AT&T Georgia invests in EDC/Albany Tech initiative

ALBANY — An official with AT&T Georgia lauded the importance of community partnerships when it comes to economic development initiatives.

Then he put his money where his mouth was.

AT&T Georgia Regional Director of External Affairs Courtney Brinson presented a check for $5,000 to the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission at that group’s monthly meeting Wednesday, challenging other community businesses to follow suit.

“I think our businesses need to have an idea of how important your Industry Roundtable initiative with (Albany Technical College president and EDC board member) Dr. (Anthony) Parker and his group is,” Brinson said. “This is a first in Georgia, which is significant, but what’s more important is that you’re laying the foundation for four to five to six years out.

“My hope is that (the donation) will inspire other businesses in the community to step up.”

The EDC recently announced the Industry Roundtable partnership with Albany Technical College’s Center for Business Solutions and the Technical College System of Georgia. The program is designed to expose students to manufacturing principles, which are valuable tools utilized by local industries.

“We’re proud to invest in what the EDC is doing, because it’s an investment in a program that is going to work,” Brinson said after the meeting. “What we’re doing by making this donation is demonstrating a willingness to get involved with a program that fosters cooperation among our business and industries.”

Parker told the board ATC has had 40 students express interest in being involved in the program since it was announced.

“As of this morning before I left my office, we had 40 students in the pipeline for this program,” he said. “I’m pleased that local industries are sending some of their current employees to take part in the program and to note that I’ve heard from college presidents in Texas, South Carolina and North Carolina who have expressed interest in what we’re doing.

“I think, because of this initiative, we’re going to be recognized as an institution that’s really leaning into the development of our local work force.”

EDC President Justin Strickland thanked Brinson for the contribution and for AT&T’s investment in the community’s future.

“Success requires strong community collaboration,” Strickland said. “AT&T’s financial commitment to our work force development effort supports initiatives that have tangible benefits for our industries and our citizens. We’re proud to call Courtney and his team our partners.”