Albany, GA – In celebration of Economic Development Week 2025, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC) is recognizing the partnerships, investments, and workforce initiatives that continue to drive sustainable growth throughout the Albany-Dougherty region.

Established by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Economic Development Week highlights the impact that economic development has on communities nationwide. In Albany, this impact is visible in ongoing industry investment, innovative talent development programs, and coordinated efforts to support long-term economic success.

In fiscal year 2025, ADEDC recorded the creation of over 100 new jobs and more than $18 million in capital investment across Albany-Dougherty County. These figures reflect the organization’s ongoing efforts to foster local growth by supporting both new and expanding industry, reinforcing the region’s competitive position in today’s economy.

One recent milestone was the celebration of the 5th Anniversary of Georgia-Pacific’s Albany Lumber Mill. Since opening on May 4, 2020, the 320,000-square-foot facility has generated a $150+ million investment, creating 180 local jobs and becoming a key contributor to Dougherty County’s manufacturing base. ADEDC joined District 6 Commissioner Anthony Jones in presenting a proclamation to Plant Manager Michael Johnson, recognizing Georgia-Pacific’s continued investment in the region and commitment to community partnership.

The week also highlighted ADEDC’s dedication to workforce development. On May 9, ADEDC participated in THRIVE 2025, a talent initiative in collaboration with the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, Albany Technical College, and regional educators. Held at Albany Tech’s Kirkland Center, the event brought together students with disabilities from four local high schools for hands-on career readiness training, including mock interviews, networking, a professional fashion show, and inspiring talks from community leaders. The initiative reinforced the belief that by investing in every individual’s potential, we build a stronger, more inclusive workforce.

Additionally, ADEDC recently joined the Albany Area Chamber’s 2025 Washington D.C. Fly-In, the largest delegation to date. Business and civic leaders-including Chris Hatcher, Chair of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and CEO of Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy, and Matt Reed, Chair of the Albany-Dougherty Payroll Development Authority and Interim CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce-engaged with Georgia’s congressional delegation, federal agencies, and national business organizations to advocate for policies and partnerships that benefit Southwest Georgia. These high-level meetings included briefings with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Congressmen Sanford Bishop and Austin Scott, Senator Jon Ossoff, Senator Raphael Warnock’s team, and U.S. Marine Corps leadership.

“Economic development is more than attracting jobs and capital-it’s about building a thriving community,” said Jana Dyke, President & CEO of ADEDC. “From industry investments to talent development and national advocacy, we are proud of the collaborative work taking place across Albany-Dougherty.”

For more information on ADEDC and current economic development efforts, visit www.choosealbany.com.

About the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission:

The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission is a public-private partnership whose mission is to foster new investment and job creation through the recruitment, retention, and expansion of industry for Albany-Dougherty County. They aim to bring new industries to Albany and give existing businesses the resources they need to expand. In doing this, they help bring new employment opportunities to Albany. To learn more, visit www.choosealbany.com.