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Ogeechee Tech gets funds totaling $85,521

(Statesboro, November 29, 2006) – A ceremonial big check for $85,521 was presented this morning by F. Stone Workman, state director for USDA Rural Development, to Dr. Randall L. Peters, president of Ogeechee Technical College, for an Over the Road Tractor Power Unit for the Commercial Truck Driving (CTD) program.

“Enrollment in our state’s technical colleges continues to rise and it is essential that students have what they need to learn,” Workman said. “This program trains 80 to 100 students a year and this vehicle will improve their road-readiness.” 

“Many truck-driving programs have to get by with aging rolling stock.  This new tractor is state-of-the-art, and will help us give our students the kind of instruction we all depend on them receiving…after all, we are out there on the highway alongside these folks once they complete the program and attain their licenses” stated Peters.

Ogeechee Technical College was established in 1986 and the CTD program was added in 1997. The Evans County Learning Center opened in 2002. Because of the demand for this training and certified drivers, the program has continued to expand and is now being moved to a 34-acre tract in the Evans County Industrial Park in Hagan.

Students often train in simulators, but must also document 14 hours of individual behind the wheel driving in varying conditions to be certified.

Funding is through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program, which is designed to enhance business, stimulate the economy, and create or retain jobs. USDA Rural Development provided $55,000 for a simulator in Fiscal Year 2005.

Six big checks bring almost $2 million in funds to area projects

(August 28, 2006) Six ceremonial big checks presented by U.S.D.A. Rural Development to area officials represents over $1.8 million in funds which will go to projects in the Southwest Georgia United Empowerment Zone to enhance the economy and improve the quality of life for residents.

            “I love this part of my job,” said Stone Workman , state director in Georgia . “This Empowerment Zone has proven very effective in putting federal dollars to work and in leveraging with state and private funds to get maximum impact.”

            The largest was a ceremonial check for $1,360,680, which represents annual funding for the Empowerment Zone.

            “This is Georgia’s only rural empowerment zone,” Workman said. “This community works together and leverages funds for maximum benefit. Real progress is being made in many areas. What you’re doing is working!”

            Four organizations received funds through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program, and two of those were establishing revolving loan funds. S.W.G.U.E.Z. and Dooly County Economic Development Council are each receiving $99,999 to help develop and finance small and emerging businesses. Revolving loan funds are established with grant funds, but are repaid by the businesses with interest. Those funds are then available to other businesses, creating an ongoing resource for the business community. The revolving loan fund by the S.W.G.U.E.Z. will initially make loans to four businesses, creating or saving 21 jobs. The Dooly County EDC plans to fund a recipient for construction of a furniture store. This project will create 15 jobs.

            The Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce is receiving $99,999 to provide technical assistance to 24 small businesses.

            The City of Vienna is receiving $96,085 to construct an access road at the Vienna Industrial Park South. Rural Development funds will be used to purchase materials for the access road. The Dooly County Road Department has committed materials, equipment and labor to build the road.

            A Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) for $50,000 was awarded to the S.W.G.U.E.Z.  Funds will be used to establish a community development financial institution to serve low-income rural communities in Georgia. The United Business Enterprise Fund, a nonprofit created for this project, plans to provide loan and equity investments to begin and expand businesses, develop commercial real estate and develop affordable housing in areas of long-term poverty.

A big check for $99,999 was presented to Alana G. Burke, executive director of Lincoln County Development Authority, to help pave a parking lot adjacent to the old FDB textile company currently occupied by Plastic Works, Inc., and connecting to Industrial Park Road.

“Good roads and infrastructure are critical for business development,” said F. Stone Workman. “This community has done a good job of obtaining additional funds from the state and is providing incentives to bring even more new businesses to the area.”

Funds are to pave an existing 150 ft. by 200 ft. parking lot. A project through Georgia’s Department of Transportation will pave Industrial Park Road. The combination will provide better access for customers, shipping and employees.

Plastic Works, Inc., a company that refurbishes and recycles automobile bumpers, will immediately benefit from the project. The Authority is confident this project will lead the way to future development and enhanced job opportunities for the county.

“This community is moving forward in an impressive way,” said F. Stone Workman. “Tourism is good for Georgia’s economy. This historic building is a wonderful community resource that will be made useful again.”

Built in 1925, Knox Theater was purchased by the Warren County B. O. C. in 2002. When renovation is complete, plans are to schedule bus tours for dinner, shopping and classic movies. Family movies are also planned for evenings to bring families into town after hours.

Renovation of the Knox Theater is part of a ten component master plan created in 2000 when the City of Warrenton was designated a Better Hometown.  Several of those components have already been completed or are well underway, including a Veteran’s Memorial Park, façade improvements to downtown businesses, enhanced streetscape, and several murals.

Rural Development funds will be used for a mural on the north side of the Knox Theater building. It will run the entire length and will be a turn-of-the-century depiction of “folks in town.” These depictions will be in the form of black silhouettes and be approximately 10 feet in height.

(August 15, 2006) A ceremonial big check for $50,000 was presented today by F. Stone Workman, state director of USDA Rural Development, to Dublin community leaders to help pave a parking lot and construct restrooms at the Market on Madison, a farmer’s market. About 100 people attended the event.

“A local market will help farmers sell their crops directly to the public,” said F. Stone Workman. “That will translate into more profit to the farmer and getting fresh produce to the public quickly. That will be a win-win situation and should stimulate the economy.”

They average 17 rented booths on those days which feature fresh produce, homemade baked goods, jams and jellies and local artisans Several organizations including the Rotary and Regional Historic Preservation Committee have held meetings at the facility.

The building is considered a multi-use facility and was built with SPLOST funds. Arts and crafts events are planned when the harvesting season is over.

This was a Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG).

A ceremonial big check for $150,000 was presented August 11 by F. Stone Workman, state director of USDA Rural Development, to the president of the board of directors of Easter Seals Southern Ga., Inc., to renovate the Butler-Carlisle house in Camilla to serve as a group home for three to four women with developmental disabilities.

Among those in the picture above are Beth English, Easter Seals Southern Georgia director, and Jim Butler. Mr. Butler's grandfather built this historic home that is being renovated for use as a group home for developmentally disabled women.

FVSU receives grant to help rural entrepreneurs

(November 18, 2005) A ceremonial big check for $100,000 was presented today by F. Stone Workman, state director of USDA Rural Development, to Dr. William H. Harris, president of Fort Valley State University and Dollie Horton, director of the Rural Business Outreach Institute (RBOI), to provide technical assistance for business creation in economically challenged rural areas of Georgia.

Fort Valley State University (FVSU) was one of 12 Land Grant Universities in the nation to receive funding, announced earlier this fall.

Rural Development funds are provided through the Rural Entrepreneurial Program Outreach Initiative. This program is for developing long-term economic development in targeted areas of high unemployment through partnerships with universities and community-based organizations.

(November 7, 2005) – A ceremonial big check for $150,000 was presented today to Dr. Becky Champion, chairperson of Voyage of Discovery, Inc., by F. Stone Workman, state director of USDA Rural Development, to begin phase two of a project to improve the economy in thirty four counties in Georgia, Alabama and Florida.

Begun in October of 2004, RiverWay South, a separate nonprofit from Voyage of Discovery, coordinates this project. The sole purpose is to stimulate the economy through tourism, heritage and cultural development on both sides of the Chattahoochee, Flint and Apalachicola rivers.  Working together are the Southern Lower Chattahoochee Council of Governments in Georgia; the Jackson County Enterprise Community and the Champion Community of Gadsden, both in Florida; and the Enterprise Community of Chambers County in Alabama.

Phase 1 established RiverWay South with a presence on the Columbus State University campus. They created a consortium of participating universities and began a monthly newspaper series to inform the community. Trial river excursions are being tested and many meetings are conducted to cement relationships. Phase 1 was funded through a Rural Development grant of $150,000 in FY 2003.

Phase 2 establishes the RiverWay South Institute with five universities targeted. The watershed area is being expanded. Specific product development is being developed including a comprehensive regional website and establishment of educational links within P-16 public and private schools in the watershed area.

Rural Development funded the project from its Rural Business Opportunity Grant program.

Tifton Quality Peanut

(October 25, 2005) A crowd of over 200 attended the Tifton Quality Peanut ceremony including the Governor, local and state politicians, contractors, employees, and the farmer/owners. This is a $16,000,000 investment in a new peanut shelling facility that these farmers made with $6,000,000 coming from cash contributions and $10,000,000 in debt capital. 

Our $150,000 VAPG funds will be used for start-up operating expenses.

August 30, 2005.  A ceremonial big check for $55,000 was presented by Stone Workman, state director of USDA Rural Development, today to Matt Beasley, mayor of Hartwell, to fund a new parking lot to serve downtown businesses.

Funds will be used to purchase undeveloped land in downtown Hartwell to construct a parking lot to serve retail businesses and shops, as well as the Hart County courthouse and the Hartwell Post Office. Funding is through Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant program which provides grants for projects that support businesses or enhance the economy.  Local funding of $35,000 has been committed to complete the project.

August 31, 2005. A big check was presented to the city of Social Circle by the State Director and Area II personnel.  An RBEG in the amount of $55,000 was granted to the city for streetscape improvements to the downtown area with matching funds from the city.

(August 29, 2005) - A ceremonial big check for $55,000 was presented today by F. Stone Workman , state director of USDA Rural Development, to Wendell L. Staley, mayor of Sharpsburg , to construct sidewalks and provide lighting downtown.

“This project will ensure the safety of people trying to shop in Old Town Sharpsburg,” Workman said. “It just makes sense and can’t help but make shopping and sightseeing more desirable.”

This project is just one phase of the town’s overall master streetscape plan for improvement to the downtown area. Two festivals are hosted annually by downtown businesses, so sidewalks, lighting, parking, and handicapped accessibility are all in demand. Additional work will be accomplished through a Georgia Department of Transportation grant obtained in 2004.

August 22, 2005 .  A ceremonial big check for $55,000 was presented by Stone Workman , state director of USDA Rural Development, today to Connie Perry, mayor of Nashville , to fund a new parking lot to serve downtown businesses.

“ Nashville recognizes the need for parking to help downtown businesses and is taking steps to solve that need,” Workman said.

Funds will be used to acquire and develop about .25 of an acre of land for a parking lot adjacent to Berrien County offices and retail businesses and shops. Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant program provides grants for projects that support businesses or enhance the economy.  The City of Nashville and other organizations are contributing $7,800 towards the project, which is expected to result in saving 10 jobs and creating six new jobs.

August 18, 2005  A ceremonial big check for $55,000 was presented by Stone Workman , state director of USDA Rural Development, today to Scott Dean, mayor of Harlem , to fund a new parking lot to serve downtown businesses.

“ Harlem is taking admirable action to restore the beauty of downtown through a streetscape and other improvements,” Workman said. “Parking is critical to preserve and expand downtown businesses and to promote tourism. We’re happy to be able to help this dream become a reality.”

Funds were provided through Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant program, which provides grants for projects that support businesses or enhance the economy.  The City of Harlem will be required to contribute $92,100 in funds and “in-kind” project support. This project is expected to result in saving 10 jobs and creating four new jobs.

August 15, 2005. Two ceremonial big checks presented to Jefferson Energy Cooperative by F. Stone Workman, state director of USDA. Rural Development, will result in financing two community projects to enhance economic development and job creation in rural areas.

The first check, in the amount of $450,000, will benefit The Development Authority of Columbia County.  These funds will be used for construction of an industrial speculative building in Horizon South Industrial Park outside Grovetown. The second check, in the amount of $740,000 will benefit The Hospital Authority of Jefferson County and the City of Louisville, Georgia, for construction of a 10,827 sq. ft. rural health clinic in Louisville

Both programs are being funded through Rural Development’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. This program provides zero-interest loans and grants to rural utilities service borrowers, who loan the funds to a third-party borrower. These loans are “passed-through” as zero interest. All projects are designed to promote rural economic development and job creation. Another eligible purpose is to provide infrastructure or community facilities in rural areas that will lead to economic stability.

About 40 people attended the event to present 2 big checks in Warren County Tuesday (10-12-04) at 6 p.m. at the Warrenton courthouse. Both checks were from our Rural Business Enterprise Grant program; One for $97,422 went to the Warrenton Downtown Development Authority and the other one for $83,280 to Warren County Development Authority.

 A ceremonial "big check for $266,816 was presented on September 23, 2004, to officials from Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council, Inc., by F. Stone Workman, state director of USDA-Rural Development at an annual meeting of the RC&D councils.

 "This grant allows Golden Triangle to build on their previous success and extend service statewide,” Workman said.

Golden Triangle RC&D is a nonprofit covering nine counties in Southwest Georgia and is serving as the coordinator of this project. They serve Baker, Decatur, Early, Miller, Seminole, Calhoun, Dougherty, Grady and Mitchell counties. With this grant comes a name change to Georgia Cooperative Development Center and a new focus to help cooperative projects statewide.

Rural Development funds renovation project to assist new businesses

( Darien , August 24, 2004 ) – A ceremonial big check was presented this afternoon to Sam’s Memorial Community Economic Development, Inc., for $98,600 by Stone Workman , state director of USDA Rural Development to fund  renovation of a building to provide “mini” office space for start up businesses, pave the parking area and hook up to city sewage. Six new jobs are expected to be created.”

(August 24, 2004 )  A ceremonial big check was presented this afternoon to Herb Shaw, mayor of the City of Jesup , for $98,600 by Stone Workman , state director of USDA Rural Development to fund renovation of an old brick building on the corner of Walnut & W. Broad Street, which will serve as an Amtrak station and train observation point for train buffs.  Funds came from the Rural Business Enterprise Grant program.

The event was held at the old bus station that will be rehabilitated into a new Amtrak waiting station & hopefully one day ticket office.  The covered pavilion area behind the building will be converted into space for farmers to use to market produce. Farmers currently sell from the back of their trucks throughout town, and this will provide a safer and more definable location for them and their customers.

This project is seen as a catalyst for cleaning up and improving this blighted area of town. The city has reactivated the Downtown Development Authority and developed a downtown streetscape and economic restructuring plan. They have received DOT Transportation Enhancement Funds. The city has also recently renovated the historic court house.

(August 12, 2004) A ceremonial big check for $98,600 was presented  by Stone Workman , state director of USDA-Rural Development, to Howell Taylor, chairman of East Central Technical College Foundation, Inc., today to provide a recreational vehicle service technology program.

East Central Tech has experienced a 2.5% budget cut and expects an additional cut of 5%. The school is contributing $250,000 in tuition revenues and local donations total $30,000. RV travel in Georgia is continuing to increase and training in RV repair is needed. The nearest repair facility is in Florida. The school estimates 50 new employees in this business.

(July 29, 2004, Twin City) A ceremonial big check for $94,000 was presented to the City of Twin City today by Stone Workman , state director of USDA Rural Development, for street and drainage improvements to Gillikin Street , which leads to the site of a proposed medical facility. Funds are provided through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant program. 

Emanuel Medical Center plans to build a healthcare facility on Gillikin Street. The facility will house a nurse practitioner and her staff, two doctors on a part-time basis, and other staff members. The street will also provide access to the local health department and a local pharmacy.

Improvements will include widening the street and installing sidewalks, which will provide access by pedestrians and vehicles. Emanuel County is designated as Tier 1 by the State of Georgia , which means it has higher unemployment and median income lower than the state average. The new medical facility is expected to bring 10 new jobs to the area.

Rural Development funds downtown parking lot

(Cornelia, July 26, 2004 ) – A ceremonial big check for $98,600 was presented this afternoon to Don Higgins, mayor of the City of Cornelia, by Stone Workman , State Director of USDA Rural Development, to purchase a tract of undeveloped land downtown to construct 28 parking spaces.

The City of Cornelia is contributing $38,019 for grading, runoff control, paving and striping the parking lot.

The downtown parking lot is also expected to be used for concerts and festival attendees, expanding the list of possible activities for downtown.

The City of Cornelia has already developed a Downtown Master Plan, a Utility Master Plan and has become a Georgia Better Hometown.  Phase 1 of streetscape enhancements is complete.  

(Toccoa, July 26, 2004 – A ceremonial big check was presented this morning to Appalachian Community Enterprises, Inc., for $98,600 by Stone Workman, state director of USDA Rural Development to provide technical assistance to micro-entepreneurs in Elbert, Haralson and Stephens counties. 

The program will be three-tiered, including business and marketing planning and feasibility studies, financial literacy for micro-enterprise owners, and entrepreneurial networking. Funding covers three part-time business development specialists, administrative staff, marketing, travel insurance, virtual training and training materials and supplies. The program is expected to result in 10 new jobs. 

Appalachian Community Enterprises contributed $35,000 in non-federal funding of this project. Federal funding is through Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant program, which provides funds for economic development and job creation in rural areas.

(July 13, 2004 – Colquitt) A ceremonial big check for $32,129 was presented to the Hospital Authority of Miller County by Stone Workmam, state director of USDA-Rural Development to purchase equipment to train nurses. The project is in partnership with Darton College, Miller County High School and the Jinks Foundation. 

“This area is in critical need of nurses, and this equipment will help train nurses to fill that need,” Workman said. “Taking care of rural health care needs is urgent, and this project should help.” 

This program will be available to six counties in Southwest Georgia that represents some of the poorest in the nation. Counties served are Calhoun, Early, Baker, Miller, Seminole and Decatur. 

The counties have a total population of 67,000. Total project cost is $219,403, so most of the funding is not coming from federal sources. The Jinks Foundation is funding the stipend, administrative and a portion of the salary and fringe benefit costs, totaling $145,000. 

“Rural hospitals are at a particular disadvantage since they are not financially able to offer the sizable sign-up bonuses that larger hospitals offer,” Workman said. “By training people at home, they are more likely to stay at home and our rural communities will benefit.” 

Twenty students are being accepted for the first class, starting in August. The program is expected to graduate 20 nurses every two years. Funds are provided through Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant program, which provides grant funds for economic development and job creation.

(Colquitt, July 13, 2004 – A ceremonial big check was presented this afternoon to HennyPenny Video Productions, Inc., for $98,600 by Stone Workman, state director of USDA Rural Development to start a small business development center. 

The center will provide education, training and job placement for youth and young adults. The goal is to lower high school drop out rates and improve achievement scores for “at risk” students. 

Partners in the enterprise are the Miller County Collaborative Committee, the Colquitt/Miller Arts Council and the City of Colquitt. 

The center will provide hands on experience for students through production of local projects for businesses and other non-profit organizations. HennyPenny Video Productions, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that uses the arts as a catalyst for academic achievement. 

“On Location” is the name of the program which offers comprehensive training in the art of video and television production to individuals ranging in age from 15 to adult. Students receive training in cinematography, lighting, sound, hair and make up, script writing, and acting. The students also produce their own video projects as part of their education. 

Students are given work opportunities with Schuster’s Cash, a for-profit video/television production company, where students work as apprentices and receive a stipend for their work. The apprentices help to complete demo tapes, production presentation videos and commercials. 

More than 50 percent of the project costs are coming from non-federal sources. This includes the donation of a 36,000 sq. ft. building by the Colquitt/Miller County Arts Council for use by HennyPenny at no cost. Schuster’s Cash providing equipment valued at $36,000. The project is initially resulting in 5 new jobs. 

Funds are through Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant program, which provides funds for economic development and job creation in rural areas.

Development Authority receives business grant from RD

(Cordele, May 13, 2004 ) - The Crisp-Cordele Industrial Development Authority received a ceremonial big check today for $99,999 to build a 100,000 sq. ft. spec building in the Cedar Creek Corporate Park . The building is expected to bring 30 new jobs.

“Development of this spec building shows a positive commitment to business and to increasing jobs in this area,” said F. Stone Workman, state director of USDA-Rural Development.

Funds are available from those specially earmarked to go to Empowerment Zones (EZ). One criteria is that 75 percent of the benefits will be received within the EZ, in this case the Southwest Georgia United Empowerment Zone.

Private and local donations towards this project total $1,478,500. Donations include funding from the state, the applicant and local entities. A donation of land was also made.  

The grant is available through Rural Development's Rural Business Enterprise Grant program.  Grants provided under this program are to enhance business development and the attraction of jobs to economically-challenged areas.

State Director Stone Workman attended the Grand Opening of the East Central Technical College Day Care Center on 4/16/04. The Daycare Center received funds from RBEG and CF programs. The President of ECTC gave Mr. Workman and RD credit for making this dream a reality. The van which was needed to transport children was purchased with RD funds gives credit to RD with a slogan written across the side, "with USDA, we can go anywhere from here!". The picture is of the State Director giving one of the checks which paid for the van for the daycare center to Bonnie Kelly of ECTC.

Board of Education receives business grant from RD

(Ocilla, January 20, 2004) - The Irwin County Board of Education received a ceremonial big check today for $99,995 to establish a 6,200 sq. ft. food processing plant designed to provide education and a regionally located market for farmers.

“This facility will enhance the ability of producers to switch to more profitable agricultural products,” said F. Stone Workman, state director of USDA-Rural Development.

The Irwin County Center of Agriculture and Excellence Farm Project (C.A.S.E. Farm Project) opened in April of 2002 with a 2,400 sq. ft. facility and 40 acres of land.

The grant is available through Rural Development's Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program, and this grant provides 42% of the project costs. Grants provided through RBEG are to enhance business development and the attraction of jobs to economically-challenged areas. The food processing facility is expected to result in 20-30 agribusiness jobs.

Funds are also being contributed from the State of Georgia’s equipment grant and the CASE farm account. 

Athens Technical College receives grant from Rural Development

November 13, 2003.  A ceremonial "big check" for $86,000 was presented today to officials from Athens Technical College, by F. Stone Workman, state director of USDA-Rural Development.

"This grant will help purchase a truck driving simulator for the commercial truck driving program," said F. Stone Workman, state director of USDA-Rural Development.  “This will allow students to learn about more vehicles than the school currently has. It also improves safety, since students can learn a great deal in a simulator before actually taking to the road.”

The grant is available through Rural Development's Rural Business Enterprise Grant program.  Grants provided under this program are to enhance business development and the attraction of jobs to economically-challenged areas.

Douglas, GA, receives grant for downtown development

F. Stone Workman, State Director of USDA - Rural Development, presented a ceremonial big check for $98,230 in Douglas, GA to fund a parking lot rehabilitation downtown.  Funds are being made available through a Rural Business Enterprise Grant.

“We are pleased to be a part of this project, which is revitalizing part of downtown,” Workman said. “We especially like to help communities that are already helping themselves.”

This project is part of a restoration project to a historic building. Formerly Belk’s Department Store, the 22,500 sq. ft., three story building is being remodeled as “The Atrium.”  It will provide office space, retail shops and a location for individual venders in the basement as part of an antique mall named “Atrium Marketplace.” The developer has committed over $1 million to this project

Improvements to the parking lot will include a shift of the south line of parking 13 feet north, reconfiguring the parking area, demolishing and removing the sidewalk and four entrance drives, relocating two light poles, patching asphalt parking lot, resealing the surface and re-striping, and installing landscaping and supporting irrigation. New sidewalks and drives will be constructed. Improvements will adhere to accessibility requirements. Twenty-eight new jobs may result from the project.

Appalachian Community Enterprises receives RBEG grant

November 12, 2003, Elberton.   F. Stone Workman , State Director of USDA - Rural Development, presented a ceremonial big check for $80,800 today to Grace Fricks, President and CEO of Appalachian Community Enterprises, Inc., (A.C.E.) to establish a revolving loan fund for micro-enterprise development in northeast Georgia . Funds are being made available through a Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG).

Funds will be used to assist small businesses with start-up or expansion to improve the economy in 12 counties. Part of the funds may be used for educational purposes. This will be the only revolving loan fund for micro enterprises in northeast Georgia . Micro-enterprises are businesses of five employees or less and started with $35,000 or less.

Businesses approved for funds by A.C.E. will receive a low-interest loan. As they repay those loans, A.C.E. can use those funds to make new loans to other businesses. In this way, the grant funds from USDA-Rural Development become a revolving resource for small businesses.

Since 2000, A.C.E. has made 22 loans to 17 small businesses and created 22 full time and 22 part time jobs. Assisting ACE with technical support to the participants are several college and universities, a business development center, local businesses and Community Bank and Trust.

Counties served are: Banks, Elbert, Fannin, Franklin , Habersham, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White.

State Director Stone Workman presents the ceremonial big check to members of the SWGA Cooperative Development Center.  The Center was funded through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program and was made to Golden Triangle RC&D.  

Golden Triangle will contract with the University of Georgia's Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development to provide the technical assistance that will be needed by area cooperatives who are interested in forming.  The $149,000 grant is expected to assist in the formation of several new cooperative businesses over the next year.

The first technical assistance project will be with Southwest Georgia Escapes.  The agri-tourism cooperative was formed by 10 area landowners who have joined together to market their farms as a tourist attraction for southwest Georgia.  More information about the co-op can be found my going to their web site at http://hosting.caes.uga.edu/swgaescapes/