The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government recently formalized a
strategic alliance with the City of Greater Geelong (pronounced jillong) in Victoria, Australia to explore mutual interests in the life
science field as well as other opportunities for economic
development and research.
will benefit both of our communities as we explore ways to share
knowledge, ideas, and resources,” said Athens-Clarke County Mayor
Nancy Denson. “The economic development and research
opportunities are particularly exciting for both Athens-Clarke County
and Geelong.”
In February, Athens-Clarke County District 8 Commissioner Andy
Herod visited Geelong while on a professional trip to Australia.
During his visit, Herod signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons to acknowledge the
strategic relationship between the two cities.
Among the goals set forth by both communities in the MoU are the
desire to run an informational exchange program, foster the pursuit
of opportunities for life science collaboration and economic
development, support increasing employment in the field of life
sciences, and develop close working relationships between the cities’
local governments.
“Athens-Clarke County and the City of Greater Geelong make for a
natural fit as partners,” said Herod. “Both have major universities,
both are known for their arts and cultural opportunities and events,
both have growing life sciences opportunities, and both
governments were even created by unifying communities in the
1990s. This Memorandum of Understanding is designed to
encourage bold ideas and vision to achieve its goals, so both
communities signed it with the understanding that this is designed to
be an active partnership.”
The relationship between the two cities initially grew from talks
between the University of Georgia and Deakin University, whose
campus is located in Geelong. In November 2013, a delegation from
Geelong traveled to Athens-Clarke County to meet with Mayor
Nancy Denson, District 10 Commissioner Mike Hamby, Athens-Clarke
County Unified Government staff, and the University of Georgia to
discuss commercial opportunities in bio science and other
partnership opportunities.
Geelong Deputy Mayor Bruce Harwood attended this meeting and
submitted the preliminary draft of the Memorandum of
Understanding to Athens-Clarke County for review upon his return to
Australia.
“Although geographically opposite, Geelong and Athens have a lot of
similarities, not the least of which is a strong life sciences presence in
the worldwide marketplace,” said Athens-Clarke County Economic
Development Director Ryan Moore. “The Economic Development
Department is vigilant in seeking out and implementing relationships
that can enhance our global outreach efforts. This partnership is an
opportunity to showcase the international appeal of Athens-Clarke
County. The Geelong team has been great to work with, and we look
forward to a mutually beneficial long-term relationship.”
The MoU was approved by the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and
Commission at their February 4, 2014 meeting and is effective for
three years.
“We look forward to actively working with Athens-Clarke County for
the mutual benefit of both cities,” said Greater Geelong Mayor
Darryn Lyons.
The City of Greater Geelong is a city of 245,000 located near
Melbourne on the southeastern coast of Australia in the state of
Victoria on Port Phillip Bay. It is the home of the public Deakin
University and its student population of over 44,000. For more
information about Geelong, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au.
“We are enthusiastic about the many ways this strategic relationship
10 10
10
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233