Mage Solar gave a whole new meaning to Dublin’s “Green and Growing” tag line.  Dublin, Georgia’s competitive assets for the energy sector attracted the attention of global energy leaders. Solar energy companies lit up the landscape in Dublin and Atlanta. MAGE SOLAR chose Dublin for its North American headquarters and a manufacturing facility, creating 350 jobs and investing $30 million.

The State agency’s International Trade team ensured Georgia was front and center at international trade shows in Germany, Mexico, Korea, Chile, Israel, Cuba and other shows in its strategic markets. The outlook for exports in Georgia remains positive, thanks in large part to the state’s ports, the fourth-largest and fastest-growing in the U.S.

The Georgia Dept. of Economic Development reported increases in jobs and investments, also in tourism and entertainment.

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ATLANTA (December 2010)—The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced today that jobs increased by 14 percent and investment by 20 percent in the state during 2010. New and expanding companies created more than 20,000 jobs and invested $4.1 billion in Georgia during 2010. Entertainment and tourism also made strong showings.

“This kind of success only happens as the result of great teamwork by our GDEcD staff and partners,” said Heidi Green, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “We have good, positive momentum going into the new year.”

Georgia’s economic development successes in 2010 ran the gamut of the state’s diverse industry sectors and geographical regions. Among them were:

1. The allure of alternative energy
Georgia’s competitive assets for the energy sector attracted the attention of global energy leaders. Solar energy companies lit up the landscape in Dublin and Atlanta. MAGE SOLAR chose Dublin for its North American headquarters and a manufacturing facility, creating 350 jobs and investing $30 million. Enfinity Corporation of Belgium, the world’s largest developer of solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions, put its Americas headquarters in Atlanta in March.

2. Center of pop culture
The state’s entertainment industry exploded this past year, thanks to the 2008 Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act. The economic impact of production activity increased 440 percent between fiscal years 2007 and 2010, surging to $1.4 billion. Georgia’s business climate for the entertainment industry created tremendous opportunities for the state’s 25,000 workers in the business.

In 2010, several film and television studio facilities announced they would open their doors in Georgia, a commitment to the long-term promise of the state’s production environment. Among them were EUE/Screen Gems, which bought the former Lakewood Fairgrounds site near Atlanta and undertook a multimillion-dollar renovation of the studio complex. Raleigh Studios, the largest provider of stage space in the world, put down roots in Senoia in Coweta County. Savannah’s Meddin Studios opened a digital production facility and is already planning an expansion. Also, Panavision, a world-renowned name in the design, manufacture and rental of camera systems, announced it will open an Atlanta location in early 2011.

Four Georgia-made TV pilots have gone on to become series: “The Walking Dead,” “Teen Wolf,” “Single Ladies” and “Auction Kings”. Other Georgia-lensed successes include the top-ranked shows on their respective networks: “Vampire Diaries,” “Drop Dead Diva” and “The Walking Dead.”

Georgia also launched “Camera Ready”, a designation to streamline access by film and television production companies to local resources and information in the state’s 159 counties. In 2010, more than 50 Georgia counties hosted a film, TV or commercial production. Sixteen of them were tapped for this designation in the first phase of the program’s implementation. 

3. World travel destination
In 2010, international travelers visited only one other state more than they visited Georgia. These travelers stay longer and spend more, whose expenditures resonate throughout the state’s economy. Georgia offers them the authentic Southern experiences they seek, such as the state’s commemoration of 150 years of Civil War history. Every $1 million spent by international visitors creates 11.5 new jobs and generates $33,143 in payroll and $123,588 in state taxes.

As domestic tourism has suffered, Georgia has aggressively targeted consumers, tour operators and media in emerging international markets including China and Brazil, already two of the South’s top 10 international markets. The number of visitors from China to the U.S. grew 55 percent in 2009 and another 40 percent this year. Four of China’s largest tour operators are now marketing Georgia.

The state also stepped up its efforts in South America, especially Brazil, predicted to become one of the top five countries for inbound travel to the United States by 2015. One of the largest tour operators in Brazil carries information about only two southern states, and one of them is Georgia.

4. Aerospace on the wing
Georgia’s energetic marketing of its aerospace assets attracted more jobs and investment. In November, Gulfstream Aerospace announced yet another expansion, increasing its Savannah workforce by 15 percent in a $500 million investment. Governor Perdue’s mission to the Farnborough Airshow and the National Business Aviation Association’s Atlanta convention heralded Georgia’s assets for the industry, among them the nation’s most productive aerospace workforce and top-ranked academic programs.

5. Trading up
Georgia’s International Trade office reported a 10 percent increase in the trade deals helped companies close. The group facilitated 248 deals during the 2010 calendar year, up from 225 in 2009. The state undertook four gubernatorial missions this past year to grow its trade and business relationships, including a historic mission in July to Cuba. The International Trade team also ensured Georgia was front and center at international trade shows in Germany, Mexico, Korea, Chile, Israel, Cuba and other shows in its strategic markets. The outlook for exports in Georgia remains positive, thanks in large part to the state’s ports, the fourth-largest and fastest-growing in the U.S.

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Dublin and Mage Solar make Georgia‘s Top 5

The Technical College System of Georgia’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to award the Heart of Georgia regional partnership with one of three Georgia Career Academies Project (GCAP) facility grants. The award amount was $3,155,557.

From the Heart of Georgia College and Career Academy Steering Committee (Dec. 2010):

This wonderful news caps more than a year of progress made by a dedicated team of dozens of volunteers from all walks – public and private – in several counties.

After preparing a charter petition that was approved by four elected Boards of Education (Dodge, Dublin City, Laurens and Wheeler) and working with four other districts, we had to prepare an entirely separate set of documents to apply for this grant.

To meet the grant deadline, our Steering Committee formed five working groups that met several times each over two months and wrote a 199-page application. Perhaps most significantly, we received 43 letters of commitment from partners, most from private sector stakeholders, that documented nearly $3.4 million in cash and in-kind contributions we will receive over the next ten years.

Our partnership was named a finalist in the grant competition in late October, and on November 3rd we sent a team of presenters to compete against three other solid partnerships in Atlanta for the final prize awarded early December.

There is still much to be done:   Our Steering Committee will continue its monthly meetings beginning on Wednesday, January 12 at noon at HGTC. State approval of our charter will not come before April 2011, and the grant funds awarded yesterday will begin to flow shortly thereafter.

Please take a minute to read the Lt. Governor’s press release below.  We are so very grateful for the leadership of Lt. Governor Cagle, the Technical College System, the legislature and Governor in offering this grant program.    (Jay Studstill, Steering Committee Chair;  Phil Dowd, Board of Directors Chair)

Press Release from State of Georgia, Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Lt. Governor Cagle Announces $3 Million in Funding for Heart of Georgia College and Career Academy

(Atlanta, GA) -Lt. Governor Casey Cagle today announced $3.16 million in College and Career Academy funding for the Heart of Georgia College and Career Academy, a partnership between Laurens, Dodge, and Wheeler County as well as the Dublin City school systems and the Heart of Georgia Technical College. The school was among 3 chosen today by the State Board of The Technical College System of Georgia to receive a grant that will be matched with local funding.

“As Lt. Governor, I am committed to providing every student in Georgia access to a college and career academy. Their proven success at providing our children the relevant, job-related skills they need is more important than ever in these tough economic times,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “I applaud the local school systems, the Heart of Georgia Technical College, and the many community partners that came together to provide this important tool to ensure our students are prepared to enter the 21st century workforce.”

The Technical College System of Georgia evaluated six career academy proposals from across the state and selected three new academies. Because of Cagle’s initiative, there are currently a total of 26 college and career academies in Georgia. Students from different college and career academies across the state enjoy graduation rates in the high ninetieth percentile and 100% post secondary or job placement rates.

“Today, we congratulate and welcome the three newest additions to the Georgia Career Academy Project. These schools will join a growing list of career academies that are proven to foster student achievement, improve graduation rates and open doors of opportunity for Georgia’s students to attend postsecondary education and discover their careers,” said TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson. “I commend Lt. Governor Cagle for his vision for education and commitment to expanding career academies throughout the state, and I thank Governor Perdue and the General Assembly for their support of the program.”

“A Georgia Career Academy grant, known for its competitive nature, is proof that statewide education officials are as proud as I am of the community partners at Heart of Georgia College and Career Academy,” said State Senator Ross Tolleson. “Education for young Georgians is critical as they graduate from high school and grow into adulthood. This grant, I am certain, will ensure a better and brighter generation from our area.”

College and career academies partner local school systems with the state’s technical colleges and local businesses, enabling the development of high school and college-level programs that train students for quality, in-demand jobs. Students find that the academies’ challenging, hands-on programs provide greater relevancy and value which not only lead to higher graduation rates, but also employment. The specified training for students is attractive to area businesses and communities prosper from the highly-trained and skilled workforce. Businesses have found that partnering with the college and career academies provides a qualified and prepared workforce.

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Heart of Georgia Wins $3.16 million Grant

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Mayor’s Christmas Motorcade December 7

The Ravensburg, Germany-based solar company will invest $30 million and create 350 jobs over the next five years at its North American campus in the central Georgia town of Dublin.  The Mage Solar project could eventually generate 600-plus jobs and more than $100 million in investment.

Mage Solar will operate in a nearly 200,000 square foot building, CEO Norbert Philipp said, prior to the official announcement. The campus will include a solar module manufacturing plant and a training center.

Dublin’s strategic location, coupled with Georgia’s workforce training program and its reputation as a Southeast economic hub, helped seal the deal. 

“Georgia is, in many ways, the business and economic hub of the Southeastern [United States],” Philipp said. “Dublin’s strategic location, about half way between one of the most well-connected airports in the world and the ever expanding Port of Savannah, provided a logistic advantage.”

Located in Dublin, Moore Station Village is the perfect new home neighborhood.   Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, starting a family or hosting the grandkids, you’ll find a home of the perfect size and style.  Check out the beautiful photo galleries on the community’s website.  Call to schedule your personal tour today!  877-272-9002.

(Mage Solar Story source: Atlanta Business Chronicle, by Urvaksh Karkaria. Click here to read full story.)

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Mage Solar Coming to Dublin, GA

Plan a visit to our beautiful community and we’ll take you on a tour of our special city.  We’ll also book an overnight stay at one our historic Bed & Breakfast Inns – The Page House.

The Moore Station Village Discover Dublin Package includes the city tour, exclusive discounts at local restaurants and an overnight stay at The Page House with breakfast the next morning for only $70.*

Centrally located in the heart of Georgia, Dublin is a wonderful place filled with southern traditions, history and local attractions.  Among them is The Page House.  A 1903 Classic Greek Revival home that was often described as one of the grandest homes south of Atlanta. www.pagehousebb.com

Call Moore Station Village today to schedule your  Discover Dublin Package.  877-272-9002

* call for details and availability.

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Book Your Discover Dublin Package

Join us for the Leprechaun Contest, the Shamrock Crawl, the Emerald City Pageant and our famous BBQ Cook-off …and that’s not all!  Everyone and everything has an Irish twist this time of year.  You won’t want to miss any of the activities.  Visit the official festival website for all of the details, event schedules and more.

While in Dublin, be sure to visit Moore Station Village.  Like Dublin itself, Moore Station Village is a welcoming community with an easy-going lifestyle and Southern hospitality.  Whether you’re looking for your first home, moving up, starting a family or hosting the grandkids, you’ll find a home of the perfect size and style at Moore Station Village. Call to schedule a tour 877-272-9002.

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Annual Celebration of All things Irish

Dublin-Laurens County offers something for everyone. The wonderfully mild climate of Middle Georgia creates a haven for the sportsman who enjoys tennis, golf, fishing, or hunting. If you enjoy shopping, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to do so at over 400 stores, including Dublin Mall. The historic downtown is a busy retail center filled with shops, restaurants, the recently renovated Theatre Dublin and the Dublin-Laurens County Historical Museum.

The City of Dublin was incorporated by the Georgia Assembly on December 9th, 1812, and made the county seat. It is said that a citizen, Jonathan Sawyer, named it Dublin after the capital of his Irish homeland.

In March, the entire community is a “wee bit Irish” for the Dublin-Laurens St. Patrick’s Festival which has been in existence for over 30 years! The month-long celebration offers fun for the whole family with a parade, a road race, an arts and craft fair, a leprechaun contest and much more.

Located in Dublin, Moore Station Village is the perfect new home, multi-generational neighborhood.   Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, starting a family or hosting the grandkids, you’ll find a home of the perfect size and style.  Check out the beautiful photo galleries on the community’s website.  Call to schedule your personal tour today!  877-272-9002.

To read more about Dublin and Laurens County, Georgia see the website for the City of Dublin.

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Welcome to Dublin, “The Emerald City.”

Dublin is one of the ten best managed and most livable cities in Georgia when judged in the areas of fiscal management, public safety, infrastructure, citizen participation, cultural activities, community partnerships and downtown viability by the Georgia Municipal Association and Georgia Trend Magazine; according to the City of Dublin, County of Laurens Development Authority.  Visit the Development Authority’s website for more news and information about the county, life and culture, and business advantages.    

“Location, Leadership and Livability” that’s what Dublin is all about.

Speaking of livability… Moore Station Village is the perfect new home, multi-generational neighborhood.   Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, starting a family or hosting the grandkids, you’ll find a home of the perfect size and style.   Check out the beautiful photo galleries on the community’s website.  Your new home in Dublin is ready for you.  Call to schedule your personal tour today!  877-272-9002.

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A Better Place to Live, Work and Play

Like Dublin itself, Moore Station Village is a welcoming, multi-generational and multi-cultural community.  It is home to singles, couples and families who value an easy-going lifestyle.  Moore Station Village has its own charming brand of Southern hospitality.  Call today or visit the community website for more details.

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Moore Station Village, Dublin GA: the Location for Lifestyle

Moore Station Village is proud to be located in the heart of this award-winning community.  Moore Station Village is an outstanding multi-generational neighborhood close to all that Dublin offers.  The neighborhood is also conveniently located near continuing care, assisted and memory care services.   To learn more about Moore Station Village and to receive updates and announcements from us, please visit our Contact Us page.

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Dublin Awarded State’s First AARC Award