The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), in partnership with the Wayne County Industrial Development Authority, has announced that the Wayne Commerce Center has received the “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) certification with “Select” status. This designation is intended to enhance the site’s appeal to companies seeking industrial development opportunities.
GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson said, “The Wayne Commerce Center’s strategic location and newly certified speed-to-market advantages make it an ideal choice for companies ready to move quickly and access key markets. This certification positions the community for success in today’s competitive environment.”
Located at 2520 Waycross Highway in Jesup, the 312-acre site sits between interstates I-16, I-75, and I-95. It is about an hour from the Port of Brunswick and less than two hours from the Port of Savannah.
Georgia House Representative Steven Meeks, District 178, stated, “Preparation delivers opportunity. By getting this site ready for industry, we’re better equipped to attract jobs for families to live and work in the communities where they grew up. Thank you to Dell Keith and the Wayne County IDA for their leadership and collaboration with state partners to advance this important work.”
Jesup Mayor Ralph Hickox commented on the achievement: “The GRAD certification of Wayne County’s new industrial park is a major milestone for our community. It signals to prospective employers that we are ready for growth, investment, and job creation. This achievement reflects our commitment to economic development and showcases the strategic vision of the Wayne County IDA. We’re excited for the opportunities this park will bring to our citizens and our regional economy.”
Georgia Senator Blake Tillery, District 19, added, “I’m proud for the work of local leaders to obtain this designation for Wayne County. It’s not an easy task and requires thorough planning, local investment, and a lot of work. I’m proud of the state-local partnership we have in Wayne County.”
Wayne County Commission Chairman Kevin McCrary noted benefits expected from this status: “We are excited about the new 312-acre Wayne Commerce Center, recently GRAD certified, and how this certification will streamline the process for companies seeking to establish roots in Wayne County, saving them valuable time and resources. This transformative project is poised to drive economic growth and secure a prosperous future for our community.”
The GRAD program aims to support economic growth by certifying sites that meet strict due diligence standards reviewed by third parties as well as a board comprising public- and private-sector economic development professionals. The “GRAD Select” status indicates compliance with even more rigorous requirements.
Currently there are over 70 certified sites under Georgia’s GRAD Program available for fast-track industrial projects due to completed due diligence processes. The state is also investing more than $18 million through its Rural Site Development Initiative aimed at helping rural communities prepare new industrial sites; these grants fund improvements as well as additional GRAD certifications.
For further details on certified sites or information on applying for GRAD certification visit georgia.org/grad-certified-sites/application or view property information at georgia.org/site-selector.
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