Caterpillar Project Dubbed 'Deal of the Year'

Since February's announcement of Caterpillar's investment in northeast Georgia, officials have been touting the intergovernmental corporation that took place between Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties and the City of Bogart in order to seal the deal.

Now, the Georgia Economic Developers Association is recognizing those government bodies for “outstanding achievement in the location/expansion of business in Georgia." The award was given during the 49th Annual GEDA Conference held at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah Sept. 12-14.

"This project was exceptional in that it came together in such a short time frame and with so many agencies working together toward a common goal,"  a news release from the Georgia Economic Developers Association stated.

About the Award

This is now the fifth year that GEDA has recognized the major projects from the previous year.  In what has become a major portion of the Annual Awards Ceremony – GEDA recognizes recipients in four categories:

• SMALL – a county with population 50,000 and under,
• MEDIUM – a county with population 50,001 – 100,000,
• LARGE – a county with population over 100,000,
• REGIONAL – any multi-county effort.

The Deal of the Year Awards recognize outstanding achievement in the location or expansion of new businesses in the state of Georgia that meet community economic development goals and involve significant community program support, such as  financial or permitting assistance, workforce development, state financial support, etc.