“There is no single person who can do this alone. It takes a village. It takes focus and intentionality every day to be the community the CEOs of companies are looking for to grow their business. ”

Remarks by Daryl Ingram, Sr. VP & CXO, at the ECG Economic Development Summit.

The 2025 ECG Economic Development Summit marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing commitment to shaping Georgia’s economic future. It celebrated both the Summit’s 20th anniversary and ECG’s 40 years of economic development. Attendees gathered with a shared purpose: to immerse themselves in three days of insightful discussions, expert presentations, and forward-thinking strategies dedicated to strengthening their communities and driving sustainable growth across Georgia.

Bringing together Mayors, city and county Commissioners, Council Members, Utility Directors, City Managers, local Economic Development Professionals, thought leaders, and practitioners from across Georgia to exchange ideas, inspire, and take advantage of valuable networking opportunities.

In his opening remarks, Daryl Ingram emphasized the exceptional work our Georgia Energy Cities are doing regarding economic prosperity, growth, and leadership. He reminded attendees that they represent some of the best in the business and encouraged them to take pride in their role every day. “Other communities are watching you,” he said, urging everyone to be proud of who they are and the important work they are doing to drive economic success and community development.

The sessions provided attendees with invaluable insights on building strong, vibrant communities and understanding their roles as growth champions. Speakers discussed the tools available to economic development professionals and the importance of collaboration in driving progress.

Also highlighted were the challenges and opportunities that emerge after securing major projects, offering strategies for navigating these hurdles with patience and perseverance. Another speaker spoke on the essential qualities of effective leadership, focusing on serving others and striving to impact local communities and the broader world positively.

As Days 2 & 3 unfolded, speakers addressed key topics such as workforce development, site preparation for community success, and the role of development authorities, providing vital information on navigating economic development challenges and seizing growth opportunities. Building on the moment, there was a continued focus on business retention, attainable housing strategies, and the critical role of community leadership in long-term development in our industrial development and retail-commercial and community development break out sessions.

Honoring Dedication and Excellence

A highlight of the summit was the well-deserved recognition of Michelle Holbrook, ECG’s Director of External Affairs, for her 20 years of unwavering commitment to the ECG Economic Development Summit. Michelle’s commitment and hard work leading the team have shaped this event into what it is today! The summit has created a platform that fosters invaluable networking opportunities, builds lasting relationships, and forges collaborations while sharing best practices. Her leadership and service has been instrumental in shaping the event into the success it is, year after year.

SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS

Speaker Presentations

Day 1 | Presentations

Commissioner Chris Nunn, serves as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. This role entails leadership of a broad array of programs dealing with community growth, housing, and economic development. Commissioner Nunn was appointed to his position in 2017.
Prior to his leadership in state government, Commissioner Nunn spent 18 years in the private sector, where he worked for two global professional service firms – Arthur Anderson and Russell Reynolds Associates as a strategy and leadership consultant. Commissioner Nunn also led a 150-person, Atlanta- based accounting firm where he championed growth, client services, and organizational development.

Benjy Thompson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Development Authority of Bulloch County, where he leads efforts to attract business investment and support economic growth in the region. With a background in economic development, academia, and policy, he has held leadership roles at Georgia Southern University, Ogeechee Technical College, and key statewide organizations. He is the immediate Past Chair of the Georgia Economic Developers Association and currently chairs the Coastal Georgia Regional Water Council. A Georgia native, Benjy holds a law degree and an MBA, bringing extensive expertise to advancing economic and workforce development in the state. The Challenges that come after the Big One.

James Albright, has served the City of Acworth for nearly twenty-five years, the last four as City Manager.  He has been incredibly blessed to raise a family, complete his education, positively influence young people through coaching, grown his faith, and build a career in one of the most amazing communities in America, his hometown of Acworth, Georgia. He is a product of amazing parents, coaches who poured into his life, and selfless community leaders who took a chance on him and invested in him at a young age.  Every Monday, he shares the lessons he learned from these special people in the Leadership and Main Blog post.  He firmly believes that leadership can be most effective at the local level. Leadership and Main: Serving Others Locally.

Day 2 | Industrial Development Session

Kevin Brown, a Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, specializes in economic development, public finance, and tax incentives. He has advised public authorities, local governments, and industries on complex projects across Georgia, helping to structure financing solutions that drive growth. With expertise in bond financing, tax credits, special districts, and tax increment financing, Kevin plays a key role in securing funding for public-purpose developments and private investment projects. His guidance helps communities attract businesses, create jobs, and maximize economic opportunities. Roles & Responsibilities of a Development Authorities and Their Board Members.

Shelley Zorn, has served as the Executive Director of the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority since January 2014. In this role, she leads efforts in new industry recruitment, retail development, and the support of existing businesses. With over 20 years of experience in economic development, she has played a pivotal role in fostering business growth and investment in the region. Before transitioning to economic development, Shelley spent 15 years in the banking industry, specializing in commercial lending and marketing. She holds a degree in Finance from Georgia State University, bringing a strong financial acumen to her work in economic development. Project Workforce, Collaborating for Success.

Andrea Collins, is a dynamic leader with a passion for community and business development. As the Executive Director of the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce, she brings a unique blend of experience in non-profits, corporate marketing, and entrepreneurship. A native of Vienna, Georgia, Andrea’s journey has spanned strategic fundraising, consumer marketing, and creative business ownership. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Southern Vines, a floral and event design business, before transitioning into her current role, where she fosters collaboration and economic growth. Andrea holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and an IOM certification, underscoring her dedication to leadership and community impact. Project Workforce, Collaborating for Success.

Wylly Harrison, is the Site Development Program Manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), a position he returned to in 2024 after gaining valuable experience in both the private and public sectors. Originally from Milledgeville, Georgia, Wylly earned his degree in political science from Georgia College and State University in 2004, followed by a Master of Public Administration. Wylly began his career at GDEcD in 2011, where he played a key role in the Aerospace, Defense and Advanced Manufacturing (ADAM) Team. Over the years, he advanced to Senior Project Manager and later served as the Director of the Logistics, Energy, Agribusiness, and Food Processing Team. His diverse career includes experience in the construction industry, real estate with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – Georgia Properties, energy with Walton EMC, and local economic development. Building the Future: The Critical Role of Site Preparation in Community Success.

Matthew Hinshaw, is a nationally recognized attorney specializing in structuring economic development incentive packages and negotiating site selection projects. With extensive experience in corporate and tax law, he has played a key role in securing and structuring complex deals that drive economic growth. Matthew has advised both public and private sector clients on high-profile projects, helping companies secure tax incentives, navigate regulatory frameworks, and establish successful operations in new markets. Over the past decade, Matthew has been instrumental in some of the most significant economic development deals in North America. His work includes securing incentive packages for major manufacturers like Panasonic’s $4 billion lithium-ion battery facility in Kansas and VinFast’s electric vehicle and battery manufacturing campus in North Carolina, both projected to create thousands of jobs. His expertise extends to renewable energy, large-scale infrastructure investments, and corporate expansion strategies. A former CPA with Ernst & Young, Matthew brings a deep understanding of tax structures and financial incentives to his work, ensuring businesses and communities maximize their economic potential. Building the Future: The Critical Role of Site Preparation in Community Success.

Day 2 | Retail & Community Development Session

Jim Loftin, is the Co-CEO of Cantrell & Morgan, Inc., bringing nearly three decades of experience in commercial real estate, with a focus on retail development, brokerage, leasing, and acquisitions. Since beginning his career in 1995, he has played a key role in driving economic growth through strategic real estate investments. Prior to joining Cantrell & Morgan in 2011, Jim served as Vice President at Victory Real Estate Investments, LLC. A graduate of Columbus State University, he holds the CCIM designation and ICSC’s Certified Retail Property Executive and Certified Leasing Specialist designations. Licensed in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, Jim is committed to fostering economic development through commercial real estate. Retail Site Selection – From Start to Finish.

Steve deRiesthal, currently serves as Senior Director of Real Estate for First Watch Restaurant Group, based in the Sarasota-Bradenton, FL area. In this role, he leads a team of real estate professionals overseeing site selection and market expansion across the Southeast, with direct responsibility for strategic growth in the Greater Atlanta market. With over 40 years of experience in retail real estate, Steve has held senior leadership positions with both national and regional companies, including Blockbuster Video, Winn-Dixie, Lifestyle Family Fitness, Floor & Decor, Simon Property Group, and The Shopping Center Group. His extensive expertise in site selection, market analysis, and strategic planning has played a pivotal role in the successful expansion of numerous brands. Retail Site Selection – From Start to Finish.

Jonathan Hampton, is a Project Developer for Cobblestone Hotels, specializing in hotel development in small to mid-sized markets. With a deep understanding of the vital role hospitality plays in economic growth, he works closely with communities to enhance their lodging infrastructure, attract visitors, and drive local investment. Originally from London, KY, Jonathan attended the University of Kentucky and now resides in Neenah, WI. His work takes him across Georgia, collaborating with community leaders to develop quality hotel accommodations that support business expansion, tourism, and long-term economic vitality. Rural Strategies for Hotel Development.

Susanne Reynolds, has served as the Director of the Development Authority of Early County since January 2023. In her role, she has been instrumental in advancing economic and community development initiatives. Within her first two years, she successfully led efforts that resulted in the City of Blakely being designated as a Rural Zone community and a Main Street Start-Up Community. Additionally, she played a key role in establishing both a Downtown Development Authority and a Historic Preservation Commission, further strengthening the city and county’s economic and revitalization efforts. A strong advocate for rural development, Susanne resides in Miller County on her family’s seven-generation farm, where she continues the legacy of her great-great-grandfather, who built the homestead in the 1890s. Redevelopment in your Downtown.

Jessie Owensby, is the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Cornelia, where she has led transformative initiatives in downtown development, business recruitment, and strategic planning. Under her leadership, Cornelia has earned multiple state designations, including Georgia Rural Zone Community and Plan First Community, and has received numerous awards for downtown revitalization and placemaking. Since 2018, her efforts have helped attract over $100 million in private investment. A Georgia Certified Economic Developer and Certified Georgia Downtown Development Professional, Jessie has held leadership roles with the Georgia Downtown Association, Habersham Economic Development Council, and the Appalachian Leadership Institute. She is also the founder of Civic Enhancement Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, grant writing, and community engagement. Recognized as one of Georgia Trend’s “500 Most Influential Georgians,” Jessie brings expertise in fostering economic growth through innovation and collaboration. Redevelopment in your Downtown.

Day 3 | Presentations

Breezy Straton, is the Vice President of Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership, where she leads initiatives focused on inclusive economic and workforce development. A native of metro Atlanta, she holds a Bachelor of Liberal Studies from Mercer University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Georgia, specializing in federal social policy and economic inclusion. Recognized as a national expert in community-led workforce development strategies, Breezy has received numerous accolades, including the 2019 Taking Care of Business Award from the National Skills Coalition and the 2017 Regal Award from the Douglas-Carroll-Paulding Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She serves on several community boards, including the Metro Atlanta Exchange for Workforce Solutions, and chairs the Douglas County DEI Council. In 2022, she earned the prestigious Certified Economic Developer designation, further solidifying her expertise in fostering equitable economic growth. The Power of Business Retention & Expansion to Strengthen Communities.

Edward Kleid, has been with Smith Douglas Homes since 2017 and currently serves as President of the Central Georgia Division, a role he assumed in August 2024. Prior to this, he served as Vice President of Finance at the company’s corporate office, overseeing financial strategy and operations. Edward holds an MBA from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a BA from the University of Georgia. A U.S. Army veteran, he brings a strong leadership background and financial expertise to his role, driving growth and development in the Central Georgia market. Attainable Housing Needs & Strategies.

Taylor Smith, a native of Thomaston, has been the Economic Development Director for his hometown since June 2021. Taylor’s passion for community growth and transformation began in high school when he volunteered with the Thomaston Main Street Program. This early exposure ignited his interest in economic development and the positive impact it can have on people’s lives. Taylor holds a B.B.A. in Management & Marketing and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of West Georgia. Before returning to Thomaston, he gained valuable experience with the Department of Planning and Urban Development in Monroe, Louisiana. As Economic Development Director, Taylor leads the Thomaston Main Street Program, Downtown Development Authority, Historic Preservation Commission, and City events, while also overseeing national chain recruitment, neighborhood revitalization, and housing development. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Downtown Association and the University of West Georgia Alumni Association. From Heart to Soul: Developing Downtown Thomaston.

We wish to express our deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks to our sponsors. Your generous contributions enable us to host a top-tier Summit of exceptional quality year after year.

For our past events, explore more here.