The Wayne Commerce Center in Jesup, Georgia, has received the “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) certification with “Select” status, according to an announcement by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Wayne County Industrial Development Authority. This designation aims to attract industrial development by signaling that the site is ready for rapid business setup.
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.”
The 312-acre industrial site is situated at 2520 Waycross Highway, positioned between interstates I-16, I-75, and I-95. Jesup is located about an hour from the Port of Brunswick and under 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 impact of this certification: “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 said, “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.”
To earn GRAD status, sites must undergo a detailed due diligence process that includes third-party review and approval by a board consisting of both public and private sector professionals. The “GRAD Select” status means that additional requirements beyond standard certification have been met.
Currently, more than 70 industrial sites across Georgia have GRAD certification as part of efforts to support fast-track industrial projects through comprehensive due diligence. The state is investing over $18 million through its Rural Site Development Initiative to help rural communities prepare new industrial sites with grants supporting site improvements.
For more information on certified sites or details about applying for GRAD status, interested parties can visit georgia.org/grad-certified-sites/application or see property details at georgia.org/site-selector.
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