Awnex is a brand builder, a problem solver, and a valued partner for some of the biggest names in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. But the company’s story didn’t start in aluminum and powder-coated finishes. It began with an idea, a family, and a solution to a frustrating process.

Awnex’s roots go back to the early 1990s, when founder John F. Dicks launched a company that made custom fabric awnings for retail locations. But he quickly noticed a recurring challenge: the labor-intensive process of installing fabric awnings. “You used to have to lace them on by hand,” explains Trey Herndon, President at Awnex Inc. “John came up with a better way to do it, a frame that allowed you to staple it in. That small change made a big difference.”

This early ingenuity set the tone for what Awnex would eventually become. As it became clear that fabric wasn’t durable enough for long-term use, the company pivoted to aluminum, offering a cleaner, more consistent, and longer-lasting solution. In 2003, Awnex Inc. was officially born, focusing exclusively on architectural metal systems.

“That shift to aluminum was a game-changer,” says Herndon. “It opened the door for more innovation, more consistency, and better brand representation for our clients.”

Today, Awnex specializes in transforming ordinary buildings into branded destinations through sleek and functional metal elements like canopies, louvers, fences, and patio covers. Its products enhance the curb appeal of commercial locations, but they also serve a strategic purpose. “It’s not just about making something look nice,” Herndon says. “It must function, drain properly, handle wind loads, last for years. But it also must tell a brand story.”

Architectural branding is where form meets function. Awnex ensures each project contributes to a customer’s overall brand identity, from the colors used to the structure’s shape and placement. The concept of a “store in a box” encapsulates Awnex’s approach: delivering a full suite of customizable architectural elements that can be applied across multiple locations, enabling brand consistency and speed to market.

“Whether it’s a single store or a national rollout, we provide everything needed to ensure consistency in the look and feel of the brand,” says Herndon. “It takes the guesswork out for our clients.”

Beyond aesthetics, Awnex pays close attention to engineering and buildability, making sure that architectural elements are not just beautiful, but also easy and efficient to install. By collaborating with design firms and general contractors early in the process, Awnex can identify challenges before they arise.

This commitment to both form and function has earned the company longstanding relationships with some of the most recognizable names in the QSR industry. From corporate rollouts to custom solutions, Awnex is more than a supplier; it is a strategic partner.

“We have clients we’ve worked with for decades; there’s trust there. They know we can take a concept and get it to market quickly without sacrificing quality,” says Herndon.

That level of trust is crucial when timelines are tight and brand standards are non-negotiable, and Awnex’s ability to execute consistently across markets has become one of its key differentiators, allowing national chains to expand with confidence. “Our clients know that if they give us the specs, we’ll deliver every time—on budget, on time, and to spec.”

In many ways, Awnex becomes an extension of its clients’ design and construction teams. In commercial construction, speed is non-negotiable, and the company has even been called on to develop turnkey packages that streamline everything from permitting to delivery. That level of involvement speaks volumes about its reputation for reliability and results.

Indeed, one of Awnex’s biggest advantages is its in-house production model. From fabrication to powder coating, nearly every component is handled internally, allowing for unmatched lead times and quality control. “Because we’re vertically integrated, we’re not waiting on third parties to deliver,” Herndon explains. “That gives us a lot of flexibility.”

The company’s powder coating line, an essential piece of the puzzle, enables high-quality finishes in a fraction of the time (Awnex is already building a second powder coating line to meet rising demand, reducing turnaround time even further). The company also invests in technology and lean manufacturing practices to ensure efficiency and minimize waste. This allows the team to take on complex, high-volume projects without compromising on craftsmanship.

This expansion has led to the launch of Awnex Manufacturing Services, a new division that provides contract fabrication and powder coating to other companies in the region. “We saw an opportunity to serve other businesses who were struggling to get quality finishes on time,” says Herndon. “Some were too small for big shops to take seriously; others were too big for smaller providers. We’re filling that middle space.”

By making manufacturing expertise available to external clients, Awnex is not only diversifying revenue streams but also strengthening the regional manufacturing ecosystem. “We’ve already had multiple accounts come on board, and word is spreading quickly,” Herndon adds. This service model is particularly beneficial for OEMs, sign companies, and construction firms who require architectural metal components but lack the in-house capabilities to fabricate or finish them. It’s yet another way Awnex is expanding its impact without losing focus.

Of course, behind every successful project at Awnex is a dedicated team. With around 90 employees on site, the company is intentional about creating a values-driven culture based on integrity, teamwork, quality, innovation, and respect. “Our goal is to make Awnex a great place to work,” says Herndon. “That means clear communication, opportunities for growth, and recognition for great work.”

The team gathers regularly to align goals, celebrate wins, and ensure everyone feels connected. From company cookouts to holiday parties, the leadership team invests time and energy into cultivating a workplace where people feel valued and heard. “Culture isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we build every day,” Herndon emphasizes. Mentorship, training, and career development programs are also prioritized, with a focus on promoting from within.

Awnex is just as committed to its hometown of Ball Ground, Georgia. From sponsoring local events to hosting field trips for the elementary STEM Academy, this team sees community engagement as a responsibility and a privilege.

“Some of the kids who came through on Halloween tours years ago now work here,” Herndon shares. “We want to be a company that gives back.”

This commitment includes supporting local schools, participating in civic activities, and working with city officials on initiatives that improve the community. “Ball Ground is more than our location; it’s part of our identity,” he says. “As we grow, we want to grow with our town, not away from it.” The relationship is reciprocal; Awnex views community support as a vital part of business sustainability, helping to create a strong, stable environment where both employees and the company can thrive.

As Awnex looks to the future, its focus is on smart growth and continuous improvement. Plans are already underway to expand operations, with an eye on the West Coast market over the next five to ten years. The company is also exploring ways to integrate sustainability into its product lines and processes. “We’re looking at solar integration, more eco-friendly materials, and even AI tools to streamline workflows,” Herndon tells us. “We’re not just growing for the sake of it—we want to lead.”

He believes the future holds even more opportunities for tech-driven innovation. Whether it’s engineering software or production automation, Awnex is “constantly evolving,” he says. “Whether it’s the way we build, the way we manage, or the way we serve our clients, we’re committed to doing it better every day.” The company is also exploring strategic partnerships and certifications that will allow it to compete in LEED-certified and government-regulated projects, broadening its market reach while upholding responsible building practices.

What started as a simple solution to a lacing problem has grown into a national brand that designs, manufactures, and delivers architectural systems with impact. But ask Trey Herndon what he’s most proud of, and he doesn’t point to a marquee project or revenue milestone. He points to the team. “What makes Awnex special is the people,” he says. “The relationships we build with each other, with our clients, with our community—that’s what drives us.”

In a business defined by specs and schedules, Awnex remains committed to the human side of success. As the company continues to expand its footprint and influence, one thing remains clear: at Awnex, innovation may be the product, but integrity is the foundation.

The post Where Vision Meets Metal – Form and Function in Architectural Branding<p class="company">Awnex Inc. </p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

In fact, Georgia is the number one state for business, according to Area Development magazine—and has been for the last 11 years. What is the secret behind Georgia’s success? The adage, ‘location, location, location,’ for starters. 80 percent of the nation’s population live within a two-day truck drive or a two-hour flight of Georgia, and the state’s world-class infrastructure is ideal for moving goods.

The deepwater Port of Savannah is the third busiest and fastest-growing container gateway in the nation, and boasts the biggest single container terminal in all of North America, according to georgia.org. The Port also maintains a greater refrigerated container capacity than any other port terminal on the East Coast or the Gulf Coast. As a result, 40 percent of the United States’ containerized poultry exports pass through the Port of Savannah.

The deepwater Port of Brunswick, meanwhile, is the U.S.’s number one terminal for new automobile imports. Its Colonels Island Terminal is the nation’s second busiest port for total Roll-on/Roll-off cargo. Already home to three berths able to accommodate more than 900,000 vehicles each year, the Georgia Port Authority has committed $150 million to building a fourth berth at the terminal, as well as 85 additional acres for auto processing and 360,000 square feet of new warehouse space.

Once goods exit the ports, they are easily whisked away via I-95, I-16, or two Class 1 railroads. Appalachian Regional Port connects the port of Savannah to companies in northwest Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky through a direct, 388-mile CSX rail service route. Currently under construction, Northeast Georgia Inland Port will create a direct link to the Port of Savannah via the Norfolk Southern railroad in the near future, making it even more efficient to move goods.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the busiest passenger airport in the world, offers direct access to domestic and international markets, with nonstop flights to 150 cities in the United States and direct flights to 70 cities in 50 different countries. On average, the airport sees a whopping 2,700 arrivals each day and over 100 million passengers departing each year. More than 725,000 metric tons of cargo are moved through ATL’s 1.5 million square feet of cargo warehouse space every year, and eight other commercial airports and over 100 public-use airports provide even more options for efficient air travel to and from the state.

Georgia’s networks go beyond transportation to include the fastest information networks in the world. In fact, Georgia was the first state in the union to precisely map the availability of broadband services, accurately identifying which areas required accessibility. Now, 85 percent of Georgia households have access to broadband internet, thanks to the public-private collaboration Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked the state #5 for internet access. Two of the biggest fiber optic trunk lines in the U.S. intersect in Atlanta, in addition to two major research lines.

The state has worked hard to cultivate a pro-business environment, another key factor in its success. At just 5.19 percent, corporate tax rates are low while fiscal responsibility is high. State law requires a balanced budget, and Georgia boasts one of the lowest debt-per-capita levels in the U.S. For the last 21 years, the state has maintained the highest bond ratings from each of the Big Three credit rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch.

As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding, and businesses have demonstrated that proof by flocking to the state in recent years. 440 Fortune 500 companies operate within Georgia, and 18 are headquartered there. Major industries including aerospace, agribusiness, automotive, defense, electric vehicle manufacturing, energy, film & entertainment, food processing, life sciences, logistics & supply chain, manufacturing, technology, and tourism are all thriving within the state.

Agribusiness is the state’s leading industry, with an economic impact of over $74 billion annually. Georgia is number one in the nation for peanuts, broilers, and hatching eggs. There are 9.9 million acres of operating farmlands and 399,200 jobs in food, fiber production, and related industries throughout the state.

With such an active agricultural sector to draw from, food processing has become another big industry within the state. Georgia is home to 1,586 food processing facilities and nearly half of the leading 100 U.S. food processing companies operate there. The state has 178 million cubic feet of cold storage space, and four of the five top global public refrigerated warehousing companies boast locations within the state.

The automotive industry also has a big presence in Georgia. The state first became an automotive manufacturing center back in 1909, when the first car was assembled there, and over the last century, leading automotive companies have continued to enjoy an ongoing presence in the state. Now, Georgia is also welcoming electric vehicle manufacturers in addition to existing automotive companies. Major players within this thriving automative ecosystem include original equipment manufacturers Kia, Hyundai Motor Group, Metaplant America, and Rivian, as well as battery manufacturers including LG Energy Solution and SK Battery America.

Georgia continues to evolve with the times, attracting new, leading-edge industries. Aerospace is the state’s second largest manufacturing industry, with over 800 aerospace companies creating an economic impact of $57.5 billion. The state’s number one export is aerospace products—$12.6 billion last year alone, and its aerospace connection goes all the way back to the 1960s, when Camden County was one of the finalists for NASA’s launch site. While it didn’t make the final cut, NASA did go on to test rockets there and the state developed a leading satellite communications technologies industry.

Today, Georgia’s aerospace industry boasts a wide range of players, from research & development, original equipment manufacturers, and hypersonics to unmanned arial vehicles, transportation services, and cybersecurity operations. Over 40 aerospace-related facilities have moved to Georgia or expanded their operations there over the last decade, creating 2,500 new jobs, and more than 200,000 people in Georgia work within aerospace-related industries, including a large number of engineers educated locally. Georgia Tech is one of the nation’s top producers of aerospace engineers, providing a steady pipeline of new talent for the industry.

The Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) industry is one rising player to watch within the state’s aerospace ecosystem. Participants within the sector are involved in a full gamut of activities, from research and design to manufacturing and operations.

Major aerospace companies located in Georgia include Anduril Industries, Archer Aviation, Arconic, Delta Air Lines, Gulfstream Aerospace, Hermeus, Lockheed Martin, Meggitt, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon, StandardAero, Triumph, Thrush, and Universal Alloy Group.

Defense is another leading industry in the state. A strong military presence within Georgia combined with a thriving manufacturing industry across numerous sectors makes it an ideal location for defense companies, with cybersecurity just one of the many thriving defense industries in the state. Georgia boasts a “Cyber Corridor” made up of 27,260 employees and 75 information security companies generating an estimated $2.6 billion each year. The new, $100 million Georgia Cyber Center is the biggest single investment in a state-owned cybersecurity facility. The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS), which is located in Georgia, has opened the Georgia Cryptologic Center and the U.S. Army’s Cyber Center of Excellence is moving to the state—along with almost 4,000 new jobs.

Georgia caught Hollywood’s attention in 1972, when the classic thriller Deliverance was filmed there. The following year, Jimmy Carter, who was governor at the time, established the Georgia Film Office, and today, the state boasts a thriving entertainment industry, raking in $4 billion annually. You may have noticed the Georgia peach logo at the end of movies or television shows, announcing the production’s connection to the state.

From entertainment and aerospace to cybersecurity and agriculture, Georgia is home to a booming and diverse mix of industries. The Peach State has evolved with the times, welcoming the most leading-edge industries while successfully maintaining its traditional sectors. With so much to offer, Georgia will be a place to watch in the future as more and more companies and individuals relocate there to enjoy the state’s many advantages.

The post Georgia on Our Minds<p class="company">Why the Peach State is Ranked Number One for Business </p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

As a respected residential design-build firm, Harrison Homes prides itself on handling all aspects of the building process, from initial design to completion. This includes everything from site development to architectural designs and floor plans, permitting, preconstruction services, interior and exterior selections, and vertical construction. These services, and myriad others, have resulted in Harrison Homes creating properties which are not only striking to look at but are built to last.

“Harrison Homes stands out for timeless yet forward-thinking design, and exceptional craftsmanship of our homes,” says the company’s Vice President of Operations, Andrew Hartman. “Our close-knit team of residential construction professionals is deeply committed to building homes the right way. We work with the most skilled trade partners out there, who understand Harrison’s quality expectations.”

And where other homebuilders often use outside architects, Harrison Homes has its own highly experienced in-house architect. “This allows us to offer a true design-build experience, streamlining the process for our clients,” states Hartman. “It also gives us the ability to move quickly and efficiently through the architectural phase, adapt to changes in real time, and collaborate seamlessly across teams. In the end, that saves our clients time and money without sacrificing quality.”

Established in 2007, Harrison Homes has built a reputation for creating outstanding homes featuring gorgeous amenities and superior finishes that are second to none. From living areas and kitchens to bedrooms and bathrooms, and even garages, no detail is too small. Stepping into a Harrison Homes property is an experience in luxury. One example is the East Village project in Roswell, comprising 74 upscale townhomes.

In mid-2024, Harrison Homes started vertical construction of the 74 upscale townhomes. Located along Holcomb Bridge Road, the three-story townhomes are part of the East Village suburban infill redevelopment spearheaded by ECI Group, a well-known privately owned real estate organization. The townhomes are developed by Milepost Development, and Harrison Homes is behind the design and construction of the two, three, and four-bedroom townhomes, which range in size from 1,277 to 1,996 square feet. Like other Harrison Homes developments, the East Village townhomes will appeal to a broad clientele, from singles to professional couples, and families to empty nesters.

“We included several elevated features that set this community apart: 10-foot ceilings in the main living areas, oversized kitchen islands with quartz countertops, and shaker-style cabinetry,” says Hartman. Spa-inspired bathrooms include freestanding soaking tubs and double vanities, and every home comes with a full two-car garage with electric vehicle (EV) charging capabilities. And to make everyday living more convenient, smart home technologies—including programmable thermostats and video doorbells—are included.

“Even the closets are upgraded for better organization and usability,” says Hartman. “Milepost Development’s goal was to provide a luxury living experience for renters—one that balances comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal—and I believe we delivered exactly that, and in a location that offers great schools and access to dining, retail, and transportation hubs.”

Inside, additional features include luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, spacious walk-in pantries, stainless steel Whirlpool appliance packages, gas ranges, walk-in showers, and an included full-size washer and dryer. Outside, owners will appreciate the expansive courtyard views and fenced yards that come with every home.

Along with the East Village townhomes, Harrison Homes is also behind Sunland Park Brookhaven. An exciting new bespoke home design project, Sunland Park is the embodiment of contemporary living.

“A Hudson Brown LLC development, Sunland Park is a boutique collection of five luxury homes in the heart of Brookhaven, and we couldn’t be more excited about how they turned out,” says Hartman. Designed and built by Harrison Homes in collaboration with Design South Interiors, all five Sunland Park homes were thoughtfully crafted “to reflect what today’s homeowners are really looking for—function, beauty, and quality in every detail,” he adds.

Like other Harrison Homes developments, Sunland Park Brookhaven seamlessly blends beautiful design elements with day-to-day conveniences. At over 3,700 square feet, these five-bedroom single-family homes feature stunning elevated design elements including custom cabinetry, statement lighting, and show-stopping countertops. “We really leaned into mixing timeless architectural features with trend-forward touches, so the spaces feel both fresh and classic,” Hartman explains. Upon entering a Sunland Park Brookhaven home, you are struck by the open layout designed to maximize natural light and create a great flow. A dramatic, two-story foyer with a stunning chandelier greets the eye. Homeowners and guests are impressed by the spacious floorplan, fresh colors, modern lighting, and premium engineered hardwoods.

From there, further discoveries include a mudroom, a guest suite with full bathroom, a formal dining room, “and a dream kitchen that opens to a spacious living room with a built-in wet bar,” says Hartman. Gourmet kitchens include GE Monogram appliances, spacious quartz countertops, and eye-catching islands. This then leads to sliding doors and a covered patio with a fireplace for seamless indoor/outdoor living.

“Outside, the home exteriors are designed to complement each other and the natural surroundings, creating a cohesive and beautiful streetscape,” says Hartman. Upstairs, there are four additional bedrooms with bathrooms, a dedicated space for a home office or child’s playroom, a laundry room, and a gorgeous primary suite. For those wanting even more space, the basement can be finished to create an additional bedroom, bath, and flex space.

Other standout features include spa-like primary bathrooms with oversized rain showers, and custom built-ins and storage throughout the home. And as always, location is key, with the homes located a brief walk from Brookhaven’s best restaurants, shopping, entertainment venues, and a great deal more. “We’re proud to bring these homes to life,” comments Hartman. “They’re a true reflection of Harrison’s dedication to great design and quality craftsmanship.”

As a full-service design-build firm, Harrison Homes provides a streamlined approach to both single-family homes and townhome developments. This includes in-house architecture services, interior design, construction, and procurement under one roof. “This integrated process allows us to deliver a superior client experience and exceptional quality at every step,” says Hartman.

“We have some exciting for-sale communities in the pipeline for 2025/2026 and are looking to partner with more developers. We’re excited about what’s ahead and remain committed to building homes that stand the test of time in both form and function.”

The post Where Luxury Meets Livability<p class="company">Harrison Homes</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

“Peach County continues to build on its strengths as a strategically located and business-friendly community,” says Jill Bowen, Project Manager for The Development Authority of Peach County. “Recent updates emphasize the continued development of our workforce, particularly with the ongoing success of the Peach Regional Workforce Development Center located in the South Peach Industrial Park.”

A key asset for the community, the Workforce Development Center provides vital educational programs including CDL driver training through Central Georgia Technical College. Peach County High School’s Career Center and its dual-enrollment program are also located there, and students have access to a variety of courses, from warehousing and welding to logistics and early childhood education.

County leaders are eager to keep up this support for the next generation of employees. There is a “continued focus on improving and expanding our workforce training programs to ensure that local businesses have the workforce they need,” says Bowen.

Businesses continue to view Peach County as an ideal location for setting up shop. “We’re also seeing sustained interest from businesses looking to take advantage of our prime location, excellent infrastructure, and supportive local government,” Bowen says. “The Development Authority of Peach County remains very active in recruiting and supporting new and existing businesses.”

And the county is planning ahead, with current and upcoming projects that will continue to strengthen the local business environment. “A significant focus remains on expanding our industrial base,” Bowen tells us. “We are actively working to attract new manufacturing and distribution businesses to the region and have seen significant growth at the Robins International Industrial Park.”

In November 2024, KIHOMAC broke ground on a new, 130,000-square-foot aerospace manufacturing facility within the park. The newly built Pratt Industries building located inside the park is now fully operational and employing over 120 workers. And there is an expansion underway of the greenhouse grower Local Bounti.

“We are also working on continued infrastructure improvements to support this growth, including being the recipient of a $2 million grant from the state to help construct a new road that will connect the interior of RIIP to Highway 247,” Bowen adds.

The commitment to growth does not stop there. Local leaders are focused on enhancing the community’s quality of life with a variety of projects, including improvements to parks, recreational facilities, and downtown areas, “making them more attractive to residents and visitors,” Bowen says.

Indeed, Peach County leadership has embraced a growth-centered mindset. “Our ‘open to grow’ attitude reflects a proactive and collaborative approach to economic development,” she says. “It means we are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for businesses, investing in infrastructure and workforce development, [and] working closely with our partners at the state and local levels.” The entire community is fully behind the concept. “This attitude is deeply ingrained in our community, which values progress and opportunity,” Bowen says. “It represents a community that is forward-thinking and ready to embrace the future.”

Certainly, businesses will find myriad benefits to setting up shop in the area. “Peach County offers several key advantages,” Bowen says. The first is its strategic location. “We are conveniently located on I-75, providing easy access to major markets and transportation hubs, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Port of Savannah.”

In addition, there is a solid workforce already in place, ready to fill new jobs. “We have a skilled and growing workforce, with access to excellent training programs,” Bowen says. Equally important, the community is a business-friendly environment. “Our local government is committed to supporting businesses and providing a streamlined permitting process,” she says.

An affordable price tag is another critical advantage. “Peach County offers a lower cost of living than many other areas, making it attractive to both businesses and employees,” Bowen says. The area is also affordable for land development—and land is currently available, meaning Peach County is poised to become a substantial manufacturing center in the near future.

On June 16, 2022, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced the purchase of an economic development site in the community, over 1,100 acres in size. “The Middle Georgia Mega Site represents a significant economic development initiative for Peach County and the broader region,” says Bowen. “The acquisition of this site was a collaborative effort between the State of Georgia and the Development Authority of Peach County, and the site was selected because of its strategic location and potential for large-scale development.” It boasts close proximity to the major north-south transportation corridor I-75, the Deep Port of Savannah, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and has access to rail service via Norfolk Southern.

Local leaders have made the development process easy for incoming businesses. “The site has undergone extensive due diligence, which streamlines the development process,” Bowen explains. “This includes assessments of environmental factors, topography, and utility availability. The flat topography of the site minimizes development costs and time, and the availability of utilities, and the work done to prepare the site, makes it very attractive to large-scale manufacturing companies.”

Peach County is eager to welcome a large OEM to the Middle Georgia Mega Site. “The arrival of a large Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) at the Middle Georgia Mega Site would have a transformative impact on Peach County and the surrounding region,” Bowen says, including substantial job creation. “It would generate a significant number of high-quality jobs, providing substantial economic opportunities for local residents.”

Economic growth would be another positive impact. “It would stimulate economic growth by attracting supporting industries, businesses, and services to the area,” Bowen says. And the increased tax revenue could be used to improve essential services including education and infrastructure.

As a result, the community would enjoy new opportunities. “It would enhance the overall quality of life in the community by providing new amenities, recreational opportunities, and cultural experiences,” Bowen says. In fact, the entire region would see a boost. “A large OEM would place Middle Georgia on the map as a premier location for advanced manufacturing and industrial development,” Bowen says. “It would also create a ripple effect of economic growth for surrounding counties. It would show that Peach County is a prime location for large-scale industry.”

The area is not just a great place to do business, it is also a great place to live. “Peach County offers a high quality of life with a strong sense of community,” Bowen says. “We have excellent schools, affordable housing, a variety of recreational opportunities, and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in a rural setting with easy access to larger metropolitan areas.”

With so many assets close at hand, the future definitely looks bright and local leaders are well prepared for it. “Our vision for the future of Peach County is to continue to grow as a thriving and prosperous community,” Bowen says. Goals include the creation of more jobs and economic opportunities, enhancing the county’s educational and workforce development programs, improving county infrastructure, and preserving the community’s rural character and quality of life. “We plan to continue to be proactive in our economic development efforts, and to work closely with our partners to achieve our goals.”

The post Committed to Growth<p class="company">Peach County, Georgia</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

The community was tested last fall when Hurricane Helene hit, leaving a wake of devastation throughout the region. “Our community has never experienced this type of hurricane,” Smart tells us. “It was a very strong category 1 when it hit us, and as far inland as we are, we’ve never experienced that kind of wind or damage.” To make matters worse, this was the third hurricane to impact the community over the past two years, “which is kind of unbelievable,” considering the county’s south-central location within Georgia. “We’re so far inland that this was not something we ever thought we would experience.”

The local pecan industry was hit particularly hard, and businesses and homes were also damaged. “We had over 100 homes that were total losses and then about another 600 homes that received damages of some sort,” says Smart. “It was widespread throughout our community and the surrounding counties. It didn’t just impact us; it impacted our entire region.”

This widespread impact meant that Berrien County residents had to take care of themselves. “It wasn’t something that had happened [only] in our county and we could run one county over and get help—there was no help. The majority of the county was without power for two weeks, and we had portions of the county that were without power for almost a month.”

Residents rose to the challenge. “The response to this disaster was unbelievable,” Smart says. As a volunteer coordinator for disaster relief, she witnessed firsthand how people lined up to offer assistance. “We had all ages of people showing up just saying, ‘Hey, what can I do? How can I help?’ And then our church community, the way they stepped forward in such a massive way to feed people, was unbelievable.”

When Smart reached out to these local churches about food donations, they told her, “We’re already doing it. We’re already cooking meals. We’re feeding the volunteers. We’re feeding people that [are] in rural communities.” This was crucial because in these rural areas, “when you’re without power, that means you’re without water also because, for a lot of people, it works off of their wells. So people had no way to cook or to feed their families. Grocery stores weren’t open. The fact that these churches were coming forward and preparing and serving meals, it was tremendous. It was very, very humbling to watch the response that was happening in our community.”

And the support didn’t stop there. “We had big industry stepping forward and giving money saying, ‘How can we go buy food? Can we bring food to these churches for them to cook?’ It was every single aspect of the community that stepped forward and said, ‘I want to help in some way.’ It was completely unbelievable to watch.”

The community has such a big heart, in fact, that its members wanted to help those who had an even greater need. “Even in the midst of what was going on here and the fact that we were dealing with things here, [people recognized that] North Carolina got hit even harder than we did,” says Smart. “And what I started seeing in our community was [a desire to] go beyond our walls. People just started fundraising and doing drives to get food to take to North Carolina. People that were still without power were saying, ‘Hey, I’ve got this.’ And we had a local farming family that started doing weekly trips to North Carolina and they’re still doing them. They did one last week where they’re loading a semi-trailer up full of supplies and taking it to North Carolina. So, it’s not just a heart for our community. We have people here that really care about people, and they want to help people.”

Community support has also extended to small businesses. “Our small businesses got hit really hard with this,” she says. “I created a 501(c)(3) so we would have a way for people to donate. And it was tremendous! We received donations from all over the country; people I’ve never heard of made donations to us.” The team invited any business in the county to apply for grants from the fund. The Berrien County Foundation distributed over $20,000 in total, with grant recipients receiving $1,200 apiece.

This might seem like a relatively small amount of cash, “but for somebody that didn’t have two weeks of income and on top of that had damages, this was huge,” Smart says. For example, one recipient was unable to pay the workers repairing her building—until that grant came in, right when she needed it the most, making it possible to complete those much-needed repairs and get back to doing business.

To be sure, Berrien County has a long history of supporting business. Buck Pegg, owner and founder of industry-leading Chaparral Boats, recognized this and relocated his business to take advantage of all the community has to offer. “When I made the decision to move Chaparral Boats to Nashville, Georgia from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I have never looked back,” he says. “It was the best business decision I have ever made. Nashville welcomed my company and offered the best team of dedicated and hard workers I had ever known. We have grown from a manufacturing facility that began here with 32,000 square feet to facilities in excess of 1.4 million square feet. We are the largest single site boat builder in the world and have dominant national market share. We have over 600 employees and 262 boat dealerships representing Chaparral and Robalo around the world. I am proud to say we employ multi-generational families and we strive every day to give back to our employees and community by offering our support for school functions, charities, and in the form of scholarships awarded to the sons and daughters of our employees to date in excess of 1.4 million,” says Pegg.

“They have been a huge, huge asset to our community,” Smart adds. “They’re by far our largest industry, and then they bring so many more with them, support industries for them.”

Berrien County is also home to a robust healthcare sector, and its South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) facility is in the midst of a major upgrade. “That has just been huge for us because in most places you’re seeing rural hospitals go away,” Smart says. “And here, we are doing a $15,000,000 expansion which has created a state-of-the-art ER right here in Berrien County.”

“Our hospital’s expansion and the addition of a new Emergency Department reflect a strong commitment to the health and well-being of Berrien County and its neighboring communities,” says SGMC Health Administrator Kevin Moore. “This new, two-story facility will provide 24/7 emergency services in a modern, cutting-edge environment, featuring state-of-the-art rooms and advanced imaging and diagnostic technology to deliver faster and more accurate results. We are excited for the continued growth at SGMC Health Berrien and look forward to better serving our region with enhanced care and resources.”

Looking ahead, this community is committed to maintaining a strong workforce by supporting young people. Berrien Ready, a weeklong program to help prepare students for the workforce, gives high school seniors hands-on learning opportunities, forklift certification, and OSHA 10 certification. The program also helps with soft skills. “We create a résumé for them; we do interview skills with them,” says Smart, with many students finding jobs right away. “We’ve had really good success with it.”

The closeknit community is known for its popular public events and, after bouncing back from Hurricane Helene, is already welcoming visitors again. The county just held the Berrien County Roundup Rodeo for the sixteenth year in a row. “It is a fundraiser for the Chamber and the proceeds from it go to help small businesses,” Smart explains. “We bring in anywhere from 2,500 to 3,000 people for the weekend. In a community our size, that’s huge.” The county’s harvest festival is another big annual event that brings in thousands of visitors each year.

After proving its ability to overcome major challenges, the community is well prepared for whatever comes next. “We have a very bright outlook in Berrien County,” Smart says. “We are seeing growth and we’re having expansions of local industry. We’re looking at new industry and business moving into our community. We’re excited about our future here.”

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