main Street - one building at a time.
"Both of these efforts - the industrial park and the downtown revitalization plan - are part of our mission to help communities make their vision a reality," says Lynn, and encourages communities in Region 9 to contact her regarding DCA's program opportunities: Lynn.Ashcraft@dca.ga.gov
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REGION 10
In 2010, Thomasville-Thomas County began discussing plans to increase their inventory of available industrial land. In 2011, DCA awarded the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority $500,000 Equity Award to assist with street and sewer improvements to serve a 293 acre industrial park.
Now in 2016, the Red Hills Business Park is open

THE JEKYLL ISLAND SEA TURTLE CENTER
ONE OF 19 AMERICORPS GRANTEES
Governor Nathan Deal has announced more than $3.7 million in grants from the Corporation for National and Community
Service. These funds provide grants and education scholarships for 481 AmeriCorps members serving in
19 Georgia nonprofit and public agencies.
"Communities need a broad range of assets to stay healthy, support job growth and compete in our global economy," said
Deal. "These grants enable AmeriCorps volunteers to help meet local needs while developing the civic and leadership skills that are important to growing communities. The work carried out by these AmeriCorps members will have a positive
and lasting impact on our state."
Grant recipients include
Action Ministries Clayton State University Communities In Schools of Georgia Covenant House Georgia, Inc. Department of Natural Resources/GA State Parks Extra Special People, Inc. Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club Georgia State University Research Foundation Inc.
Hands On Atlanta Hands On Washington Jekyll Island Sea Turtle Center
Moultrie YMCA New American Pathways REACH Georgia Foundation
Teach for America

for business. With its prime location on US Highway 319 north, and close proximity to Interstate 75 and Interstate 10 corridors, the park is suitable for manufacturing, distribution, and data centers. The Thomasville Payroll Development
Authority is working to fill the park quickly. In May 2016, Red Hills Business Park was designated as a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) site by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. This designation is a proven marketing tool, since it serves as verification that property is immediately
available for business or industrial development. "The City of Thomasville and Thomas County have partnered together to make this business park a reality. Together they have invested more than $7 million in land and improvements. Red Hills is a high quality site, great location and we are ready for the first tenant," stated Shelley Zorn, Thomasville Payroll Development Authority Executive Director.
"Projects that capitalize on partnerships with the city and county, such as this one between Thomasville and Thomas County, are a prime example of how economic development visions can become a reality. In rural Georgia, city and county partnerships are vital for the growth of economic development. I am proud to be able to serve Region 10 in Southwest Georgia," stated DCA's Region 10 Representative Gina Webb.
For more information on community projects like this, as well as program opportunities offered through the Georgia Department of Community

The University of Georgia United Way of Metro Atlanta
WINGS for Kids Youth Villages
The 2016 competition prioritized investments in economic opportunity, education, support for veterans and military families, and disaster services. The grants will be administered by the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism (GCSV), a division of the Georgia Department of Community
Affairs (DCA).
"DCA is proud to count the GCSV among its valuable resources to help tackle critical challenges in Georgia including tutoring and mentoring youth, facilitating health education programs,
and preserving the state's natural resources through environmental stewardship projects," said DCA Commissioner
Camila Knowles. "The funding provided by AmeriCorps will help DCA follow its mission to help build strong and
vibrant communities across Georgia."
DCA HOUSING PARTNERS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2016 Charles L Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards, which "recognize Low Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) developments at the forefront of creating stronger, healthier communities nationwide." Of the seven winners and 11 honorable mentions nationally, Georgia partners brought home two awards and two honorable mentions!
Carmen Chubb, Deputy Commissioner for Housing at DCA, notes, "This is truly a testament to the quality of the Housing Credit program in Georgia, and the strength of DCA's many industry partners."
The 2016 winners and honorable mentions in Georgia include:
Myrtle Terraces in Gainesville (Bev erly J. Searles Foundation)
Panola Gardens in Lithonia (National Church Residences)

Affairs in Region 10, contact Gina Webb at Gina.Webb@dca.ga.gov
IN OTHER NEWS
US Treasury Visits DCA, Applauds Georgia's SSBCI

Photo above- The Oaks at Park Point in Griffin (Pennrose)
Stanton Oaks in Atlanta (The Woda Group)

New Director for Homeless & Special Needs
DCA welcomes David Whisnant as the Director for our Office of Homeless and Special Needs. David comes to us from the Georgia Law Center for the Homeless where he served as the Executive Director since 2014.
David will be responsible for overseeing programs such as the Balance of State Continuum of Care, Shelter Plus Care, Section 811, Prisoner Re-entry Program as well as the responsibility for the Balance of States Continuum of Care Homeless Management Information System.
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Pictured above are : (front row)Timothy Smith Program Specialist; Joanie Perry - Division Director Community and Economic Development Finance; Holly Hunt - SSBCI Program Manager; John Kingery - Director, Credit Services; Allen Jacobs - Loan Analyst, and (back row), Jeff Stout, U.S. Treasury, and Christopher Nunn, Deputy Commissioner for Community Development &
Finance.
The State Small Business Credit Initiative program has received high recognition over the past three years from the U.S. Treasury, and last month the director of the U.S. Treasury's initiative, Jeff Stout,
visited at DCA to personally
recognize the team's work.

August 6, 2016: 12th Annual 13th Congressional District Health Fair, from 9 AM - 2 PM; Mundy's Mill High School, 9652 Fayetteville Road, Jonesboro.
About HomeSafe Georgia It is a free, state government program to help homeowners who are unemployed, underemployed or face other types of
financial hardships save their homes from foreclosure.
For more information, visit www.HomeSafeGeorgia.com _______________________________________________
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Georgia's SSBCI program has committed $39,578,839 in new SSBCI funding and $3,884,050
in recycled funds for a total of $43,462,889 in

loans with private financing of $206,208,489. With 392 loans total, these projects have resulted
in 2,018 jobs created and 1,476 jobs retained.
SSBCI has now served 67 counties with the help of 48 participating lenders throughout Georgia and
continues to generate participation. Georgia approved three new lenders in the GA LPP and SBCG programs this quarter: Bank of Early, Ameris
Bank and The National Bank of Georgia.

WaterFirst Workshop
September 14 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Georgia Technical College 3300 Macon Tech Dr., Macon, GA The WaterFirst Workshop is designed for communities
that are interested in applying for WaterFirst Designation.

For more information, contact Holly.Hunt@dca.ga.gov
DCA OUT & ABOUT in GEORGIA
Commissioner Knowles addresses large crowd at the Augusta Metro Chamber of
Commerce Economic Development Summit,"At DCA, we want to help you further your vision for your community".

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QUARTERLY HOUSING LENDER ADVISORY MEETING
August 12th at DCA ___________________________________
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MAIN STREET 101 Training Opportunities, North and South Georgia

Main Street 101Friday, August 12th Location: Jekyll Island Jekyll Island Convention Center 75 Beachview Dr Jekyll Island, GA
Main Street 101- Tuesday, September 20th Location: Downtown Dahlonega Holly Theater 69 W. Main Street Dahlonega, GA

Registration link for both training opportunities is: https://www.regonline.com/2016GAMStraining

Save the Date for the 2016 DCA Conference!
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs will host the annual FY2016 CDBG Recipients' Workshop, October 6 - 7, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Savannah, Two W. Bay Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401.

Deputy Commissioner Christopher Nunn celebrates the EpiCenter groundbreaking in downtown Sugar Hill with local leaders.
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This year's conference will be expanded to include other DCA program recipients, such as the Appalachian Regional Commission grantees, and will also feature elements from other DCA programs such as planning, housing and downtown development. A special feature of the new DCA Conference includes a breakfast with Commissioner Knowles for local and state elected officials on Friday morning.
More information will be available soon, but for now, make your room reservations at the Hyatt Regency by calling 1-888421-1442; make sure to mention the Georgia DCA 2016 Recipients' Workshop for the special room rate of $150.00 with an additional $5.00 per night hotel/motel occupancy tax included. All reservations for the Hyatt Regency must be made by September 14, 2016 to receive the group rate.

Further conference registration information will be forthcoming soon. If you have questions or need additional information regarding the workshop, please contact Lisa Smith at (404) 679-5276.

Please note that DCA is notifying all 2016 CDBG applicants as a courtesy - this is not an award notification, as the review process has not yet been completed.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCING
May/June 2016 Financial Awards

Look for the "Home Starts Here" button on DCA's website to begin your search for a home to buy or rent, if you own a home but need a
little help, are homeless or know someone

Region 1: Bartow County
The Bartow-Cartersville Joint Development Authority, with recommendation from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), was awarded $500,000 in Regional

who is, or have a Fair Housing concern or inquiry.

Economic Business Assistance (REBA) funds to assist in the location of a floor covering manufacturing facility for B.I.G. USA, Inc. The company, operating as Beauflor USA, will create 350 new full time jobs, and invest $200 million within 60 months.

Region 3: Fulton County

Georgia Academy Fall Classes Enrolling Now for August Start
Recruitment is ongoing for the Georgia Academy for Economic Development (GAED) Fall 2016 classes in Regions 2, 3, 4, 7, 10 and 12. Offered annually in all 12 of DCA's service delivery regions, this program assists Georgia's civic leaders in their community and regional economic development efforts by providing an understanding of the critical processes, strategies and components involved in improving their economies.
Taking place over a four-month period through four days that combine lecture, interactive exercises, and guest expert presentations, the Academy provides crucial leadership training in areas such as consensus building, team development, and other critical leadership skills. Participants explore such topics as funding, tax digest, site selection, business development, downtown development, ethical decision making, tourism, and workforce development.
Anyone who plays a role in economic development in their communities or regions -- elected and appointed officials, business persons, staff members in economic and community development organizations, and civic and grassroots leaders -- are encouraged to apply.
The Fall 2016 Academy dates and locations are scheduled as follows:

The Development Authority of Fulton County, with recommendation from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), was awarded $600,000 in REBA funds to assist in expansion of a facility for Comcast Cable Communications. Comcast will create 300 new jobs, retain 400 jobs, and invest $65,150,000 in the comunity within 60 months.
Region 9: Johnson County
The City of Adrian was awarded an Immediate Threat and Danger (ITD) grant of $50,000 from CDBG to assist with drilling a new primary well for the City.
Region 9: Laurens County The City of Dublin and County of Laurens Development Authority, with recommendation from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, was awarded $1,000,000 in OneGeorgia EDGE funds to assist in the facility expansion of Valmeira Glass USA. The company will create 425 new jobs, retain 150 jobs, and invest $90,000,000 in the expansion. Projected start-up is November, 2017.
Region 10: Calhoun County The City of Arlington, in partnership with the Arlington Downtown Development Authority, has been awarded a $500,000 Redevelopment Fund grant from the CDBG program to demolish and clear an old school and gymnasium located within the City.
Region 10: Dougherty County The Albany-Dougherty Payroll Development Authority, with recommendation from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, has been awarded a $300,000 OneGeorgia EDGE grant to assist in the location of a distribution facility for The Webstaurant Store, Inc. The company will create 150 new jobs and invest $10,000,000 in the new facility within 36 months.

Region 2 (Clarkesville) Aug 4, Sept 8, Oct 6 and Nov 1 contact Kathy.Papa@dca.ga.gov
Region 3 (Metro Atlanta) Aug 9, Sept 13, Oct 11 and Nov 10 contact John.VanBrunt@dca.ga.gov
Region 4 (Griffin) Aug 2, Sept 6, Oct 4 and Nov 8 contact Corinne.Thornton@dca.ga.gov
Region 7 (Thomson) Aug 23, Sept 27, Oct 18 and Nov 16 contact Tina.Hutcheson@dca.ga.gov
Region 10 (Leesburg) Aug 25, Sept 15, Oct 13 and Nov 17 contact Gina.Webb@dca.ga.gov
Region 12 (Richmond Hill) Aug 30, Sept 27, Oct 30 and Nov 29 contact Jennifer.Fordham@dca.ga.gov

Region 11: Brooks County The City of Quitman has received a $24,250 grant from the Immediate Threat and Danger program of CDBG. The funds were utilized to assist with replacement of a collapsed sewer main in the City.
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Camila Knowles, Commissioner
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