August 20, 2022
ICYMI: Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp Celebrate Record Jobs and Investment Across Georgia
Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp are celebrating Georgia setting new economic records while they continue supporting opportunity and prosperity for all Georgians. From a chart-topping year for film and television production to the most investment and jobs in state history, the month of August has been filled with historic announcements as Georgia's strong economy shows no signs of slowing down.
On Monday, August 1st, Governor Kemp celebrated the continued success of the film and television industry in Georgia and announced the industry brought a jaw dropping $4.4 billion to the state. This growth allows not only prosperity for filmmakers, but for studios, local business, and talent located in Georgia. A full list of Georgia-lensed productions can be found here.
On Tuesday, August 2nd, the Governor and First Lady announced a partnership with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to help recruit more foster parents around the state and ensure retention. With the help of DHS Commissioner Candice Broce, this statewide marketing campaign will begin this month.
On Wednesday, August 3rd, Governor Kemp extended the suspension of the state's motor fuel tax to alleviate pressure on Georgians created by inflation. In an effort to ease supply chain issues and the strain caused by increased prices, the Governor has extended this suspension until mid-September to provide much needed relief to the state.
Also on the 3rd, the Governor appointed William "Bill" Hamrick to serve as the State-wide Business Court judge. This specific court focuses on complex commercial cases and promotes responsiveness and efficiency. Judge Hamrick's appointment will help keep the Peach State No.1 for business.
Later on Wednesday, Governor Kemp and First Lady Kemp spent the afternoon with Extra Special People, Inc. (ESP), enjoying an afternoon of baseball and good times. These wonderful young Georgians are an inspiration with their joy for life. Photos from the visit can be found here.
That same day, the Governor was in Athens to deliver an address applauding Georgia's tourism industry in front of over 400 tourism industry professionals from around the state. The conference highlighted Georgia's maintenance of a No. 5 market share rank as well as the $64.5 billion economic impact the state generated purely from tourism.
On Thursday, August 4th, Governor Kemp, in collaboration with other GOP Governors, released a united statement in response to the reckless tax and spending bill passed by Democrats. The Governors of Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming will work to provide relief to their constituents as inflation continues to climb at a historical high.
Additionally, on August 4th, the Governor announced that AFB International, a global manufacturer of pet food ingredients, will invest more than $79 million in a new facility in Columbus, Georgia, creating more than 100 new jobs in the next five years.
Also on the 4th, the Governor announced that July Net Tax Revenues are up 2.5 percent as nearly $2.21 billion was collected in the first month of FY 2023.
On Monday, August 8th, the Governor announced the Governors Emergency Education Relief Program would award more than $800,000 will for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Pilot Program to assist students whose education and opportunities were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will award 500 current Dual-Enrollment High School students across 10 Georgia College and Career Academy sites grants to cover the cost of achieving a Nurse Aid Technical College Certificate (TCC). Additionally, half of those students will be able to acquire an additional Geriatric Care TCC. The program allows students to graduate on time and pursue their career path.
On Tuesday, August 9th, Governor Kemp announced, in partnership with the University System of Georgia (USG) and Chancellor Sonny Perdue, the creation of a statewide career planning resource platform to assist students and alumni whose education and career opportunities have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through an award of $650,000 to the University System of Georgia from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund, all 26 public institutions across the state will allow students to locate career opportunities as well as resources to support their success.
Wednesday, August 10th, was a monumental day for Georgia as Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp, joined by members of the Georgia House of Representatives, the Georgia Senate, Consuls General, and business and agency leaders from across the state, celebrated Georgia's best economic development year yet. The Governor highlighted some of the state's record breaking accomplishments including the creation of 51,132 jobs, $21.2B in investments, $8 billion in foreign direct investment, and 358 projects. The state's standing records for investment and job creation were surpassed by 94 and 53 percent, respectively. Governor Kemp additionally highlighted 85 percent of investment and 62 percent of jobs were located outside of metro Atlanta, reinforcing the fact this growth is a win for the entire state. Photos from this exciting event can be found here, and the full ceremony can be found here.
Also on Wednesday, Governor Kemp announced that WebstaurantStore, a global professional food service provider, will construct a new distribution facility in Ellabell, Georgia. The new facility will create 213 new jobs and handle the distribution of large restaurant equipment such as commercial indoor/outdoor furniture, fast-moving full case quantities, and many other industrial products.
On Thursday, August 11th, Duluth Trading joined in expanding to Georgia. Governor Kemp announced Duluth Trading Company, a casual wear, workwear, and accessory retailer for men and women, will build a new distribution and fulfillment facility in Adairsville creating hundreds of new jobs. The investment brings $53 million into Bartow County.
To finish out the week, on Friday, August 12th, Governor Kemp announced a new grant program to expand internet access. The program will be funded with a $240 million grant and will focus on access in rural Georgia. By the end of this year, the Governor's administration will have contributed almost $1 billion towards broadband access.
On Saturday, August 13th, Governor and First Lady Kemp celebrated the 40th anniversary of Georgia company burton + BURTON, a pioneer in offering balloons, decor, and related accessories. This wonderful event served as a reminder Georgia is committed to not just new investments, but the growth of current companies and their prosperity within their communities.
Monday, August 15, started with Governor Kemp dedicating more than $1 billion for the Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide cash assistance of up to $350 for active enrollees, which can also include $350 for anyone in the active enrollees' assistance unit, of Medicaid, SNAP, and/or TANF government benefit programs. This new assistance will aid Georgians impacted by COVID and inflation caused by the Biden administration.
Later on Monday, the Governor appointed Michael "Mike" Register to serve as the new director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Register previously served as director of public safety and chief of police for Cobb and the chief of police for Clayton County. His history as a public servant and a strong advocate for the safety of citizens around the state cemented him as a solid choice to lead the GBI and continue keeping Georgians safe.
On Tuesday, August 16th, Governor Kemp announced that YKK AP America Inc (YKK AP), a technology-oriented manufacturer of commercial façade systems and residential windows and doors, would be expanding with a new manufacturing facility and additional machinery and equipment in Bibb County. The new facility will create 100 new jobs in addition to the 250 jobs YKK AP currently supports in Macon, Georgia.
Also on Tuesday, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp joined Mayor Andre Dickens, the Atlanta Sports Council, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and representatives from AMBSE to welcome the College Football National Championship back to Georgia in 2025. Atlanta will become the first city to host two CFB championship games. The Governor boldly predicted the Georgia Bulldogs would return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2025 and celebrate their fourth straight national title.
On Thursday, August 18th, Governor Kemp announced that lithium-ion battery recycler and raw materials provider SungEel Recycling Park Georgia, LLC., will locate its first U.S. recycling facility in Georgia. This newly formed international partnership will create 104 jobs in Stephens County and bring more than $37 million to the state. As the electric age nears, partnerships like this one show that Georgia continues to lead the nation in attracting evolving industries.
Later on Thursday, Governor Kemp pledged his support for a waiver request to get Coach Erk Russell of Georgia Southern's and the University of Georgia's football programs into the College Football Hall of Fame. The Governor is proud to offer his endorsement of the effort to get this Georgia sports legend into the Hall of Fame, which the Peach State is proud to play host to.
On Friday, August 19th, the Governor and First Lady partnered with the Department of Human Services Commissioner Candice Broce and Promise686 CEO Andy Cook to encourage state residents to join a new community outreach network. This partnership allows churches, groups, and community to serve through a platform called CarePortal. The new network is a mobile based platform where Georgians can donate either money or time to aid vulnerable children statewide. In a continuous goal to support and value life at all stages, Governor Kemp and the First lady add this to their efforts to support and empower women around the state.
Kemp Celebrates Strongest Economic Development Year on Record
Capitol Beat: Georgia sets new records for investment, job growth
New investment in Georgia topped $21.2 billion during the last fiscal year, with 358 projects creating 51,132 jobs, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday.
The investment and jobs figures surpassed the state’s previous records by 94% and 53%, respectively.
“We are proud companies continue to recognize the advantages of Georgia’s business-friendly environment, superior logistics network, [and] top-ranked workforce training program,” Kemp said during a ceremony inside the Georgia Capitol.
WXIA-TV Atlanta: Gov. Kemp touts record year for economic development for Georgia
"From day one, my administration has prioritized bringing jobs and investment to every corner of our state," he said in a prepared statement. "We have consistently set records; only to shatter them the following year as we have never been content to rest on our laurels."
Kemp goes on to describe Georgia as having a business-friendly environment adding the state's economic success is also due to its logistics network and its workforce training program.
Statistics provided by the governor's office said investments in expansions totaled more than $21.2 billion and 51,132 jobs. This excludes "the two largest projects in state history" Rivian and Hyundai Motor Group, a news release reads.
WALB: Georgia sees $21B in state-tracked economic projects, Kemp says
“Our success means that hardworking Georgians have every opportunity imaginable to also succeed, and it is what drives our efforts day-in and day-out,” Kemp said in a statement.
Those totals included 15,000 jobs and more than $10 billion in promised investment connected to new electric vehicle plants planned by Rivian Automotive near Rutledge east of Atlanta and Hyundai Motor Group in Ellabell west of Savannah.
Georgia’s Department of Economic Development counted 358 projects that got state incentives. Beyond Hyundai and Rivian, the other projects pledged $10.6 billion in investment and nearly 36,000 jobs.
Georgia Continues Strong Run With TV/Film Industry
WSAV: Georgia-made films, TV production brings $4.4B to Peach State
This year, Georgia had a show-stopping year for the film and television industry as productions spent $4.4 billion in Georgia during the fiscal year 2022, earning a new industry record.
The Georgia Film Office reported that the State of Georgia hosted 412 productions, represented by 32 feature films, 36 independent films, 269 television and episodic productions, 42 commercials, and 33 music videos between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022.
“In addition to providing production jobs that range across a variety of skills from accounting to carpentry to engineering and graphic design, productions are using local vendors, eating at Georgia restaurants, and staying in our hotels,” Kemp continued. “We’re proud to be training more Georgians to be decision-makers in film and television production, keeping their talents in our state, and we look forward to this industry’s continued success in the Peach State!”
Fox 28: Governor Kemp announces record year for TV, film production in Georgia
“When the pandemic struck, we worked hard in Georgia to communicate with our partners in the Georgia film, TV, and streaming industries,” Kemp said. “Together, we forged a safe and appropriate path to allow the film industry to return to operations and deliver Georgia Made productions to eager consumers all around the world - even when some states continued to stay shut down and stifle the industry's return to normalcy.”
Officials said, productions filmed in the state not only brought money into the state but also provided additional jobs and infrastructure not included in the report.
AJC: Record year for TV, film production in Georgia: $4.4B in direct spending
With streaming services fueling Hollywood’s record output in scripted programming, demand for soundstages in North America remained strong into 2022. This has led to a spate of new studios in development in Georgia as well as expansions of existing studios. Among the newcomers: Athena Studios in Athens, Electric Owl Studios in Stone Mountain and Assembly Studios in Doraville. United Talent Agency, one of the largest talent agencies in the world, also opened a full-service office earlier this year.
Governor Kemp and First Lady Launch Program to Encourage Foster System Support with DHS
The Georgia Sun: Georgia is recruiting foster parents
The Peach State is launching a new statewide marketing campaign to help recruit and retain more foster parents for youth in state custody.
Working with Lexicon Strategies, state officials have already begun work on a rigorous approach to engage stakeholders, build a message that resonates with potential foster parents, and celebrate the victories – big and small – of foster parents across the state.
“Our state appreciates the generous families and individuals who have opened their homes to children in need,” said Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp. “Our hope is that this initiative will encourage more Georgians who are able to answer the call and provide kids in state custody the most valuable thing they could receive: a stable, caring place to grow and thrive.”
Foster parents come from all walks of life and a new collaboration between Georgia’s first family and the state is looking for everyday Georgians who are ready to serve the most venerable among us with loving homes.
Currently, there are 11,438 children in foster care, according to the State of Georgia. Kemp said the state believes in protecting life at all stages.
11Alive: Here's how Georgia is trying to recruit more foster parents
Gov. Brian Kemp's office announced the efforts Tuesday in collaboration with First Lady Marty Kemp and the Department of Human Services.
"Our state appreciates the generous families and individuals who have opened their homes to children in need," said First Lady Marty Kemp in a news release. "Our hope is that this initiative will encourage more Georgians who are able to answer the call and provide kids in state custody the most valuable thing they could receive: a stable, caring place to grow and thrive."
Single women and single men, young adults 21 years and older and newly married couples are all eligible to start the process of becoming a foster parent, according to the state.
CBS46: Gov. Kemp announces statewide campaign to recruit more foster parents
Kemp Extends Georgia Fuel Tax Suspension
WABE: Kemp suspends Georgia gas taxes through mid-September
Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday signed an executive order extending the suspension for a third time. The order also suspends the state sales tax on train locomotive fuel.
“We can’t fix everything Washington has broken, but we’re doing our part to combat the economic headwinds caused by the President’s failed policies,” Kemp said in a statement.
Morgan Citizen: Kemp extends suspension of state gasoline sales tax for third time
Kemp issued two executive orders, one extending the sales tax suspension and the other renewing the governor’s state of emergency declaration related to supply chain disruptions.
“I, along with the strong and dedicated leaders of the Georgia General Assembly, will continue to fight for our fellow Georgians and do all we can to ease the financial burdens they’re facing through no fault of their own,” Kemp said.
Land Line: Georgia governor again extends fuel tax holiday
Kemp said earlier this year that the state is in a good position to provide a tax break because of a $3.7 billion budget surplus through fiscal year 2021.
“Because we suspended the motor fuel tax, the cost of a regular gallon of gas in Georgia has consistently been one of the lowest in the nation,” Kemp said in a news release. “Because of our innovative approach to trade and logistics, the Georgia Ports Authority has experienced yet another record-breaking year, in spite of the ongoing supply chain challenges.”
Georgia’s average gas price is about 45 cents below the national average for a gallon of regular gas, according to AAA.
WGXA: Governor Kemp extends Georgia's gas tax suspension
Fox 5: Kemp extends Georgia's suspension on gas taxes through mid-September
Washington Times: Kemp suspends Georgia gas taxes through mid-September
Governor Kemp Announces Effort to Expand Internet Access
TeleCompetitor: Georgia Allocates a Quarter of a Billion Dollars Towards Broadband Expansion
The state of Georgia announced $240 million in funding to expand broadband throughout the state. The funding will come from the U.S. Treasury $10B Capital Projects Fund program.
The funding will be awarded through a competitive grant program, according to a press release from Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp’s office.
WJCL: Millions to go toward expanding high-speed internet access in Georgia
Gov. Kemp is planning to use another $240 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to expand internet access.
This comes after $408 million worth of grants were dispersed across 49 different internet providers in the state in February to help provide internet access to rural areas.
WALB: Kemp announces broadband internet grant
Kemp Announces Aid for Most Vulnerable Georgians
Yahoo News: Kemp will hand out up to $1.2B in cash to poorer Georgians
Gov. Brian Kemp said Monday he will spend up to $1.2 billion in federal COVID-19 aid on payments of $350 apiece to more than 3 million Georgians who benefit from Medicaid, subsidized child health insurance, food stamps or cash welfare assistance.
“This assistance will help some of Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens cope with the continued negative economic impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency and 40-year-high inflation caused by disastrous policies that were implemented by the Biden administration,” Kemp's office said in a statement.
Kemp said that he has dedicated more than $1 billion to the Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide cash aid of up to $350 one-time payments for active enrollees in certain social benefit programs, per the statement.
This pledge from Kemp comes less than a week after he proposed new $250-$500 refund checks and $500 property tax breaks, although the exact eligibility of this proposal is still undetermined.
AJC: Some Georgians could get one-time $350 aid checks, Kemp announces
The governor’s office estimates this move could benefit approximately 3 million Georgia residents. More than one person in each household could qualify for the payments.
In a video message accompanying the announcement, Kemp and the first lady, Marty Kemp, said that they hope families will use these funds to buy groceries, pay for gas, or offset childcare or health care costs.
WALB: Kemp announces over $1B for Department of Human Services programs
Governor Kemp Celebrates Return of College Football Playoff National Championship to Atlanta in 2025
AP: Georgia governor touts Bulldogs 4-peat for Atlanta in 2025
Georgia’s governor has high hopes for his alma mater.
With Atlanta set to become the first two-time host of college football’s national championship game in 2025, Brian Kemp sees no reason the Georgia Bulldogs can’t be going for their fourth straight title that year — while taking a jab at Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
“As y’all know, Georgia won the national championship last year,” Kemp, a Republican, said at the announcement Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “I believe they’re going to repeat this year. Then win the next year. And them we’ll see them win their fourth in a row, mayor, in this game.”
WSBTV: College Football National Championship expected to bring big boost to Georgia economy in 2025
On Tuesday, the College Football Playoff committee officially announced Atlanta and the Mercedes-Benz stadium will once again host the College Football Playoff national championship game in January 2025.
“We’re not going to disappoint,” Gov. Brian Kemp said.
“Georgia versus Alabama in 2018, I think, was about an $85 million impact,” President Dan Corso said. “But it could be north of than that, just depending on the matchup that we get.”
11Alive: Gov. Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Dickens speak at College Football Playoff press conference