Locate South Georgia Board Chair Jana Dyke of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission announced The Czech Business Incubator Atlanta (CBIA) and Locate South Georgia (LSG) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 9, 2026, establishing a strategic partnership to support Czech and Czech-related companies seeking to enter the U.S. market through South Georgia while creating new opportunities for South Georgia businesses to expand into the Czech Republic and Central Europe. Dyke states that, the partnership “creates new opportunities for South Georgia to compete and succeed on a global stage. We look forward to strengthening international relationships that drive investment, business growth, and economic prosperity throughout our region.”

The signing ceremony took place at the United States Embassy in Prague and marks a significant step in strengthening economic development cooperation and international business relationships between the Czech Republic and the Locate South Georgia region.

The agreement was signed by Ladislav Chodak, Co-Founder of the Czech Business Incubator Atlanta, and Jason Dunn, Director of the Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority and member of the Locate South Georgia.

Through the partnership, the two organizations will collaborate to identify and assist Czech companies exploring expansion opportunities in the United States. The MOU establishes a framework for market entry support, business matchmaking, site selection assistance, and connections to local economic development resources across Locate South Georgia's 21-county region. The agreement is also intended to create opportunities for South Georgia companies seeking to expand into the Czech Republic and broader Central European markets.

Dunn noted that foreign direct investment is becoming increasingly important as South Georgia continues to compete for job creation investment:

"The agreement signed today creates a bridge between Czech businesses and the communities of South Georgia," said Dunn.

"South Georgia is a globally competitive location to do business. We believe that and so do our new partners.  We are excited to work alongside them to introduce Czech companies to the opportunities available throughout the Locate South Georgia region."

Monika Vintrlikova, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic, emphasized the practical value and mutual benefits of the partnership:

"For most Czech companies, the first steps in the U.S. are the hardest: finding the right location, understanding incentives, and meeting the first customers and suppliers," said Vintrlikova.

"Together with Locate South Georgia, we can now guide companies through all of that, from the very first conversation to setting up operations and growing further. And it goes both ways. Companies from South Georgia gain a partner that can open doors for them in the Czech Republic and Central Europe. Manufacturing, logistics, agribusiness and food processing are strong on both sides, so we see real potential for projects in both directions."

The signing was witnessed by several distinguished guests, including Brian Marlowe, President/CEO of the Tift County Development Authority; Monika Vintrlikova, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic; Nicholas Merrick, United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic, and Petra Pekova, Governor of the Central Bohemian Region.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering international commerce, strengthening transatlantic business relationships, and creating new opportunities for investment, job creation, and economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.

Brian Marlowe summarized the event stating: 

“Partnerships are vital to the success of our economic development efforts. These partnerships are even more important in the global economy. The agreement between Locate South Georgia and the Czech Business Incubator Atlanta will strengthen our efforts to recruit Czech companies to South Georgia while opening up new international markets for our local companies. I believe this is a significant milestone for Locate South Georgia communities and the beginning of an international partnership that will yield positive results and provide a competitive advantage for our communities and Czech companies alike.”