Economic Development Forum The Georgia Allies GRAD Site Program Randy Cardoza Managing Director, Economic Development, AGL Resources, representing the Georgia Allies & Jim Bruce Bruce Facility Planning Consultants, Atlanta April 3, 2009

GRAD Site Program Georgia’s CERTIFIED SITES Initiative A broadly-based effort by many public & private participants under management by the Georgia Allies Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development

GRAD Site Program Goals Enhance economic development opportunities for the state Standards that demonstrate an advanced state of readiness for development Remain competitive with other states

Background In planning for several years Involved reviews of other states’ programs Involved BFPC experience as site selection consultant to private sector Need to strike the right compromise between:  Very thorough but demanding & expensive review  Level of effort and cost achievable by many sites and communities across Georgia

GRAD Site Criteria Site name and applicant Description of site Site ownership and availability Zoning, planning and land use controls of site Railroad accessibility (desired, not a requirement) Road accessibility Aerial topographic survey Limited Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation

GRAD Site Criteria Availability of utilities and services  Water/Wastewater Service  Electric Service  Gas Service  Telecommunications Service  Public Safety Wetland and Stream Delineation Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Cultural Resources/Endangered Species Study

Marketing GRAD GRAD site descriptions on georiga.org and georgiafacts.net (both being or will be “renovated”) Regular briefings for state and regional project managers outreach to past attendees of Georgia Allies events, site consultants, brokers, Red Carpet, Quail Hunt & corporate contacts

Marketing GRAD Site descriptions/fact sheets online with options for more info Video vignettes on georgiafacts.net (under consideration) Online enhancements to make GRAD sites easy to find News release for each GRAD site Display monitors – rotating GRAD sites (GDEcD)

Why a GRAD Site? Shows community is truly proactive Allows company/consultant to feel comfortable about the site Reduces “time to market” concerns & other risks Enhances community competitiveness

Advantages Utilize the Georgia Allies marketing program designed specifically for GRAD sites A unique marketing opportunity for community outreach Statewide Project Managers will be fully briefed on the benefits and value of the designation

Current Status 22 GRAD Site Applications authorized by Allies to be sent 18 Communities able to respond 4 applications completed & reviewed with Validation Documents issued: Bibb, Brooks, Liberty, & Muscogee Counties 14 applications in various stages of completion/review 1 GRAD Site selected by private user: Kumho Tire in Sofkee Industrial Park in Macon. Good feedback.

The Path Forward The “testing” phase is complete. Key concepts proven! Ready to move ahead aggressively Application process now fully open Greater responsibility by community Less direct role by Allies in data gathering; greater role in marketing BFPC confirmed as reviewer QUESTIONS