Loading...Fall Feather Hunt Successes Continue to Add Up
For the seventeenth consecutive year, decision makers from growing companies around the world will sample world-class quail hunting and southern hospitality on the Fall Feather Hunt, December 8-10, 2004. The Fall Feather Hunt, which is sponsored by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, the Southwest Georgia Chamber Council and Georgia Allies, allows executives who are considering an expansion or relocation of their operations, to experience firsthand everything Georgia has to offer.
The Fall Feather Hunt does not rely on aggressive sales pitches to make its point. Instead, a cadre of state and local hosts spend time with their guests in a relaxed atmosphere and use “soft sell” tactics to promote Georgia’s pro-business environment. “The approach we take is very personable and it allows guests to develop relationships with Georgians instead of being inundated with facts,” said George Israel, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber. “It makes their experience in Georgia unique and judging by the results, it works.”
The impact of economic development efforts is often felt only years after a guest’s visit to the state. Not so with many of last year’s Fall Feather Hunt participants. Six companies that took part in the 2003 Hunt have announced decisions, bringing jobs and investment to communities across the state. Haband will invest more than $2 million in Eatonton and create 125 jobs. SynchroNet and Honda Lock-America combined for $11.5 million and 150 new positions in Bremen.
Southwest Georgia is feeling the benefits as well. Ice House America will put more than 140 Georgians to work and invest $2 million in Moultrie over a two-year period. Higdon Furniture in Cairo invested $6.5 million and created 300 jobs and a joint venture between Southeast Milk and Aurora Dairies will bring 35 jobs and $5 million to Camilla.
The fact that guests have made announcements affecting cities in several regions speaks to the diversity of Georgia’s business community according to Israel. “More people are working because of these decisions and the money involved helps increase the tax base and improve the quality of life for every Georgian,” Israel said.
The 2004 Fall Feather Hunt will spread guests out across several of the south’s most pristine quail plantations, including Wynfield (Albany), Ashbrook (Sylvester), Southern Woods (Sylvester) and Ochlocknee (Sylvester). Lt. Governor Mark Taylor of Albany will host a dinner on the opening night of the hunt and Governor Sonny Perdue will host Thursday night’s dinner.
At the Wednesday night dinner, Colquitt’s own Swamp Gravy will treat guests to a performance, sponsored by Miller Brewing Company. A gun safety class and skeet shoot on the first evening of the hunt proves informative and allows hunters to hone their skills on clay targets before they take to the woods.
Guests on the Fall Feather Hunt are matched with State Hosts, who represent companies and communities across the state. Paul DeLoach, Director of Business Development for Pellicano Company, Inc., is 2004 State Host Committee Chair. Pam Richter of Regions Bank and John Funderburke of Life of the South Insurance are Co-chairs of the Albany Area Steering Committee this year.
For more information on the 2004 Fall Feather Hunt, contact Sara Moss at (404) 223-2273 or smoss@gachamber.com.
