Alma/Bacon County Development Authority

Transcription

1 Alma/Bacon County Development Authority PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE P.O. Box 450 Alma, Georgia Phone: Fax: FOR MORE INFORMATION: CHERRY REWIS ALMA/BACON COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FRANK BURKE BURKE & TOWNER New website promotes Alma/Bacon County lifestyle and business opportunities Alma, GA (For Immediate Release) A newly launched website developed by the Alma/Bacon County Development Authority is designed to assist individuals and business owners in getting to know the many advantages associated with locating in our local area. Featuring information on a wide range of topics including schools, housing, healthcare, business facilities and opportunities, and assistance in relocating, the website is part of the Alma One initiative launched in 2009 which has already attracted several new businesses. According to Roger Boatright, Chairman of the Bacon County Board of Commissioners, When we decided to upgrade our original website, we gave a lot of thought about the best way to communicate with people. We decided that the most effective means would be to let them hear from us in person. As a result, we ve included both videos and slideshows involving many different civic leaders, citizens and business people explaining what they like about being here. The reception has been great, and it s certainly had more impact than just words on a screen. In addition to the information provided, the new website features extensive links that put visitors into immediate contact with sources of information. A special Buy Alma section links to the websites of the businesses that are members of the Chamber of Commerce. Blueberry Capitol of Georgia

2 Press Release New ALMA ONE website Page 2 Ted Murray, owner/president of Industrial Forge, Inc., and Chairman of the Alma One Committee, states, I know from my own experience that individuals seeking to relocate a business are looking for a lot more than just a good business climate. They want to know about lifestyle, educational opportunities for their children and for their employees, healthcare facilities and general community infrastructure. The new website covers all the bases in terms of introducing our area and its great people to prospective new residents and members of the business community. The website can be found at For further information about Alma/Bacon County, contact Cherry Rewis at the Alma/Bacon County Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce at or Ted Murray at ###

3 Alma/Bacon County Development Authority PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE P.O. Box 450 Alma, Georgia Phone: Fax: FOR MORE INFORMATION: TED MURRAY INDUSTRIAL FORGE, INC CHERRY REWIS ALMA/BACON COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY New ALMA ONE Initiative launched to increase local business base Alma, GA (For Immediate Release) The Alma/Bacon County Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce have announced the launch of a multi-tiered campaign to build awareness of the advantages of doing business in the Alma/Bacon County area. Targeted to business owners seeking a more favorable environment in terms of taxes, costs, workforce and quality of life, the effort was developed after extensive research and with input from local business and civic leaders and elected officials. Overall theme stresses location advantages The campaign is based around the theme, Alma, Georgia your 1 place to live, work, play. In the especially designed logo, the numeral 1 reflects the Route 1 road marker and refers to the advantage of Alma s location on a major commercial thoroughfare. Additionally, a tagline states, The time is NOW. The place is Alma, Georgia. The new logo and tagline will appear on all campaign related materials as a means of improving visibility by tying efforts together. A planned approach Key to the campaign is a series of programs currently being developed by the local business community to offer specific advantages to target prospects. According to Ted Murray, president Blueberry Capitol of Georgia

4 Press Release ALMA ONE Initiative Page 2 of Industrial Forge, Inc., and Chairman of the Alma/Bacon County Development Authority, Our target groups include businesses in areas that have been especially hard hit by both the recession and the anti-business legislation and heavy taxes that are so common in the old industrial areas of the Midwest and Northeast. As a former Midwesterner, I can tell you from experience that there are literally hundreds of businesses that need to know about the advantages that we offer. For many of them, it could be nothing less than the means to survival. One of the first groups targeted will be machine shops and metalworking plants especially those serving the automotive, defense and medical industries. Ted Murray states, These days you hear a lot about jobs that have been outsourced to China and India, but that s far from the whole story. Many forward-looking American manufacturers that are utilizing the latest in computer based design and semi-automated manufacturing have actually done very well especially in light of the weaker dollar. Some of these companies are making prototype parts in small to mid-size runs, not only for American companies but for overseas manufacturers who are extremely impressed by the product quality. Thanks to the up-to-date campus and highly qualified graduates at Okefenokee Technical College, our community is a natural fit for progressive manufacturers. Multiple campaign elements A new newsletter, The Alma Advantage, will be used to publicize Alma success stories and familiarize people with the many positive aspects of the Alma/Bacon County community. The first issue carries stories on business advantages, facilities available, recent investment in the latest communications technology, and the medical advances undertaken through Bacon County Hospital. The newsletter will be available in printed form and electronic format. Advertising and editorial placements will be featured in the online Machining + Tooling magazine which reaches 40,000 individuals throughout the country and which is the official organ of several industry associations. Machining + Tooling magazine has also provided access to both electronic and postal mailing lists for direct marketing purposes. A new website is under construction for the Alma/Bacon County Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce. The site will utilize both copy and video to highlight commercial and lifestyle advantages in the area. A series of links will enable users to connect to realtors, retailers, manufacturers and other institutions. Central to the effort is the Alma One Committee, a group of select business leaders who have volunteered to make personal contact with individuals inquiring about the possibilities of locating in the area. When it comes to answering questions, says Ted Murray, there s no substitute for experience. Our group can address matters ranging from workforce development to location to financing and transportation all important elements to anyone planning a relocation.

5 Press Release ALMA ONE Initiative Page 3 The Alma One campaign is designed to be open ended so as to allow for ongoing improvement and refinement. Ted recalls, As someone who came from outside the area, I can personally say that Alma/Bacon County has a tremendous amount to offer, and we look forward to welcoming many new individuals to our business community. For more information, contact Ted Murray at or Cherry Rewis at the Alma/Bacon County Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce at ###