EDQ Quarterly Newsletter Spring 2014 | Page 11

The Economic Development Department signs MOU with the Development Authority of Athens-Clarke County The Department and the Authority inked a deal that will allow for more collaboration in attracting new development and supporting existing industry. Per the agreement, the Department will provide Economic Development Services to the Authority that include marketing and administration for the Authority. In exchange, the Authority will make funds available to the Department for Economic Development purposes on an annual basis. The agreement was originally contemplated in the Ordinance which created the department. "The agreement provides a mechanism by which the Department and the Authority can work more closely together and leverage each organization's capabilities most effectively. Economic Development does not happen in a vacuum and this type of collaborative effort is needed in order to ensure that Athens-Clarke County can maximize its effectiveness in attracting capital investment and creating jobs within the community. The Authority is an asset to the Department's efforts, and we look forward to providing them service and working together for the benefit of this community." said Ryan Moore. Are you M ? Can a logo help create jobs? Athensmade says YES! ost Americans know that R.E.M., the B-52’s, Kim Basinger, Herschel Walker, and Hugh Acheson began their fame in our legendary city of Athens but very few know that Evoshield, Zaxby’s, and even Jittery Joe’s did too. “We are quick to praise music and the arts in Athens but it is time to celebrate and recognize our businesses too. We have amazing startups and even bigger businesses that will soon be iconic and are proud to be Athens made. Athens has an incredible entrepreneurial spirit and we need to broadcast that to the world,” says Jim Flannery, Project Director for Four Athens, who helped develop and implement the idea behind Athensmade. culture, help the city attract new entrepreneurs, and also build community among existing businesses. Flannery hopes this campaign will help to empower our citizens to export their own product knowing that they ha