Georgia Industrial Sites Earn Shovel-Ready Certification

ATLANTA – September 17, 2026 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced that five industrial sites across Georgia have earned a new certification that makes them particularly attractive for future industrial development: “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) certification with “Select” status.  

The following sites have earned “GRAD Select” status: Enterprise Corner in Floyd County, Louisville Airport Industrial Park in Jefferson County, Park West Industrial Park in Appling County, Pierce County Industrial Park in Pierce County, and Wilkes County Industrial Park West in Wilkes County.  

The Georgia Economic Developers Association’s 2026 Annual Conference in Savannah also recognized four additional sites for prior certification this summer: Tidewaters Industrial Complex in McIntosh County, Savannah Portside International Park in Effingham County, Tradeport West Business Park in Liberty County, and Southerfield Road Industrial Park in Sumter County. 

“Speed-to-market is a competitive edge that benefits Georgians throughout the state, giving them the chance to build an even brighter future right where they live,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Site preparation reflects thoughtful planning and investments by communities in shaping the future, and shovel-ready sites ensure that Georgia is ready when the right job creator is.” 

The GRAD Program offers more than 70 industrial-certified sites ready for fast-track projects. The “GRAD Select” status indicates that a site has met or exceeded more rigorous certification requirements. 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 from a board of advisors composed of public and private-sector economic development professionals.  

“Preparing sites for development gives communities the ability to compete for new investment while also creating opportunities for existing industries to grow and expand,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce Misti Martin. “Through the GRAD program and the Rural Site Development Initiative, we are helping communities build a pipeline of development-ready sites that support their long-term economic goals. We are thrilled to recognize our local partners and look forward to continuing this work together.” 

Six of the nine recently certified sites received site improvement grants or certification scholarships through the Rural Site Development Initiative (RSDI). Over $28 million in RSDI funding has been dispersed to help rural communities prepare new industrial sites. These grants support site improvements and the addition of new GRAD-certified sites. For more information, visit georgia.org/sites/certified-sites. 

For aerial views and property details for the newly certified sites below as well as other GRAD-certified sites throughout the state: georgia.org/siteselector.  

Newly GRAD-Certified Sites 

Enterprise Corner  

The 200-acre Enterprise Corner industrial site in in northwest Georgia is managed by the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority and supported by a GRAD-Certification Scholarship. Learn more about Rome-Floyd County at developromefloyd.com. 

Louisville Airport Industrial Park  

The 245-acre Louisville Airport Industrial Park in central Georgia is managed by the Development Authority of Jefferson County and supported by a GRAD-Certification Scholarship. Learn more about Jefferson County at jeffersoncounty.org. 

Park West Industrial Park  

The 150-acre Park West Industrial Park in southeast Georgia is managed by the Development Authority of Appling County. Learn more about Appling County at baxley.org.  

Pierce County Industrial Park  

The 360-acre Pierce County Industrial Park in southeast Georgia is managed by the Pierce County Industrial Development Authority. Learn more about Pierce County at pcgeorgia.com.

Wilkes County Industrial Park West  

The 488-acre Wilkes County Industrial Park West in east central Georgia is managed by Wilkes County Payroll Development Authority and supported by a GRAD-Certification Scholarship. Learn more about Wilkes County at wweconomicdevelopment.org. 

About Global Commerce 

The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce division partners with companies, communities, and organizations statewide to attract new locations, encourage business expansions, support small businesses, and empower community-led site preparation and readiness. From FY22-FY26, the division played an active role in welcoming an expected $125.6 billion and 164,900 new jobs to the state in investment through consistent annual performance. A five-year total of $38.1 in foreign direct investment marks Georgia as a top destination for businesses from around the world. Visit georgia.org/why-georgia for more information. 

About Georgia Department of Economic Development 

As the state’s sales and marketing engine, lead agency for economic development, exports, film and the arts, and as the official destination marketing organization, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) drives strategic growth and prosperity. Building on partnerships and leveraging Georgia’s diverse industry mix and global connectivity, GDEcD mobilizes all available resources for business growth and innovation, creating opportunity for businesses of all sizes from the mountains to the coast. Learn more at georgia.org.