The Georgia Economic Developers Association recognized the Development Authority of Columbia County for an “outstanding achievement in the location/expansion of business in Georgia” at its November Awards luncheon on Monday.  The Authority was recognized for the Amazon Fulfillment Center project announced in April of this year.  Bert Brantley, Deputy Chief of Staff for Governmental Affairs at the Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp, presented the award to Robbie Bennett, CEcD, and his Chairman, Kerry Bridges of the Authority, along with staff members and County officials.  Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan also addressed event attendees and congratulated all the winners.  Nearly 100 economic developers from around the state attended the ceremony in-person and another thirty attended virtually.

At $200 million, this fulfillment-distribution center project is the single-largest project announcement ever for Columbia County. Additionally, this multi-story facility is the largest industrial building to be built in the county.  It will feature innovative, Amazon robotics technology and create 800 new, full-time jobs. The speed and agility of the Development Authority of Columbia County and Columbia County staff were incredibly impressive in this deal, particularly in light of COVID-19 having just settling in. They adopted an attitude of finding a way to work through issues, and that means a lot to tenants with large complex projects. Also, the Columbia County Commission showed its commitment by providing funding for the road, water and sewer infrastructure needs and backed the Development Authority's contribution.