Vinson Institute and PSO Talk Economic Development with State Agency
Ways that Vinson Institute and other UGA Public Service and Outreach (PSO) services can help state and local governments' economic development efforts were presented to representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development during a November 20 visit to the UGA campus.
The Institute's Rob Gordon joined Vice President of Public Service and Outreach Jennifer Frum and Allan Adams, director of the Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC), to outline the ways in which PSO helps governments and communities throughout Georgia meet their economic development objectives. Following the presentations, the group discussed shared experiences about the greatest opportunities and challenges for local governments in regard to advancing economic development. They also discussed common goals and possible avenues for collaboration between PSO and the Department of Economic Development to help grow Georgia's economy and create jobs.
"PSO units extend the university's resources and expertise throughout Georgia and beyond to foster innovation, generate economic development, and improve quality of life," Dr. Frum told the state economic developers.
Rob Gordon, who manages the Institute's economic and demographic analysis unit, described the Vinson Institute's technical assistance, applied research, and professional development activities that promote economic growth, including strategic planning facilitation, assistance with financing options for economic development projects, economic impact analyses, training for planning and zoning boards, and employer surveys. "The Vinson Institute works closely with local governments to prepare the way for growth," Gordon explained to the delegation. "We help them build their capacity so that when they get the call from the Department of Economic Development about an exciting opportunity, they are ready to respond."
SBDC's Adams explained how his unit provides customized assistance to new and growing small businesses in Georgia to help them thrive. Clients of SBDC's recorded rising sales and employment in 2011, a year that saw overall employment and business sales decrease in Georgia, Adams said.
