Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission

June Recap📍✨

We had a great time welcoming David Bridges, Vice President of the Enterprise Innovation Institute at Georgia Tech, to Albany for a firsthand look at the institutions shaping our region's workforce and economic future.
During his visit, David toured Albany State University, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy (4C), gaining vital insight into how our local institutions are developing talent, advancing healthcare, and strengthening the Southwest Georgia workforce pipeline.

We also connected with The Albany Chamber of Commerce and The City of Albany to discuss regional growth, innovation and industry alignment.

Workforce development remains a cornerstone of economic growth. Strategic partnerships with organizations like Georgia Tech's Enterprise Innovation Institute help us identify new opportunities to better connect education, healthcare, and industry.

Thank you to all of our incredible community partners for showcasing the collaboration and talent that continue to make Albany-Dougherty County a premier place to live, work, and invest! 🤝✨

In observance of Juneteenth, our office will be closed on June 19.
As we commemorate this important day in American history, we honor the significance of freedom, resilience, and progress. We encourage everyone to take time to reflect on the enduring impact of Juneteenth and its place in our nation's story.

Join the Georgia Grown Resource Center – Albany on Tuesday, June 23, for a Learning Session on Business Culture & Communication.

Hosted at the Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau/Welcome Center, this interactive workshop will be led by guest speaker Stephanie Evans of Evans Business Consulting and presented by the Grow Kit Collective.

Attendees will explore practical strategies for improving communication, developing reliable business habits, and building professional relationships across the food and agriculture supply chain.

Whether you're a producer, entrepreneur, or agribusiness professional, this session offers valuable insights to help your business grow and thrive.

Reserve your spot today and invest in skills that can strengthen your business for years to come.

Our team had the opportunity to participate in the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce's Go See! Tour at Albany Technical College as the institution celebrates 65 years of transforming lives through education, workforce development, and career training.

During the visit, we explored several of Albany Technical College's innovative programs and learning environments, including the new Dental Assisting classrooms, X-Ray Technology labs, on-campus Pharmacy, Photography and Graphic Design programs, and Drug and Alcohol Counseling courses.

As one of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission's valued workforce and education partners, Albany Technical College plays a vital role in developing the skilled talent pipeline that supports existing industries and attracts future investment to Southwest Georgia. Through hands-on training and industry-focused education, the college continues to help students build meaningful careers while meeting the workforce needs of our region's employers.

We are proud to partner with institutions like Albany Technical College that are helping build the workforce of tomorrow and strengthening the economic future of our region.

We congratulate Albany State University on its approval to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program for the 2026-2027 academic year.

This important designation expands educational opportunities for veterans, active-duty service members, and military families by helping reduce financial barriers to higher education. We are grateful for the men and women who serve our nation and proud to see local institutions investing in their success.

is pleased to announce that its Yellow Ribbon Program Agreement has been approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The program will be visible on the VA GI Bill® Comparison Tool beginning in July 2026, providing eligible veterans, service members, and military family members with enhanced educational benefits and financial support.

Read More: https://bit.ly/4ols9BC

✨ Business Spotlight✨
The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission is proud to recognize Cleaned with Love Cleaning, LLC as our Business Spotlight, sponsored by The Launch Room.

Founded and operated by Je'Leah McClendon, Cleaned with Love Cleaning, LLC provides mobile laundry services throughout Albany and Southwest Georgia. Through convenient wash, dry, and fold services with pickup and delivery options, the company helps residents and families save time while receiving dependable, high-quality service.

Small businesses like Cleaned with Love play an important role in strengthening our local economy, creating opportunities, and serving the needs of our community. We are proud to celebrate Je'Leah's entrepreneurial journey and the continued growth of her business.

To learn more about Cleaned with Love Cleaning, LLC, visit www.cleanedwithlovecleaning.com.

ADEDC President & CEO Jana D**e joined Locate South Georgia in Atlanta on Monday to highlight the strengths and opportunities of our region to state project managers.

Locate South Georgia Chair Shelley Zorn gave a presentation on project activity in the region, providing updates on ongoing economic development efforts and opportunities across South Georgia.

Thank you to Locate South Georgia for bringing regional partners together to showcase the opportunities that make South Georgia a great place to do business.

Congratulations to Albany Technical College on having its Cybersecurity Associate Degree Program ranked No. 2 in Georgia for 2026 by Programs.com.

A strong cybersecurity workforce is critical to supporting one of Albany-Dougherty County's target industries: defense. As home to Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany and a growing network of defense-related employers, developing skilled talent in cybersecurity helps strengthen our region's competitiveness and supports the future needs of industry.

We're proud to have educational partners like Albany Tech helping prepare the next generation of technology and security professionals right here in Southwest Georgia.

Helping businesses grow doesn't stop once they're open—it means providing the resources, connections, and education they need to thrive.

Recently, our own Kirsten Hayes partnered with the Georgia Tech Food and Beverage Accelerator and the Georgia Grown Resource Center to host *Accelerating Your Food Business*, bringing together food entrepreneurs from across Southwest Georgia for a day of learning, collaboration, and growth.

From scaling operations to accessing valuable business resources, participants gained practical insights to help take their businesses to the next level.

Thank you to our partners at Georgia Tech Food and Beverage Accelerator, the Georgia Grown Resource Center, and the Albany Welcome Center for helping make this event possible.

We're excited to continue supporting the entrepreneurs, innovators, and small businesses that help drive our regional economy forward. 🌱