Wayne Commerce Center Certified ‘Ready for Accelerated Development’

ATLANTA – October 6, 2025 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), in cooperation with Wayne County Industrial Development Authority (Wayne County IDA), today announced that the Wayne Commerce Center has earned a “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) certification with “Select” status. The site’s new “GRAD Select” status provides an additional seal of approval that makes it especially attractive for future industrial development.  

“The Wayne Commerce Center’s strategic location and newly certified speed-to-market advantages make it an ideal choice for companies ready to move quickly and access key markets,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “This certification positions the community for success in today’s competitive environment.”

The 312-acre Wayne Commerce Center is located at 2520 Waycross Highway in Jesup. The site is located between major interstates I-16, I-75, and I-95. Jesup is approximately one hour from the Port of Brunswick and less than two hours from the Port of Savannah.  

“Preparation delivers opportunity. By getting this site ready for industry, we're better equipped to attract jobs for families to live and work in the communities where they grew up,” said Georgia House Representative Steven Meeks, District 178. “Thank you to Dell Keith and the Wayne County IDA for their leadership and collaboration with state partners to advance this important work.”

“The GRAD certification of Wayne County’s new industrial park is a major milestone for our community. It signals to prospective employers that we are ready for growth, investment, and job creation,” said Jesup Mayor Ralph Hickox. “This achievement reflects our commitment to economic development and showcases the strategic vision of the Wayne County IDA. We’re excited for the opportunities this park will bring to our citizens and our regional economy.”  

“I’m proud for the work of local leaders to obtain this designation for Wayne County,” said Georgia Senator Blake Tillery, District 19. “It’s not an easy task and requires thorough planning, local investment, and a lot of work. I’m proud of the state-local partnership we have in Wayne County.”

“We are excited about the new 312-acre Wayne Commerce Center, recently GRAD certified, and how this certification will streamline the process for companies seeking to establish roots in Wayne County, saving them valuable time and resources,” said Chairman Kevin McCrary, Wayne County Commission. “This transformative project is poised to drive economic growth and secure a prosperous future for our community.”

Completing the GRAD certification program with GDEcD is a proactive way for both community planners and landowners to help catalyze economic growth and industrial development in their regions. To qualify for GRAD status, available sites must meet the program’s due diligence standards, be reviewed by a third party, and earn the final approval of a board of advisors comprised of public and private sector economic development professionals. The “GRAD Select” status is an indication that a site has met or exceeded more rigorous certification requirements.    

The GRAD Program offers more than 70 industrial certified sites that are ready for fast-track industrial projects, thanks to comprehensive due diligence. Economic development groups and landowners interested in obtaining GRAD certification for their property are encouraged to visit georgia.org/grad-certified-sites/application for additional information. Georgia is also investing over $18 million to help rural communities prepare new industrial sites through the Rural Site Development Initiative. These grants support site improvements and the addition of new GRAD-certified sites.

 For aerial views of GRAD certified sites and property details visit: georgia.org/site-selector. Learn more about Wayne County at connectinwayne.com.    

About GDEcD  

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm. It is Georgia’s lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, and locating new markets for Georgia products. As the state’s official destination marketing organization, it drives traveler visitation and promotes the state as a location for film and digital entertainment projects. GDEcD is responsible for planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development, fostering innovation and the arts to drive opportunity from the mountains to the coast.