The team at the Brunswick-Glynn County Development Authority have been awarded the 2017 Excellence in Economic Development Award from the prestigious Site Selectors Guild at their 2017 Annual Conference in Tucson, Arizona.

For Economic Developers like Mel Baxter and John Scott, CEcD, who work to bring new jobs and investment into their communities, Site Selectors are at the core of what they do.  Site Selectors help companies decide on the best possible location for a new operation or expansion.  Every year, members of the Site Selectors Guild play an integral role in where billions of dollars are invested by growing companies.

As such, the Excellence in Economic Development Award is considered one of the highest honors in the Economic Development profession because recipients are nominated and selected entirely by Site Selectors.  The award is judged on four characteristics; two of which are flexibility and creativity in adapting to the needs of the prospect.

More than Incentives

Businesses make decisions based on what will generate the most return and a site location decision is no different.  Site Selectors help prospects navigate the myriad of factors that determine a company’s ability to succeed in an area and ultimately, the site that has the best business climate and opportunities for growth is the winner.

In addition to having a strong local workforce and access to all major modes of transportation in Glynn County, Mel Baxter believes Georgia also has a competitive advantage in how Economic Developers work together at the State and local level.  Baxter stated “Wylly Harrison from the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Charles Stallworth from Georgia Power made all the difference with Project USA.  We could call on them at any time for questions or feedback.  The process was seamless, almost like we’re all part of the same organization – which is the way economic development should be.  Location decision are not always based on incentives.”

“Congratulations to our friends at the Brunswick-Glynn County Development Authority – we are thrilled to see one of our own recognized for their hard work and commitment with an Excellence in Economic Development Award,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson.

“Our economic development successes are based on strong partnerships, and it’s because of partners like the team in Brunswick-Glynn County that we are able to offer companies a seamless experience at the state and local level.”