2013 Community
Pride
Industry
Brodie International a star in Bulloch
community pride 2013
2 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 24, 2013 | statesboroherald.com
Industry
Brodie a Bulloch powerhouse By Holli Deal Bragg hbragg@statesboroherald.com
Brodie International Co. LLC, has been a star in Bulloch County for the past 10 years. The company provides liquid flow meters and equipment for the petroleum and industrial markets, specializing in producing high precision meters and valves that are used in the custody transfer of
petroleum products. In 2003, a group of 10 local investors purchased the company from Emerson Electric. The industry operated in earlier years under various names; it began in 1956 as Rockmart and when Emerson purchased it in 1970, the business operated as Brooks Instruments. Brodie International has grown to employ 80 people, and has seen positive
growth over the last year, with the addition of several machines to the line, said Johnny Parrish, company vice president. About 45 percent of Brodie Meter’s business is export. “We sell to all the major oil companies,” Parrish said. Part of the company’s success is that it believes in building longterm relationships with customers, employees and
selling partners. Brodie’s product portfolio includes positive displacement meters, control valves, electronic totalizers, strainers and air eliminators, calibration and reconditioning services and engineered systems. Each of these products is very successful and is globally recognized and respected throughout the industry, according to Parrish.
The company’s design, engineering and manufacturing facilities are all located in Statesboro at the U.S. Highway 301 North location. The service center specializes in the repair and conditioning of meters and valves from all major manufacturers. Brodie has the largest calibration center in North America, with flow rates up to 20,000 barrels
per hour on water and 12,000 barrels per hour on mineral spirits, he said. Brodie Meter touts itself on the company website as being a “world-class production facility in the flow measurement market.” Products and services are sold and distributed worldwide and are used by numerous international oil and pipeline companies, he said.
Southern Aquatic Services keeps ponds healthy Bulloch County business maintains habitats By JAN MOORE jmoore@statesboroherald.com
Keeping local ponds, lakes, and rivers "healthy" is a full-time proposition for Bulloch County resident Kelly Dabbs. Founded in 2008, Dabbs’ company Southern Aquatic Services provides water quality analysis, weed identification and control, pond clean-up, pond stocking, pond fertilization, as well as monthly habitat monitoring to its clients.
the water exceeds 65 degrees, we are very busy. In this climate, our down time is usually about three months in the winter." Dabbs has an array of 'interesting' clients including the Georgia Southern Center for Wildlife Education. Pam Harley serves as business manger for the center. "We have two ponds that were built on the property when we expanded the wildlife center in 2009," she JAN MOORE/Herald file said. "Kelly opened his comKelly Dabbs, owner of Southern Acquatic Services, positions pany at just about the same his boat to treat for weeds at a local pond. time the expansion was being constructed. We con"Most ponds and lakes Dabbs has two full-time tracted with him, and he benefit from being 'main- and two part-time employ- does an amazing job. He tained'," Dabbs said. "They ees to help with the mainte- goes beyond the call of duty, are susceptible to the nance of the 35 bodies of and there are times that I growth of weeds which water that he is contracted feel like we are getting more have to be removed, because to take care of. than we are paying for." they can literally choke the "We go out every month Harley said the center pond or lake. Also, you have to determine what is need- maintains a collection of to look at the ph balance ed," he said. "There is a sea- water fowl that are depenand alkalinity of the lake or sonality to what we do. dent upon the animal life pond. That also has a dra- During the time of the year living in the ponds. matic effect on its health." when the temperature of "It is very important that
the food sources for the water fowl are healthy and vibrant," she said. "In essence, Kelly is maintaining the health of an animal collection for us by keeping the ponds where they need to be." Kim Edge is the co-owner of Edge Fish Farm in Soperton. Edge raises fish to stock ponds and lakes including trout, minnows, shad, bass and catfish. "I don't know that very many people realize that Kelly has a chemistry degree," she said. "He does a very good job, and is so good with people. We are a supplier to many of his clients." Dabbs said he decided to open his company after conversations with the local County Extension Service. "In consulting with the Extension Service on different issues dealing with ponds, they told me that they were really unable to provide the level of service
that pond owners were requesting," he said. "I realized there was a need in this area, and so I founded my company. The Extension Service has been a great referral source." Dabbs has been managing Mike Kittrell's pond for approximately three years. It is located in the Hopeulikit area. "We were having a major problem with the plant Slender Spikerush which is vegetation that grows on top of other vegetation, and takes over the pond," Kittrell said. "We had considered draining the pond until Kelly came out and looked at it. He said the problem could be fixed without doing that, and he has fixed it. He removed the weed from the top of the water, and then dragged something along the bottom. It has been fine ever since. He really goes beyond what he is obligated to do. He is very good at his job.
THE LOXCREEN COMPANY QUALITY AT HOME
Division of M-D Building Products
From parts that protect your children’s fingers from slamming doors to weather strip that keeps your entry doors sealed, the Loxcreen Company’s Plastics Divison in Brooklet, Georgia has delivered quality plastic extrusions to homes across America and Canada for over 45 years.
PLASTIC EXTRUSIONS, CUSTOM MADE FOR INDUSTRIES ACROSS AMERICA.
The Plastics Group of Loxcreen manufactures fifteen million pounds of flexible and rigid plastic profiles annually. Extruded in every color, size, and shape imaginable, the custom profiles and component parts are utilized by the Industries such as, commercial refrigeration, window, door, and golf cart. Look for our new Casa Verde product line at Homedepot.com and coming soon to a retailer near you.
MANUFACTURED BY LOXCREEN IN BROOKLET, GA.
Since opening in 1965, the Plastics Group of the Loxcreen Co., employs 60 men and women to operate it’s 75,000 square foot facility. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, Loxcreen also manufactures aluminum extrusions and building products that are sold across the U.S. and Canada.
3715 Leefield Rd, Brooklet, GA, 30415 TOLL FREE: 1.800.569.5005 info@loxcreen.com • www.loxcreen.com
community pride 2013
statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 24, 2013 – 3
Industry
Viracon restarts production Glass fabricator opens renovated plant in Statesboro By JAN MOORE jmoore@statesboroherald.com
When employees returned to work at Viracon in August 2012 they were met with obvious upgrades to the manufacturing plant, including new carpet, new paint and skylights installed throughout the manufacturing plant. What was less apparent to the untrained eye, but quickly noticed by those coming back, were the upgrades to the manufacturing equipment on the factory floor. Tyrone Williams is a robot operator and has been with the company for five years. He immediately took note of the changes to the machinery he operates. "I love the updated equipment, and it has made my job much easier," he said. "It allows for better production, and eliminates down time. I really like my job, and the people that I work with. I am so glad to be back." Plant manager Rick Farmer said the upgrades and enhancements to the equipment were extensive. "We have five key manufacturing processes, and every piece of equipment was refurbished including software and mechanical upgrades," he said. "Our expectations are improved run rates, less down time, improved quality control, and reduced operating costs." In addition to equip-
SCOTT BRYANT/Herald file
Viracon employee Hermell Law is reflected in panes of laminated glass coming off the production line of the plant. ment modifications, Farmer said a new roof of 80mil Firestone Thermoplastic was installed as well as 86 sun wave skylights. The heating, ventilation, and airconditioning system received updates to yield a more controlled environment, resulting in a cleaner facility. "The combination of improved lighting and better insulation offers significant electrical savings," he said. "Many of the upgrades also improve the safety of our workforce."
Minnesota-based Viracon is America's leading single-source architectural glass fabricator. The company initially invested $27 million to build its Statesboro plant in the Gateway Industrial Park in 1999. These latest renovations cost $6.1 million. "The economy really dictated the timing of this major upgrade," Farmer said. "We knew that we wanted to be ready to meet the increased demand when the market comes back. We were able to offload this plant's
workload to our Utah plant during the time we were idled without impacting our clients." Farmer said he is both pleased and grateful that 85 percent of the 360 employees that were furloughed when the plant shut down returned to work. "Everyone was given the opportunity to come back, and those that chose to do so marry up nicely to our productivity and capacity improvements," he said. "By the end of September we will be fully staffed,
running two, 36-hour rotating shifts." Roselend Cone said she really did not want to start over with a new company when she was furloughed in January. "I have been here six years, and I just wanted to wait and see what changes were being made," she said. "I really enjoy my job. I have moved up, and now work as a 'floater' which means I am placed into different positions based on the need. It is so bright, clean and spacious now. I know I made the right
decision to wait and come back." Farmer said those coming back are treated as new hires. "All of our returning employees are being taken through orientation with a strong emphasis on safety," he said. "Productivity is important, but following safe practices is equally as important." An opening ceremony was held in October to kick off the plant's reopening. Viracon's headquarters are in Owatonna, Minn.
Gateway lands Thermo King Company to support Great Dane plant with temp units By JAN MOORE jmoore@statesboroherald.com
Construction was well underway for the latest addition to Bulloch County's Gateway Industrial Park in March 2012. Located at 311 A.J. Riggs Road, the new Thermo King plant was scheduled to be completed by June. "This plant will be installing and commissioning new Thermo King refrigeration units for the Great Dane manufacturing plant located across the street," said Kent Wilson, vice president of Thermo King of North Florida, located in Jacksonville. "We plan to employ 10 to 20 plus at this location." T her mo King Corporation, a business unit of diversified industrial firm Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited, manu-
SCOTT BRYANT/Herald file
A truck dumps a load of dirt at the Thermo King construction site inside the Gateway Industrial Park. The plant will build temperature control devices for refrigerated trailers manufactured at the adjacent Great Dane plant. factures transport temperature control systems for a variety of mobile applications, including trailers, truck bodies, buses, shipboard containers and railway cars. The first Thermo King
unit was created in Minneapolis, MN in 1938 by Frederick Jones in order to get freshly-killed chickens to market without spoilage. According to the company's website, his inven-
tion worked so well that it spawned entire industries including frozen food, fast food, and container shipping. The company operates 10 manufacturing facilities and 17 parts distribution
centers worldwide. Sales and service is provided by a global dealer network of 865 independently owned companies in 75 countries. David Holland serves as chairman of the Development Authority of
Bulloch County. Holland is very encouraged by the sudden surge of construction in the industrial park. "We're very pleased that Thermo King will be locating its Statesboro facility in Gateway Industrial Park," Holland said. "This is another example of the benefits our community will receive from the effort we made to secure the new Great Dane plant." The 16,000-square-foot plant is located on 6.8 acres within the park. According to Benjy Thompson, CEO of the Development Authority of Bulloch County, there are 200 acres of available industrial property remaining in the Park. "The Development Authority is working with another Great Dane vendor on locating its facility in Bulloch County," Thompson said. Thermo King of North Florida, owner of the Statesboro facility, started in 1981 in Jacksonville as a Thermo King Corporation authorized sales and service facility for trailer and truck refrigeration units, and authorized sales and service for bus air conditioning units. In 1992, the company opened a second facility in Savannah, and in 2009, a third facility in Ocala, Fla.
community pride 2013
4 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 24, 2013 | statesboroherald.com
Industry
GAF opens Statesboro plant
By JAN MOORE jmoore@statesboroherald.com
North America’s largest roofing manufacturer GAF held the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Statesboro ISO plant on Oct. 10, 2012. Located in the Gateway Industrial Park on Highway 301 South, the 300,000 square foot plant and employs approximately 50 workers. "On behalf of the Development Authority of Bulloch County, I'd like to express our excitement for the opening of the GAF facility in Gateway Regional Industrial Park," said Benjy Thompson, CEO of the Bu l l o ch Co u n t y Development Authority. "GAF and our other industry partners in Bulloch County are great examplesof our community's attractiveness for advanced manufacturing. We look forward to their long-term success." The Statesboro GAF plant produces polyisocyanurate (ISO), an insulation material used in commercial roofing systems. The plant will also have residential sheathing capacity. “As the nation’s largest roofing manufacturer, GAF is proud to be an Americanbased company," said Bob Tafaro, president and CEO of GAF. "Our roots run deep; we believe in the strength of our nation and in the resilience of its economy. We are pleased to announce the grand open-
Photo Courtesy GAF
The back end of the GAF plant in Statesboro Gateway Industrial Park is shown. The plant will produce roofing materials. ing of our brand-new ISO plant in Statesboro — the first of several significant contributions we are making to the commercial roofing industry." According to Ray Darmer, Statesboro plant manager, the GAG manufacturing facility has a permitted capacity of 350 million board feet per annum of manufactured material. "The manufacturing facility is currently running one shift per day," Darmer said, in Oct. 2012. "We have the ability to add a second shift as demand
for our product increases" In addition to the Statesboro site, GAF was examining potential sites in Texas, Oklahoma and surrounding areas for a second plant expected to open year-end 2012. Both plants will be strategically located to accommodate the company’s current commercial roofing demand. Once the two plants are up and running, GAF expects to investigate locations for additional plants to give the company nationwide manufacturing capability in the near
future. “We are opening these polyisocyanurate roof insulation plants in response to continued industry demand, and we believe it will greatly strengthen our position in the commercial roofing business, as well as give us the ability to produce residential sheathing products,” Tafaro said. Proudly celebrating more than 125 years in the industry, GAF has become the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, with sales of nearly
$3 billion annually. The company’s products include a comprehensive portfolio of steepslope and commercial roofing systems, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Tafaro said its success is driven by a commitment to provide property owners and specifiers with the best and safest choice in roofing, and by helping supportive contractors and distributors to build their businesses and avoid hassles.
According to a company spokesperson, with a focus on social responsibility, GAF has developed Advanced Protection shingle technology, which provides superior durability and wind resistance, while reducing the use of scarce natural resources. The company has also developed single-ply and asphaltic membranes with superior durability and high reflectivity to meet the most rigorous industry standards while helping commercial property owners and designers reduce energy consumption. GAF also supports the roofing industry through CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, which has provided education to over 125,000 professionals. CARE’s mission is to help professional contractors and distributors build their businesses through sales and management education, and to provide product and installation training to contractors, distributors, architects, property owners, and related industry personnel. For more information about GAF, visit www.gaf. com. According to Darmer, GAF does post jobs on its website, so anyone interested in learning more about what’s available can be directed to the company's home page at www.gaf.com and you can select Employment Opportunities.
Working well together Developers praise city cooperation in building projects
By JAN MOORE jmoore@statesboroherald.com
There has been a major shift in philosophy at Statesboro City Hall in the past two years, and those connected with the real estate development community are glad to see it. "The city has taken a proactive approach in the customer service area to promote economic development," said Joey Maxwell, owner of Maxwell Engineering. "Developers feel like they can ask questions without being judged, and the process has been simplified to where it is understandable." That is precisely what Frank Parker had hoped to accomplish when he accepted the job as city manager in September 2010. "I have been a developer, and I understand the issues and the hurdles that developers face," Parker said. "As a city government, it is not our job to build obstacles for business people to get around. Our job is to help facilitate what they are trying to accomplish within the ordinances that we have." One of the processes which has improved and been embraced by the development community is the "right start" meetings that are conducted prior to a developer submitting plans for a commercial or high density residential development. "The intention of a Right Start meeting is to offer each building permit customer an opportunity to review a building/design
concept with all members of the city development team prior to heavily investing in engineering or architectural work and prior to submitting permit applications with the city," said Mandi Cody, director of Planning and Development for the city. "We strive to identify any issues that the customer may face and work with them to resolve those issues at this early point in the process. Some issues (zoning, variances, etc.) do require Council approval and we walk the customer through that process –giving timelines and assistance. We also advise them of any permits the customer may need from agencies other than the city of Statesboro and make suggestions regarding those submittals to ensure a coordinated and timely permit process." Laura Marsh is an attorney with the firm of Franklin, Taulbee, Rushing, Snipes, and Marsh. She has represented a large number of developers, contractors, and citizens through the process of permitting and rezoning in the city. "We have absolutely seen a great change in trying to work with the city," Marsh said. "The changes have been so positive, and the lines of communication are now much, much better. The city is trying to build bridges with developers, instead of setting up walls. They deserve a lot of credit. Both Mandi Cody and Robert Cheshire have just been excellent to work with." Parker took his position
with the city at a time of turmoil. "When I took the job, city employees were frightened for their livelihood, uncertain of their future," Parker said. "Uncertainty causes anxiety, and it was rampant. I told each employee that with me, they had a clean slate. We work for the citizens of Statesboro, and if you conduct yourself in a professional way, and perform your duties, we will get along well." Parker said his job was to facilitate everyone doing their job. "I don't have the expertise in these different departments that the folks that work in them have, nor do I pretend to," he said. "I defer to their expertise, and have allowed them to do their jobs. There have been improvements in every single department driven by those that work in them. I am extremely proud of what has been accomplished." City engineer Robert Cheshire said the working environment has taken a 180-degree turn since Parker took the reigns. "It has been a true philosophical shift," Cheshire said. "Over the past few years, it had been adversarial between the private and public sector. Now there is a true community spirit in which we strive to do the best for the city and for those trying to do business here. It is a servant's heart with a businessman's heart rolled into one. We have not stopped trying to improve and make the building process more user friendly."
SCOTT BRYANT/Herald file
A construction worker puts siding on a roof at The Islands development on Old Register Road in Statesboro.
community pride 2013
statesboroherald.com | Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 24, 2013 – 5
Industry
Growth gathering steam Census: Bulloch 27th fastest growing county in US From staff reports
Bulloch County is one of the fastest growing communities in the United States. Since the last official census was taken in April 2010, the population of Bulloch County has grown from 70,213 as of July 1, 2010 to 72,881, an increase of 2,668 people, as of July 1, 2011, according to the latest population estimate based on census trends. The rate of growth of 3.8 percent makes Bulloch County among the 30 fastest growing counties in the country – ranking 27th out of 3,143 counties or their equivalents nationwide. Also, Bulloch is now the fourth fastest growing county in Georgia, behind only Charlton, Long and Chattahoochee counties. “Bulloch County’s growth is organic, as our birth rate is increasing,” said Andy Welch, who heads up Bulloch County’s planning division. “We are seeing very strong net migration of new residents, whom we think are moving here from nearby communities seeking employment opportunities, and also from resident student growth associated with Georgia Southern University.” The county ranks 13th in the state in terms of growing by total residents since the official 2010 census was taken. Out of 159 counties in Bulloch County has moved up to the 31st largest compared to its rank of 37th after the 2000 Census. It remains the third most populous county in the Coastal Georgia region behind Chatham County
SCOTT BRYANT/Herald file
A crowd of people visit the Brooklet Peanut Festival in this August 2010 Herald file photo. According to recently released census data, Bulloch County ranks among the 30 fastest growing counties in the U.S. and is the fourth fastest growing county in Georgia. and Glynn County. Bulloch County’s numeric growth of 2,668 during the July 2010-July 2011 period is the highest in the region, and the percentage rate of growth is second behind Long County. Bulloch County’s growth rate is nearly twice as fast as the region as a whole (3.8 percent compared to 2.1 percent) and far outpaces the State of
Georgia’s overall growth rate of 1.3 percent, while representing 11 percent of the Coastal Region’s population. “This could be an anomaly, or the beginning of a prolonged boom cycle,” said County Manager Tom Couch. “When you hear of fast growing communities in Georgia, it has historically been on a metro fringe like
Effingham County outside of Savannah, or the Atlanta exurbs — there’s a new hypothesis that supports our community being a future growth center.” Meanwhile, the Statesboro micropolitan area ranks as the sixth fastest-growing micropolitan area in the United States since the 2010 Census was taken. A micropolitan area, a
term first designated by the Census Bureau in 2003, describes growing population centers that are removed from larger cities or metropolitan areas and that have significant economies and attractions. For statistical purposes, the Census Bureau uses the county-level of measurement noting that Statesboro represents the urban cluster. There are
576 total micropolitan areas in the in the United States. “These new population numbers stress the importance of on-going planning to balance the additional demands for public services,” Couch said. “It also proves that more people continue to come here to Bulloch County to live, work and learn, even in a challenged economy.”
Tourism on the rise in Bulloch Economic impact: $111 million and creation of 1,000 jobs By JAN MOORE jmoore@statesboroherald.com
The economic impact of tourism in Bulloch County continues to rise as evidenced in the most recent statistics released by the Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Division (GDED). The department estimated that in 2011, people visiting Bulloch County spent $111 million through lodging, transportation, food and beverages, retail and entertainment costs. Tourism also generated more than 1,000 jobs, translating into $20 million in local payroll annually. “Many people don’t realize the impact that tourism has on the local economy," said Andy Bhula, a local hotel owner/operator and president-elect of the Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). "Not only does it help in creating jobs and bringing money into the community, but also in helping reduce the taxes of the local property owners.” The Georgia Department
of Economic Development estimated that in 2011, Tourism generated $4.13 million in State taxes, and $3.21 million in local taxes that directly support a wide variety of local projects not just those directly related to tourism. Each Bulloch county household pays $295.65 less in state and local taxes as a result of the taxes generated by tourism according to the organization. The primary proponent of tourism in the county is the Statesboro CVB. Headed by executive director Heidi Jeffers, the organization is funded through a portion of Statesboro and Bulloch County's hotel/ motel tax which is a five percent sales tax assessed on each hotel/motel stay. "The SCVB promotes the city of Statesboro to attract visitors, creating jobs and enhancing the economic vitality of Statesboro and Bulloch County," Jeffers said. "We market to individuals, conferences, meetings, families, tournaments, groups, business travel, tour operators, and more, to experience all that Bulloch County has to offer." According to the GDED, in terms of direct tourism spending, Bulloch County ranks 28 out of 159 counties in the state. If metro Atlanta counties are removed from that list, Bulloch County would rank 17th.
SCOTT BRYANT/Herald file
Die-hard Georgia Southern football fans Mike and Crystal Neely, bottom, celebrate with the rest of Paulson Stadium during the 2012 home opener last September. More than 100,000 fans attend GSU football games every season. “Although hotels are the most obvious benefactors of out of town visitors, restaurants, convenience stores, retail shops, and really any sort of business you can imagine may have visitors spend money with them," said Barry Turner,
Statesboro CVB board president, and vice president for Community and College Relations at Ogeechee Technical College. Tourists come to Bulloch County for many reasons, including attending
Georgia Southern football games, going to Splash in the Boro or enjoying a cultural event. In terms of growth, from 2010 to 2011, tourism spending increased 9.89 percent in Bulloch County—ranking Bulloch
county 29th for highest increase year over year. Since 2005, direct tourism spending in Bulloch County has increased 49 percent from $74.88 million to $111.66 million. Jeffers said a lot of the good things have happened regarding tourism in Bulloch County because of the positive working relationship that her organization has with the GDED. "During 2012, we had two great firsts for the Statesboro," Jeffers said. "Kevin Langston, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism visited the Statesboro CVB Annual Meeting to help launch Georgia’s National Tourism Campaign, The South with a Twist. Also, Statesboro was selected along with Vidalia to host Travel Media Marketplace with the Georgia Tourism Division. The three-day event allowed host communities to showcase Georgia’s tourism assets first hand to national and international travel writers." Turner pointed out the importance of strong support for the tourism industry in Bulloch County. “If we were to have a factory in town that employed 1,000 people, we would be doing all we could to make sure it stays fiscally healthy and viable," he said. "Tourism is that type of industry here, and we should work hard to make sure it stays healthy and viable.”
6 – Statesboro herald — Sunday, February 24, 2013 | statesboroherald.com
community pride 2013
BRODIE
I n t e r n a t i o n a l
Engineering the FUTURE. Delivering Fiscal Measurement Solutions Faster. Safer. More Reliable. More Efficient. Now.
U p s t re a m
Transportation D o w n s t re a m Industrial Av i a t i o n
912.489.0200 • 19267 Hwy 301 North • Statesboro, GA 30461 www.brodieintl.com • johnny.parrish@brodieintl.com