On August 28, 2014 the Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority hosted an Economic Development Forum at the Golden Isles Career Academy.

Chuck Scragg, the Executive Director of the Development Authority stated “today we came together with business, industry and elected officials to hear distinguished economic development professionals explain the process and give us insight into what we need to do to improve our economic development outlook. Additionally, the group brainstormed some action steps and goals to complete these recommendations.”

The first session was hosted by Hunter Maclean and was presented by Ms. Evie McNiece, former Mayor and current City Commissioner of Rome Georgia. McNiece showed the group the success that Rome has had over the past several years in developing their downtown area. The insight provided by McNiece was very well received because the lessons learned and best practices could also be applied to our Historic Downtown Brunswick.

The second session was hosted by the Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority and some very distinguished guest speakers, including Chris Clark – President of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Scott McMurray – Director of International Projects with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Jonathan Sangster – General Manager of Economic Development for Georgia Power, and Betty McIntosh – Managing Director, Incentives Practice, Global Consulting, Cushman Wakefield. The group gave some tremendous insight as to how economic development is actually done, the role incentives play, the importance of pad-ready sites, and strong unified leadership.

Peggy Jolley, the Regional Manager of Community & Economic Development with Georgia Power, hosted a brainstorming session that included SWOT analysis.

Presentations

The notes and PowerPoint presentation from the Economic Development Forum are below. The notes represent ideas and opinions expressed by attendees.

Scott McMurray – GDEcD Global Commerce

Jonathan Sangster, Play to Win, Brunswick’s Top Ten

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

  • Engaged Businesses
  • Geographically Centered between I-95 and I-10
  • Port
  • Rail (2)
  • 8000 Foot Runway
  • Healthcare System
  • Education – 4 Year College, Technical and Career Tech
  • Historic Downtown Waterfront
  • Moderate Climate

Weaknesses

  • Lack of Entry Level Workforce
  • Unified Political Leadership
  • Quality of Customer Service
  • Affordable Housing
  • Early Childhood Literacy
  • Shovel Ready Sites
  • K-12

Opportunities

  • Engage Sea Island Residents as Mentors and To Get Involved
  • Jr Achievement
  • Executive in Residence at Coastal College
  • Vendors and Supplier Pro Active Approach
  • Strengthen Workforce Development through Individual Partnerships
  • K-12
  • Concerted, Consistent Opportunities to Build Consensus
  • Clean Up Gateways
  • Develop Shovel Ready Sites

Threats

  • Deteriorating Infrastructure
  • Rising Sea Level
  • Competition – Economic Development Funding
  • Flood Insurance

Economic Development Goals

In 12 Months

  • Economic Development Leadership Team
  • Strategic Plan
  • Shovel Ready Site
  • Specific and Substantive Incentive for Downtown Development
  • County Commission Needs to Agree on Method of Funding

In 18 Months

  • Establish incentives for Downtown Development
  • Establish leadership team that’s representative of all parties – bury the hatchet
  • City, County, Development Authority, Chamber, CVB – devise a plan to work together (12 months)
  • Spec building
  • Additional infrastructure at airport to support aerospace recruitment
  • SPLOST – regular report card distributed
  • Eliminate barriers created by ‘bridges separating people’
  • Town hall meeting promoting unity

In Seven Years

  • Network of parks connected by trails
  • Children will not have to leave the community to be employed
  • Vibrant Community
  • Developed waterfront downtown to attract commercial development
  • Completed state-of-the-art Glynn Academy and performing arts center downtown
  • Fully developed Coastal Pines Technical College campus
  • All economic development organizations working together towards one common vision
  • Airport with fully developed assets to attract business and investment
  • Combined law enforcement agencies
  • Encouragement of black leadership involvement, youth especially