Economic Development Summit Highlights Recommendations for Growth

For Immediate Release
September 22, 2003

Contact
Johnna Van 601-327-9596 or  johnna@pfidc.org

AUGUSTA, GA – September 22, 2003 – More than 275 delegates at an economic development summit for eastern Georgia called for the completion of the regional interstate system – including the Savannah River Parkway and the Fall-Line Freeway – as one measure to spur economic growth in eastern Georgia. 

The Savannah River Summit, organized by the Public Forum Institute, was held to define a vision for the economic future of the region, and to develop a set of recommendations to address a number of challenges facing local communities. 

When asked what the first step should be in attracting businesses to the region, 46 percent of the delegates responded using wireless keypads with ‘a skilled workforce,’ followed by ‘excellent schools’ and ‘efficient transportation.’

Delegates stressed the importance of encouraging partnerships across sectors when it comes to higher education and workforce development in the area.

Congressman Max Burns, who served as the honorary summit chair, called for a unified vision for eastern Georgia that addressed economic development throughout the region’s cities and rural counties.

“We’re looking for a way to end the cycle of persistent poverty in the South,” stated Burns. “As we look at our urban, rural and suburban communities, we must work cooperatively together to turn our words into actions.”

With the region facing another round of base realignment and closures (BRAC), delegates to the summit stressed the need to increase public awareness of the economic impact of military bases throughout eastern Georgia. At the same time, delegates called for the creation of a backup plan to avoid being left with nowhere to turn should local bases close.

Other recommendations that enjoyed broad-based support from summit delegates included: 

• Development of a Cancer Center for Excellence in the region

• Incorporating life skills and vocational technical training in all levels of education

• Identify and promote the innovation needs of existing manufacturers

• New programs to train life sciences technologists

• Support value-added efforts for agriculture processing

David Sampson, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development in the Bush administration, called for development around advanced technology & innovative entrepreneurial clusters. “Economies are not sealed in artificial economic boundaries,” said Sampson. “My top priority is an entrepreneurial eco-system.”

The Public Forum Institute will compile a report upon completion of the summit, outlining participants’ views, suggestions and responses to the issues raised throughout the summit. The report will be available at the organization’s website – www.publicforuminstitute.org - at the end of the week. 

“Today we saw great talent and innovative ideas from a wide array of leaders,” stated Jonathan Ortmans, president of the Public Forum Institute. “If these counties and regions can work together on the action items developed today, I see a healthy and prosperous future for all who live here.” 

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The Public Forum Institute is an independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to creating the most advanced and effective means of fostering public discourse. Based in Washington, DC, the Forum develops and coordinates public forums across the country – engaging citizens, experts, community leaders, elected officials and others in substantive discussions on dozens of policy issues. Through a partnership with foundations, print and broadcast media, policy makers, opinion leaders and corporate philanthropy, the Public Forum Institute serves local communities across the nation, contributing to a more informed public. The Forum takes no position on the issues. 

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