Wynfield Plantation hosts 29th Annual Georgia Quail Hunt

ALBANY – Twenty-one business executives representing state recruitment and expansion prospects arrived in Southwest Georgia this week to learn about doing business in Georgia while enjoying some of the best quail hunting in the nation during the 29th annual Georgia Quail Hunt at Wynfield Plantation.

The hunt, which is sponsored each year by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Allies, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and Locate South Georgia, pairs statewide business leaders with guests whose companies or clients are looking to move to or expand in Georgia so that they may learn first-hand about the state’s numerous benefits for businesses.

Gov. Nathan Deal, making his third trip to Albany in just over a month, gave a quick update on FEMA assistance before moving on to economic matters.

“We have just received word that 11 counties have received FEMA declarations for individual and public assistance,” Deal said. “It’s certainly good to have the total package, and we are glad to have received those declarations.”

The 11 counties to receive individual and public assistance declarations are Baker, Brooks, Calhoun, Clay, Cook, Crisp, Dougherty, Thomas, Turner, Wilcox and Worth.

The two storms that swept through Southwest Georgia on Jan. 2 and Jan. 22 have made the job of selling the region to possible industry partners a little more difficult, but Deal noted it also offers the opportunity to showcase the resiliency of the region.

“I think it’s important for people from the outside to see how we have banded together in a time of trouble,” the governor said. “Certainly, that is the case in this area of Southwest Georgia. But we’ve seen neighbors helping each other, and that’s the kind of spirit that comes out in times of difficulty.”

And, Quail Hunt officials said, these annual visits by leaders of industry help display that resiliency and opportunity.

“Business thrives in Southwest Georgia, and we’re proud to show off our region of the state every year during the Georgia Quail Hunt, an incredible collaboration between local, regional, state and corporate partners,” said Justin Strickland, president of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission. “Albany and Southwest Georgia’s infrastructure, skilled work force and low costs of doing business make this an attractive location for industry locations and expansions.”

Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Clark said the importance of events like the Georgia Quail Hunt cannot be overstated.

“This is the premier economic development program in the country for rural Georgia,” Clark stated. “It gives us the opportunity to show off the best of what we have in south Georgia to companies from all over the world. Last year, we had consultants on different projects from all over the nation. This year, we have companies who are thinking about investing down here and in Georgia. This gives them a chance to know the local community and see the special quality of life that we have.

“And I’ll be honest with you. In light of the devastation we’ve had from the storms over the past few weeks, it also gives them an opportunity to see the spirit of this community. I think that really tells the story.”

In addition to the Georgia Allies, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and Locate South Georgia, corporate sponsors of the Quail Hunt include Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, MillerCoors, PowerSports Plus and Glock.