Decide DeKalb 2022 Annual Report

Igniting & Uniting in DeKalb

MESSAGE FROM CEO, Michael Thurmond

Greetings,

As DeKalb County celebrates its bicentennial and prepares to move into a new century of progress, it is my pleasure to offer congratulations on behalf of the DeKalb County Government, Board of Commissioners, and the 775,000 citizens for the unparalleled efforts that have driven economic growth in 2022.

Decide DeKalb is an essential partner and force that has facilitated over $800 million in new investments and 7,000 new and retained jobs. This is more than double the investment of the prior year, creating economic prosperity with the promise of even more growth.

In 2022, Decide DeKalb’s efforts resulted in many notable achievements, such as:

• Attracting the expansion of large companies like PepsiCo Beverages and Roadmaster Drivers School.

• Working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to rebuild and expand critical water and sewer infrastructure.

• Working with the DeKalb Entertainment Commission to support the film and entertainment industry through the expansion and construction of new studios while also educating and exposing students and residents to career opportunities in the industry.

The DeKalb County Government looks forward to continuing the partnership with Decide DeKalb and ensuring our county flourishes for the next hundred years.

Michael Thurmond CEO, DeKalb County

"Decide DeKalb is an essential partner and force that has facilitated over $705 million in new investments and 6,300 new and retained jobs."

MESSAGE

FROM Board Chair, Don Bolia

As we entered 2022, there was anticipation and exhilaration. We knew things would be different based on our experiences two years prior, but we weren't sure exactly what to expect. There was a newness and energy that was hard to articulate but easy to feel. People, businesses, and communities were eager to engage, connect and grow. That vibrancy, paired with the outstanding leadership of DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, and Decide DeKalb president Dorian DeBarr ignited DeKalb County in 2022.

The Decide DeKalb team's fortitude, foresight, and dedication prepared DeKalb County for a year filled with growth and opportunity. It was an incredible year for business retention, expansion, and attraction, creating opportunities as well as access to jobs for our citizens that strengthen our community.

• Prudential Overall Supply's $35 million investment brought more than 100 new jobs to Tucker and DeKalb County.

• Assembly Atlanta's 135-acre redevelopment of the former General Motors plant will be a destination for entertainment in DeKalb County.

On behalf of the Decide DeKalb Board of Directors, I thank our community, leadership, and the Decide DeKalb team. May we continue to flourish in creating a unified and stronger DeKalb County in 2023.

Don Bolia Board Chair, Decide DeKalb Development

Authority

"It was an incredible year for business retention, expansion, and attraction, creating opportunities and access to jobs…"

Igniting & Uniting in DeKalb

MESSAGE FROM President,

Dorian

DeBarr Unity through Equity

The past year has been one of growth and connection for businesses and residents of DeKalb County as well as the team at Decide DeKalb.

I am grateful to our CEO, Michael Thurmond, DeKalb Board of Commissioners, and the leaders on our Board of Directors for their insights and support into building new business opportunities and advancing the quality of life for DeKalb County residents. Dedicating personnel and resources toward creating a more equitable county and economy aims to unify residents and spark progress.

As we look back on the successes and accomplishments of 2022, we are hopeful that business continues to move upward and forward. A great step in that direction is the PepsiCo Beverages expansion in Tucker. Advanced manufacturing has a home here in DeKalb County and will afford our residents a higher wage and a meaningful career path. As the film and entertainment industry continues to flourish in Georgia, we’re proud to facilitate the $380 million development and expansion of Shadowbox Studios in South DeKalb, projected to bring more than 2,000 jobs to the county. A few miles off interstate 20 in Stone Mountain, Electric Owl Studios will come online as the only ground-up, LEED Gold-certified film and television studio campus in the world.

Sustainability remains at the forefront of every project. We aim to increase progress and to improve existing locations, and projects such as StationSoccer

Click to hear more from Dorian on the successes in DeKalb County in 2022.

"Dedicating personnel and resources toward creating a more equitable county and economy aims to unify residents and spark progress."

Dorian with Dr. Tavarez Holston, president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College

by Soccer in the Streets which demonstrates our commitment to the community. With the support of an EPA Revolving Loan Fund, we can better facilitate redevelopment projects, and the locations of such have been expertly identified and cataloged in our Brownfield Development Opportunity Inventory. Promoting sustainability directly impacts those in the community, both in the present and for future generations of DeKalb citizens.

As you continue reviewing this report, please keep top of mind that economic development doesn’t happen overnight or in a vacuum with a select few. This work requires patience, collaboration, and intentionality for a brighter day. As Decide DeKalb’s mission so simply states, Decide DeKalb aims to nourish our communities through opportunities and partnerships that foster growth, equity, and innovation. Our focus is clear, and we walk boldly into this next phase of helping to create prosperity for all in DeKalb.

Dorian DeBarr President, Decide DeKalb Development Authority

621 RETAINED JOBS

6,786 NEW JOBS IN 2022

$836 NEW INVESTMENT MILLION

Economic Development Highlights

PepsiCo Expansion in City of Tucker

In spring 2022, PepsiCo Beverages (PBNA) announced plans to bolster its presence and investment in DeKalb County with a $260 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in the City of Tucker. In spring 2022, PepsiCo Beverages (PBNA) announced plans to bolster its presence and investment in DeKalb County with a $260 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in the City of Tucker.

The 260,000 square foot expansion at 1644 Rock Mountain Boulevard will clear the way for Pepsi to create at least 136 new full-time jobs at the plant, bringing Pepsi’s total DeKalb County workforce to over 600 full-time employees. Decide DeKalb supported the expansion through a property tax incentive, workforce development partnerships, and permitting support.

“This is great news for Tucker and for DeKalb County. The magnitude of the investment PBNA is making and the quality of jobs they are creating will have a significant and ongoing impact here in Tucker for years to come,” said Tucker Mayor Frank Auman. “We work hard to attract new business to Tucker, but it’s even

more important to retain our existing businesses. When a leader like PBNA doubles down here with an investment of this scale, it speaks highly of Tucker’s efforts, and we’re proud to support them in every way we can.”

Once completed, the expanded advanced manufacturing plant is expected to increase production by five times the current capacity by 2025, making it one of Pepsi’s largest manufacturing facilities. “This expansion will greatly increase [Pepsi’s] production serving nearby Atlanta and the wider Georgia region to continue the growth of our business and customers in the area,” said Karen Jordan, Chief Supply Chain Officer, PBNA. “We are proud to increase our footprint locally as a supplier, producer, and employer, bringing with us our gender equity and sustainability mission to create positive change.”

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This level of investment by an international company like Pepsi speaks to the stable and ongoing growth we are currently experiencing in DeKalb County. “We are delighted that PBNA has decided to deepen the roots they have planted here in DeKalb County. We are proud to be a part of this exciting public/private partnership that will spur job creation and economic growth,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond.

Spotlight

Geoffrey Loften, Equitable Economic Development Program Manager

Geoffrey Loften focuses on building relationships while developing and overseeing programs that support business growth and revitalization around DeKalb County. Geoffrey has taken significant steps toward bridging gaps around emerging areas such as Memorial Drive and Candler Road. In partnership with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta's Young Professionals, Geoffrey facilitated a pop-up small business incubator, connecting DeKalb County entrepreneurs to relevant resources. Geoffrey’s goal is to develop a long-term equitable economic development strategy for DeKalb County, to fuel and stimulate economic growth through data-driven efforts, and foster an environment conducive for future investment.

On the Road Again

Supply chain shortages begin with diminished workforce, but Roadmaster Drivers School is taking steps to get people behind the wheel. The need for trained and licensed truck drivers has spiked. Roadmaster Drivers School president Brad Ball says, “The demand for drivers right now is higher than it has ever been. We’re short about 80,000 drivers in this industry right now.”

With 30 years of experience and 20 locations across the country, the Conley location is the third Roadmaster Drivers School in Georgia, second in the metro area. Classes can admit around 40 students per class, with the capacity to produce 400 graduates each year. Roadmaster Drivers School provides an opportunity for DeKalb County residents to begin a new career path, offering the space and training needed to develop real-world truck driver skills and earn their Class A Commercial Driver’s License.

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Sustainability

Making Core Connections the Goal

In 2022, Soccer in the Streets worked with Decide DeKalb to build soccer fields on unused land at Kensington MARTA station.

The first StationSoccer™ fields in DeKalb County opened at the Kensington MARTA station. Built on the surface of an old parking lot, these fields provide community greenspace in underutilized areas around the transit hub. The project utilized a $75,000 grant from the Kensington Safety, Security, and Quality of Life Improvement (SSQLI) TAD grant. Funds from the Kensington SSQLI grant went toward developing pedestrian and bicycle paths connecting the fields to the MARTA station and corridor as well as development of an asphalt mural and community gardens.

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Soccer in the Streets director Sanjay Patel came up with the idea for StationSoccer™ during his daily commute on MARTA when he noticed large areas of unused land around the transit centers throughout the city. StationSoccer adapts the empty spaces around MARTA stations into mini soccer fields and learning spaces for community use. This “League of Stations” promotes community activity and learning and connection across the city for youth to share their love of the game. The fields at Kensington are the first location in DeKalb County, with plans to establish more at East Lake and Doraville.

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Community Farmers Market

Healthy, fresh produce is coming soon to the Kensington MARTA Station.

Fresh MARTA Markets are pop-up farm stands that bring produce and other food options to transit hubs, giving patrons convenient access to food options on their way to or from the train or bus.

Working with Community Farmers Market, Decide DeKalb supported the construction of a Fresh MARTA Market at the Kensington MARTA station through SSQLI grant funds. This commitment provides access to healthy food options for residents in DeKalb County along with bolstering the local food economy. As a semi-fixed produce, the stand will offer up to 18 unique produce items each week, as well as locally produced value-added foods like peanut butter, baked goods, juice, and prepared salads. Fresh MARTA Markets include a mix of hyperlocal, regional, and conventional produce to both meet consumer nutrition and preferences and to support the regional food economy.

Exponential Growth Potential in DeKalb

Tax Allocation Districts in DeKalb

Originally established in 2004, the Kensington Station/Memorial Drive Tax Allocation District (TAD) is open for applications.

Two grant programs, each up to $135,000, are available to property owners, businesses, or developers.The Kensington TAD focuses on streetscape improvement, including updating building façades and prioritizing safety for pedestrians and bicyclists around the Kensington MARTA Station and Memorial Drive corridor.

DeKalb County has three established TADs: Kensington Station/Memorial Drive, Avondale, and Briarcliff. In December, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved a fourth TAD for North DeKalb Mall and the nearby area, including North Druid Hills Road and Lawrenceville Highway. The goal of this TAD, known as the Market Square TAD, is to focus on the redevelopment of the area surrounding North DeKalb Mall with mixed-use development and a pedestrian trail system to connect the existing greenspaces with the new development.

Finding the right location is essential for every venture. To assist, Decide DeKalb offers several economic development incentive programs and services to help businesses find the right space to grow and thrive in DeKalb County.

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EPA Revolving Loan Fund

Committed to improving the quality of life in DeKalb County, Decide DeKalb secured $2.5M in a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund.

Revolving Loan Funds (RLF) are programs designed to keep the community invested in improvement and redevelopment long term. The EPA’s RLF enables nonprofit organizations and developers to engage in the crucial work of cleaning up blighted and hazardous sites, keeping the funds in the community and available for the next remediation and redevelopment project and investing in the safety, health, and economic growth of DeKalb and its residents. With the award of RLF supplemental funding in the amount of $2.5M, the total number of dollars received more than doubled, moving from $1.7M to $4.2M, enabling future redevelopment projects throughout DeKalb County.

Brownfields Development Opportunity Inventory (DOI)

For developers and site selectors seeking locations for their business ventures, Decide DeKalb has taken steps to make that process more accessible.

In 2022, in partnership with Cardno, Decide DeKalb assembled a database of all brownfields locations throughout DeKalb County. Users can search the Brownfields Development Opportunity Inventory (DOI) for specific addresses or browse the county and view information on locations, including specific details updated live with county property assessments. Making the information accessible offers opportunities to expedite the process of restoring our community, making DeKalb a safer and healthier place to live, work, and do business.

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Decide DeKalb - Ignite & Unite

Business Retention & Expansion

PREP’s Growing Culinary Communities

One of the fastest growing trends in the food industry is also growing in DeKalb County.

PREP’s commercial kitchens offer shared spaces dedicated to food preparation for delivery, food trucks, catering, and more. The pandemic shifted many consumers’ attitude toward dining from in-house to the ease of delivery. Sales of food consumed outside of the restaurant can account for almost half of sales. Unlike establishing a second location to accommodate the spike of to-go orders, these dedicated commissary kitchens keep costs minimal while offering expansion opportunities for businesses.

PREP has seen such a rise in demand that they have maxed out capacity in current facilities. With support from Decide DeKalb, PREP was able to navigate the process of expansion smoothly and efficiently and is staged to provide new spaces to meet the needs of the community.

Prudential Overall Supply

Prudential Overall Supply, an industry leader in reusable image work apparel and cleanroom laundry service systems expands location in City of Tucker.

With a $35 million investment, Prudential will bring in more than 100 new jobs that provide critical support to diverse businesses in and around the city of Tucker and DeKalb County. The site will provide industrial and cleanroom laundry processing services. For industries such as manufacturing, business services, restaurants, and distribution companies, Prudential offers products such as uniforms, floor mats, towels and napkins. Cleanroom services offer space essential for industries that operate and manufacture in controlled environments such as semiconductor, pharmaceutical, bioscience, aerospace, education, and electronics.

Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce

Kristi Brigman commented, “Prudential Overall Supply’s investment in their modern, new Georgia facility, will provide quality jobs for Georgians and their families while contributing to the City of Tucker. We extend our thanks and look forward to continuing to further strengthen the state’s relationship with the company for years to come. We’re also proud to congratulate DeKalb County and the City of Tucker for creating this opportunity and thank them for their partnership.”

In November, Prudential Overall Supply held a press conference at its future Tucker, GA, industrial and cleanroom laundry processing facility site. Facilitated by Decide DeKalb, officials representing local, State and Congressional representatives celebrated the modern, new facility.

As Prudential’s thirty-sixth location, the Tucker Plant will be the industry’s newest, most modern, and amongst the largest industrial and cleanroom laundry processing plants in the United States.

Connecting

People, Sparking Progress

Katrina Young, Business Retention and Expansion Manager

With less than a year on the Decide DeKalb team, Katrina Young hit the ground running as part of the Economic Development Team, led by Randi Mason, VP, Economic Development. As the Business Retention and Expansion Manager, Katrina’s primary role is engaging with the community and meeting businesses of all sizes. This year, she connected with more than 80 businesses throughout DeKalb County. She’s advocated and aided in the development of the Technology Advisory Council, which meets quarterly to bring together companies, school and government representatives, and support teams to generate more growth for DeKalb County’s technology sector. For Katrina, working with Decide DeKalb is like ministry, a heart-fulfilling job providing resources and information to those who need it most, and cheering them on along the way.

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DeKalb Entertainment Commission

Lights, Camera, Action in DeKalb!

When it comes to the cameras, DeKalb County doesn’t have a bad side. As the primary driving force attracting and expanding businesses supporting the film, television, music, and digital entertainment industry in DeKalb County, the DeKalb Entertainment Commission (DEC) is focused on bringing together entertainment companies, municipalities, and local businesses to help drive economic growth and provide DeKalb County residents with lucrative job opportunities.

From location assistance to film permitting, the DEC offers businesses an opportunity to thrive in their creative ventures. Additionally, through DEC partnerships with Georgia Piedmont Technical College and DeKalb County Schools Career Technical Agricultural Education program, students and professionals have opportunities to learn about and train for careers in the entertainment industry.

NUMBER OF PRODUCTION COMPANIES IN DEKALB

174

706 PRODUCTIONS IN DEKALB SINCE 2018

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SCAD Partnership

This year, more than thirty high school students from DeKalb County got a red-carpet treatment thanks to the partnership between DeKalb Entertainment Commision (DEC), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and DeKalb County School System.

At SCAD AnimationFest, held in September 2022, DeKalb Entertainment Commission worked with SCAD to develop special programming for ten students from DeKalb County schools, including panels and workshops relevant to students who are interested in pursuing a career in animation, gaming, visual effects, and other digital media. SCAD AnimationFest featured sessions with industry leaders from Hulu and Netflix as well as accomplished SCAD alumni exploring behind the scenes of animation, visual effects and production, and all other aspects of creative technology in entertainment, including the university’s newest state-of-the-art mixed reality (XR) stage for virtual production at SCAD Atlanta’s Digital Media Center.

The largest university-run film festival in the United States, SCAD 25th Annual Film Festival showcased the cinematic excellence of professionals and students alike.

Twenty-two students from across DeKalb County were selected to attend this prestigious event in October 2022. Students agreed that the event presented an opportunity to see dreams come true, charting paths to potential careers in the entertainment and arts industry here in DeKalb County and Georgia.

The partnership between DEC, SCAD and DeKalb County School System is part of an ongoing strategic effort to build intentional partnerships with a purpose. Attendance at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival and AnimationFest provided DeKalb County students with an avenue for learning outside of the classroom. Students took full advantage of the workshops, panels, and screenings offered for the day. Providing this level of exposure to the career opportunities that exist within the thriving film industry is invaluable to the young adults of DeKalb County.

The DEC serves as a pillar and guide for DeKalb County residents to careers within the entertainment industry including our young adults."

Shelbia Jackson, Director, DeKalb Entertainment Commission

Assembly Atlanta

Former GM Plant redeveloped into mixed-use development anchored by movie studio

Spanning 135 acres, Assembly Atlanta is redeveloping the former General Motors plant in Doraville into studio space and soundstages for film and television. Spaces available for studios to lease include backlots, soundstages, greenscreens, and a retaining pond for a picturesque outdoor location. Plans for hotels solidify Assembly Atlanta as a destination location for locals and tourists alike.

As of August 2022, construction is underway, employing more than 700 Georgia residents and prioritizing sourcing materials locally. The project is set to open summer 2023, and is anticipated to create at least 4,000 more jobs for DeKalb County and metro Atlanta.

Hilton Howell, CEO of Gray Television, says the project is ahead of schedule and proud of the progression and opportunities Assembly Atlanta will offer.

The General Motors plant has been a longstanding piece of DeKalb history. Originally opened in 1947, the plant closed in 2008. Well-positioned in DeKalb County, the site is easily accessible by interstates, MARTA, and other forms of transit in metro Atlanta and is nestled in the midst of many historic DeKalb neighborhoods. Assembly Atlanta seeks to honor the history and legacy of the economic impact GM had for DeKalb County, but keep an eye toward the future and the possibility presented by establishing a solid footprint in the entertainment industry.

Rick Burns, Vice President of Assembly Atlanta, lauded Decide DeKalb for their commitment to the project’s success, “[Decide DeKalb] is easy to work with and everybody believes in the mission of what we’re creating here at Assembly. DeKalb County is home to a wealth of talent and Assembly Atlanta will be a magnet for artists and entrepreneurs to grow and cultivate their craft.”

Assembly Atlanta Jay Gipson

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Shadowbox Studios Expansion

Largest investment in South DeKalb’s history

Shadowbox Studios, formerly known as Blackhall Studios, announced plans to expand its presence in South DeKalb. Expanding across the 155 acres directly south of the current location, the expansion will more than double the studio’s existing footprint, expanding from nine soundstages to thirty-two. The $380 million investment is expected to bring in 2,400 new jobs on site as it adds 1.2 million square feet of available space, including warehouses, mills, and offices in addition to soundstages.

These plans set Shadowbox Studios up to be one of the largest film production facilities in Georgia,

deepening the relationship between DeKalb County and the entertainment and technology industry. Shadowbox already stands as an industry leader for state-of-the-art studios capable of producing blockbuster films and hit series on popular networks. With support from Decide DeKalb through a property tax incentive and permitting assistance, Shadowbox will grow in its current location, offering quick access to the airport and metro area, increased job opportunities for locals as well as cultivating space for creative talent to thrive.

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Decide DeKalb - Ignite & Unite

STATEMENT OF REVENUE

Total

STATEMENT OF REVENUE

Total

Change in Position

$1,022,894

NON-OPERATING REVENUES (EXPENSES)

Meet the Team

Decide DeKalb Board of Directors

DON BOLIA CHAIR

MIRANDA MCKENZIE SECRETARY

REBEKAH COBLENTZ BOARD MEMBER

KEVIN GOOCH VICE CHAIR

ANDREW GREENBERG BOARD MEMBER

COMMISSIONER ROBERT PATRICK BOARD MEMBER & COMMISSIONER LIASON

SAI REDDY TREASURER

KIM ADAMS BOARD MEMBER

ANSLY MOYER LEGAL COUNSEL

Decide

Decide DeKalb Staff

DORIAN DEBARR PRESIDENT

SHELBIA JACKSON DIRECTOR, DEKALB ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION

JOSHUA WILLIAMS BUSINESS RELATIONS SPECIALIST

RANDI MASON VP, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SUNNY ANDERSON SR. BUSINESS ATTRACTION MANAGER

LAURA RAMOS MARKETING MANAGER

TERRA WASHINGTON VP, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

GEOFFREY LOFTEN EQUITABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM MANAGER

JEN HAGLER MANAGER, REDEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

AMANDA MCBEE DIRECTOR, FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING

KATRINA YOUNG BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION MANAGER

JENEE WILLIAMS OFFICE MANAGER

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