International VIP Tour Travels South Georgia After 3-Year Hiatus
In 1986, the office today known as the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) founded a unique, hybrid program aimed at creating meaningful relationships that catalyze growth between international representatives and local communities in Georgia.
More than 30 years later, GDEcD’s International Relations team took to the road again for this 2023 International VIP Tour following a three-year hiatus in the program during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, guests joined the International Relations team to explore the history, industry, tourism, and educational institutions that make a few of South Georgia’s communities exceptional.
Jump to:
Warner Robins and Albany
Thomasville
Valdosta
Vienna and Macon
Albany
After departing from Atlanta, the Tour’s first stop was the Georgia VECTR Center in Warner Robins. The State-run center offers career counseling, educational coaching, workforce training, and more for veterans reentering civilian life. Georgia’s large population of active and retired military servicemembers are valuable additions to the state’s workforce, and they have played a role in the state’s workforce solutions for decades.
In Albany, guests enjoyed lunch at the Flint RiverQuarium, an award-winning aquarium that promotes conservation and stewardship, and met with local business and economic development representatives. Born in in 1994 through an idea to bring the community together and spread awareness of local river ecosystems, the aquarium opened in 2004 and received the American Institute of Architects award the following year.
Lunch featured a performance from the Freedom Singers, a celebrated acapella group that began as part of the Civil Rights Movement. Rutha Mae Harris, an original member of the now all-women group, led the singers in “Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around” and “This Little Light of Mine.”
The group next visited Procter & Gamble’s 50-megawatt biomass renewable energy plant in Albany. The plant also serves Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, supporting more than 750 jobs and generating $300 million in economic impact for the local economy, according to local impact studies.
Thomasville
The City of Thomasville is known for its film and tourism industries that highlight its scenic charm and ability to embody a wide range of eras. Although it was too early in the year to enjoy the annual Rose Show & Festival, the group took the opportunity to explore the city’s iconic main street. Community representatives introduced themselves to the tour group during dinner in one of downtown Thomasville’s restaurants, sharing the city’s history and building relationships.
The second day of the tour featured another glimpse into Georgia’s history with a focus on a timeless sport: quail hunting. South Georgia is well-known for its Northern Bobwhite, or Virginia Quail, populations. The sport combines Georgians’ love for the outdoors with their Southern hospitality. From 3,000-acre estates once owned by presidents to family-owned businesses, South Georgia is a top destination for visitors across the country.
The Thomasville community is also home to robust industry. The group visited Check-Mate Industries, a women-owned family business that specializes in metal stamping. The company began in New York as a tool-and-die operation before expanding into metal stamping and adding a facility in Georgia. Their products can be found in anything ranging from firearms to gumball machines. During the visit and tour, the company explained how the state’s workforce development program, Georgia Quick Start, and the existing industry team support companies even after they locate in Georgia.
Valdosta
Crossing South Georgia to the east, participants then toured the Valdosta State University STEAM Center. Students from Valdosta State University’s international program connected with Consular Corps members, including representatives from their home countries, at the Center. The Center introduces learners to STEAM career pathways through a rotating selection of engaging activities, with this year’s themes include sports science and weather patterns.
After lunch, guests explored some of Valdosta’s existing industries, touring multiple facilities around the city.
Arglass Yamamura’s state-of-the art facility began production 
in 2020. Arglass is the result of a joint-venture partnership with the Japanese company Nihon Yamamura Glass, which is a leading glass container manufacturing company in Japan with over 115 years of experience. The company is unique in the glass industry for being able to produce large batches of products as well as small quantities of custom designs. The facility also recycles any products deemed defective in an energy-efficient manner.
Langdale Forest Products Co. is just one of about two dozen 
companies under The Langdale Company Corporation. The business was devoted to preserved wood products manufacturing for over 70 years, but has now shifted its priorities to southern yellow pine dimensional lumber. The company was founded in 1894 and has evolved from its humble beginnings to a 180-acre state-of-the-art centralized manufacturing facility in Valdosta.
Georgia Beer Company was founded by two Valdosta State 
University graduates. They began brewing at home before gaining the experience they needed to grow. With the help of the local economic development authority, the startup was able to revitalize a historic building in downtown Valdosta. Breweries can be found across Georgia, and the National Brewers Association estimated that small and craft breweries contributed nearly $2 billion to the state’s economy, ranking 12th in the nation, in 2021.
The day concluded at the Turner Center for the Arts, a premier regional arts center located in downtown Valdosta. The Center serves as a home to cultural and art exhibitions as well as a host for events.
In 2021, the Center was awarded a $15,000 grant through the Lowndes-Valdosta Arts Commission and Georgia Council for the Arts. Hosting the group for dinner at the Center, the community was able to highlight some of the exciting development and international recognition the city has earned for their innovative Smart City initiatives.
No trip through South Georgia is complete without sampling pecans. In addition to hearing from South Georgia Pecan Company, the tour made time to stop at Ellis Bros. Pecans in Vienna, Georgia. The multi-generational pecan growing and processing business is still located next to the original pecan grove, and their pecans, gourmet candies, and preserves are enjoyed all over the world.
The tour made one last stop on its way back to Atlanta in Macon. Capricorn Studios, built in 1969, welcomed the likes of the Allman Brothers Band, the Marshall Tucker Band, the Charlie Daniels Band, Wet Willie, Percy Sledge, Bonnie Bramlett, Dexter, Otis Redding III, and many more Southern rock legends.
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation recognized the now fully restored Capricorn location in the 2021 Preservation Awards. As part of an economic development initiative, the studio has transformed into a center point for boosting Macon’s music industry. Leadership from Mercer University and the local community made the project’s talent incubator a priority, providing a space for local artists to create music with access to recording tools and practice rooms.
With that, the 2023 International VIP Tour came to a close. From education to industry, arts to tourism, international representatives learned more about the opportunities available in South Georgia. Learn more about the Consular Offices in Georgia, or explore the state’s global connections.
-Posted March 22, 2023