Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission Meeting focuses on business development

ALBANY, Ga. – The Albany-Dougherty Department of Economic Development Commission gather to discuss a series of ambitious initiatives.

The ADEDC recently convened to deliberate on a range of topics, including finances and business development in the Albany area.

“Our role in the community is to not only try to recruit new businesses and industry to town, but also work with our existing businesses to help alleviate whatever issues they may be having. We travel quite a bit sometimes to meet with companies that are looking to expand, but then also a large portion of our time is spent here locally and visiting with those existing businesses. If they’re having trouble hiring employees, we have job fairs for those employers that are doing that if they need some specific workforce training. We work with our partners to identify what resources are available. We are comprised of a Board of Directors that is appointed by the city and the county. So, we have 12 board members and six are by the city, six are appointed by the county. So we’ve got a good representation of both the city and county on our board in all that we do,” said Jana Dyke, ADEDC President & CEO.

The commission collaborates with local businesses and community partners to drive business recruitment, retention, and renewal efforts across Albany-Dougherty County.

Jana Dyke, President & CEO of the commission, highlights the importance of these community partners.

“We went through a strategic planning session a couple of years ago and it was a three year strategic plan that outlines the work that we are going to be focusing on for the next couple of years. One is recruitment, the other is retention, obviously. Then there is marketing and communication and community outreach. A lot of what we do is again, providing those resources for the businesses. So, we partner with organizations like the SPDC, UGA, Georgia Tech, and Albany Tech. Partners have different resources and what is their strength. And, so, identifying that and what those needs are and then providing the training for that,” said Dyke.

Jana Dyke shares insight into upcoming events and sessions that will be open to the community.

“So, one of the things that we’re working on right now that is really exciting is the powerhouse partnership that is an initiative that the city of Albany is leading. And it was identified because oftentimes minority businesses do not have the same opportunities to have a seat at the table and to bid on projects. And, so, what we are doing as a collaborative group that’s inclusive of the EDC, the Chamber, the City, the County, Phoebe, several large employers, Proctor and Gamble, and others is we’re providing that platform for those businesses to come in and provide information on the services that they can provide to business community, whether it be HVAC construction, training, anything like that we are working on. And, so, that’s going to be the 25th of this month. And, the city of Albany, again, will have some more information coming out about that. I would encourage people to look at their social media for some information on that actual meeting taking place. In the next couple of days, the SPDC has a training that they’re going to offer for people that are thinking about starting a business. And, if people are interested in that, they can go online and register for that class. On Thursday, Emory is going to be here in town and they’re going to be doing some training on AI, and we want others to join on that,” said Dyke.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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