Uniquely located along the 1-985, Hwy365 Corridor in North Hall County the City of Lula offers many opportunities for “Business Development” and expansion in this all-important pathway for progress in North Georgia. The Hall County Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is among the top 50 fastest growing metros in the U.S. Total population is just under 200,000 with a daytime population in the county seat, exceeding 100,000 people.
Business and industry make long-term investments in Hall County because of its stability, skilled workforce, visionary leadership and quality of life. Hall County is home to more than 300 manufacturing and processing concerns, and 49 locations of international companies representing 19 countries. From 2012 to 2017, 137 new and expanded industry locations generated nearly 6,300 new jobs, retained over 1,100 jobs and invested more than $1 billion in fixed capital.
The Future of Georgia Economic Development
Hall County is a business hub that leads the region in trade, healthcare, education, industry, retail, recreation and the arts. Existing Industry support and recruiting technology businesses and industries is a major focal point for the county and the City of Lula.
Technology and Education equals progress, so workforce development is a high priority to support existing business as they deploy Next-generation technology applications and to encourage growth in complimentary businesses of life science companies, telecommunications, technology manufacturers, software developers, and tech support industries.
For economic development information, contact Dennis Bergin at (770) 869-3801 or email Dennis at bergins@outlook.com to explore the opportunities and what the future may hold for your business growth and a place to call home for your staff and their families.
Additional Resources
The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center
To enhance the economic well-being of Georgians by providing a wide range of educational services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
For More Information: www.georgiasbdc.org
Continuing Education Schedule
Location:
906 Interstate Ridge Drive
Ste B
Gainesville, GA 30501
Phone 770-531-5681
University of North Georgia Continuing Education
As a partner in the economic development of our region, the University of North Georgia’s Division of Continuing Education is positioned to deliver courses and training that lead to job growth and creation, and support business retention and recruitment. Our entrepreneurial approach ensures quick-to-market training that is flexible, responsive and innovative. What can we do for you?
For More Information, utilize the links below;
Certificate Programs
Customized or Corporate Training
Register for a Course
Lanier Technical College
Lanier Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, serves as the foremost workforce development resource for the Lula and , Hall County area by providing ;
• Career-technical education programs, offered through traditional and distance delivery methods, leading to associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit;
• Customized business and industry training and economic development services;
• Continuing education for technical and professional development; and
adult education services.
For More Information, contact us at;
Lanier Technical College
NEW Campus
2535 Lanier Tech Drive
Gainesville , GA 30507
Phone: 770-533-7000
Fax: 770-531-6328
Directions to this campus
http://www.laniertech.edu/About/AboutUs-main.aspx
Originally Posted April 2018
UPDATE PLAN Adopted , Mayor and Council encourage your on-going comments NOW and into the FUTURE!
The City of Lula invites all interested persons to attend a public hearing concerning the development of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. The Plan is required to comply with the Georgia Planning Act of 1989. The hearing is intended to inform the public about the purpose of the Plan and the planning process, to discuss the Plan development schedule, and provide an explanation of the public participation process to be followed by the City during the preparation of the Plan. Opportunity will also be provided for interested citizens to have input on local needs and issues. The public hearing will be held at the Lula City Hall on February 11th beginning at 5:00PM ending 5:45 PM. This public hearing is just prior to our regular council work session at 6:00PM, where we encourage your attendance as well.
The Mayor and the Council truly appreciate your participation in this public hearing, your involvement, views and thoughts help the city get a better view of opportunities important to the community as a whole. If you are unable to attend the public hearing please feel free to submit your comments in advance of the public hearing so they can be included in the information being collected.
(Pictured Council -Elect Matt Hamby, City Attorney Joey Homans, Mayor Jim Grier and North Hall Commisioner Shelly Echols)
Newly elected “Hall County Commissioner Shelly Echols” when elected, promised she would work diligently to improve communication with her constituents in her North Hall County district she represents. If last nights regular scheduled work session in Lula is any indication, Mrs. Echols is well on her way to keeping those promises!
Mrs. Echols had previously suggested when running for office that she would try and attend the City Council meetings in Lula, Gillsville, and Clermont as often as her busy schedule would allow. Looks like she’s intent on meeting that commitment!
During the evening work session Mrs. Echols had a chance to have discussion with the Mayor and City Council and meet with Council-elect Matt Hamby as well as hear public comments from the audience. The entire City Council expressed their appreciation for her attendance and noted a NEW day has dawned where the City and the County can work hand and hand in serving the communities in North Hall.
UPDATE PLAN ADOPTED, Thanks to all who participated! The mayor and Council want to encourage everyone to continue to share your thoughts and IDEAS ! Join us for one of our monthly meetings
Work Session, -6 PM Second Monday of the Month, Lula City Hall
or
Regular Council Meetings- 7 PM Third Monday of the Month, Lula City hall
The City is updating our Comprehensive Planning Document and a key factor when creating the document is to hear what the community thinks as to any number of issues. So here’s your chance to play a role in future development and guide the city in recognizing what you feel is important. The “Survey” will take all of 5 to 10 minutes of your time so copy or use the link below and GO FOR IT!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Lulaplan
The Survey is also available at Lula City Hall, during regular office hours. This survey information does not require your name to complete, and will be available through Feb. 10th for submittal. Thank You in advance for your participation!
Join Us February 11th for the opportunity to have your additional comments heard at the Public Hearing on Monday at 5;00PM
What to expect as Lula City Council Member
Meetings you will be expected to attend:
• City Council Meeting at 7:00pm on the 3rd Monday of each month
• Council Work Session at 6:00pm on the 2nd Monday of each month
• Another called Work Session to be announced in months when a topic merits more than an hour discussion or requires meeting with consultants or other government officials.
• Committee Meetings: You will be assigned to approximately 4 committees which consist of 2 Council Members. Committees do not meet every month; however, some committees may meet 3 times in a 4 to 6 week period such as during April and May prior to adoption of the budget. Committees are especially important as we start new projects or events and may meet more often during those efforts. These meetings typically last from 1 to 4 hours depending on the purpose of the meeting.
• JMA Meetings: The Joint Municipal Association of Hall County sponsors 3 or 4 dinner meetings each year where Council Members of all Member Cities are expected to attend along with the Mayors and City Managers. These meetings are typically hosted by one of the Member Cities to showcase something in their City. These meetings are an excellent chance to meet people and discuss issues and solutions to common problems.
• Council Retreat: There could be as many as 2 retreats per year and they are typically 6 to 8 hour events. We usually go to another City for these meetings to be able to hear and see what they have done that we might want to do. These meetings focus on long range planning and identifying resources for funding our “big ideas”.
• Georgia Municipal Association Annual Conference: Typically held in Savannah during late June, this is an opportunity for concentrated training and education courses on topics of interest to Cities across Georgia. Again, it is a great opportunity to meet Council Members and Mayors from cities across Georgia and discuss issues and ideas. This meeting runs from Thursday through Tuesday.
• Newly Elected Officials Training: Typically held in a North Georgia City and a South Georgia City your attendance at this is required by Georgia Law within a year of your election. Last year these were held in Athens and Tifton. This is a two and a half day event, usually Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
• Other Training Opportunities: Training is important because Cities typically have issues, requirements and responsibilities that are not always visible to the general public. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Carl Vinson Training Institute and the Georgia Municipal Association sponsor other training opportunities for elected officials throughout the year. One of the first recommended training courses is related to Financial Reporting and Audits required for municipal governments. Please see the GMA website for a complete listing of the training at: www.gmanet.com
• Community Events: Your participation is requested at City sponsored Community Events such as the Railroad Days parade, Christmas in the Park and others from time to time. This is an opportunity to show the public that we have an active and involved Council so please plan to make time to participate.
• First Responder Luncheon and Employee Appreciation Picnic/Luncheon: These are two events we held this year where Mayor and Council participated in preparing and serving lunch for these two very important groups. Please plan to help cook or serve at these events when scheduled.
Other Responsibilities:
• Ride through your district each month just prior to the Council Work Session and select one home as “Yard of the Month”. Submit this to Rosemary prior to the Work Session.
• Complete Pay Request, Expense Report and Mileage Report and submit to the City Clerk by the day after the Council Meeting. Our reporting month runs from the day after a Council Meeting to the day of the next Council Meeting. Your pay check and expense check will be prepared and distributed on the Friday following the Council Meeting.
• You will be assigned an email address to be used for official correspondence. Please plan to check this email account each day to receive timely notice of things that will require your attention and communication from the Mayor, City Manager and other Council Members.
• You will be assigned a mail tray in City Hall where mail addressed to you or printed council correspondence will be placed for you. Please plan to stop by and check this during regular office hours at least twice a week.
• Open Communications: Please talk to the Mayor, City Manager and other Council Members between meetings. Get to know them, find out what they do between City meetings and discuss your shared vision for Lula. It will make the process of making decisions much easier.
Our Community is growing day by day, the challenge for all of us is to make decisions that will help us manage quality growth now and into the future!
Last but not least, did we mention all the hard work can be very rewarding along with the challenges in keeping Lula a great place to call HOME!
The Annual Audit was presented to the Mayor and City Council on Monday Dec. 17th at the Regular Monthly Council Meeting.. The audit this year was performed by the auditing firm of Walker, Pierce & Walker. The Audit presentation gave a detailed view of conditions (27 pages) during the fiscal year. In comparison to the previous year a number of entries had improved in cash balances to the benefit of the city.
The Opinion of the auditor was the stated as follows;
“In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, the business-type activities and each major fund information of the City of Lula, Georgia, as of June 30, 2018, and the respective changes in financial position and, where cash flows thereof for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.”
The Annual Audit is sent to the State of Georgia for review and soon will be available electronicky as is previous years audits.
Congratulations to all the folks who put up Christmas Cheer and decorated with holiday spirt, this years Christmas in Lula Celebration was awful tough to judge …….. here’s what the elves submitted , Merry Christmas and thank you again for making Lula such a great place to call home.
Holiday Yard of the Month Winners
District 1
Robert & Karen Sosebee
Misty Meadow
District 2
Katrina & Bruce Lane
Pine Street
District 3
Chris Thompson
Seventh Street
District 4
Raven Fitzpatrick
Railroad Avenue
District 5
Billy & Mary Sue Meeks
Athens Street
Atlanta, GA December 10th,2018) – The Georgia Department of Community Affairs announces that nine Georgia communities have received statewide distinction in the PlanFirst program, which recognizes excellence in community planning. The cities of Centerville, Chamblee, Fitzgerald, Hiawassee, Swainsboro, Sylvester, Toccoa, and Washington, and Colquitt County have each achieved the state of Georgia’s “PlanFirst” designation, a commendation given to communities that demonstrate an established pattern of successfully implementing their local comprehensive plan. In addition, nine communities renewed their PlanFirst designation: Gwinnett County, Liberty County, Columbus Consolidated Government, and the cities of Dublin, Gainesville, Lula, Porterdale, Roswell, and Suwanee. Designated communities are eligible for technical assistance, as well as bonus points and enhanced eligibility for certain DCA funding opportunities.
“Good planning sets the stage for economic growth,” said Christopher Nunn, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. “Our PlanFirst communities serve as statewide models for others in how to actively and strategically implement a vision for the future.”
To apply for PlanFirst, communities are required to address four primary program criteria focused on having a proven record of plan implementation success: goals, leadership, community participation and implementation. The designation is for three years – beginning January 1, 2019 – and enables these communities to take advantage of various incentives that include public recognition, eligibility for specified grant opportunities, and certain reduced interest loans.
More information about the program is available on DCA’s PlanFirst website. The Department of Community Affairs developed the program with a steering committee comprised of partners including the Georgia Municipal Association, Association County Commissioner of Georgia, the Georgia Planning Association, the Regional Commissions, and the University of Georgia Archways program, and other state agencies including the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, the Historic Preservation Division and Environmental Protection Division.
About the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to create a climate of success for Georgia’s families and businesses through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions, and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified low- and moderate-income Georgians buy homes, rent housing, and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit www.dca.ga.gov.
Georgia announces new inland terminal location
Northeast Georgia Inland Port to serve fast-growing Northeast region of the state.
Gov. Nathan Deal speaks during the announcement for the Georgia Ports Authority’s new inland terminal, Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, in Gainesville, Ga. Cargo moved via the Northeast Georgia Inland Port near Gainesville will reduce Atlanta truck traffic by shifting containers to rail. Set to open in 2021, the new inland port will be operated by the Georgia Ports Authority and served by Norfolk Southern. Find print quality images here. (Georgia Ports Authority / Stephen B. Morton)
GAINESVILLE, Ga., Dec. 3, 2018 – Gov. Nathan Deal, along with representatives of the Georgia Ports Authority, the Greater Hall Chamber and Norfolk Southern Railroad announced plans Monday to make Hall County the site of the GPA’s next inland port.
“The Northeast Georgia Inland Port will be situated in the heart of the manufacturing and logistics corridor along Interstate 85, an important region for the production of heavy equipment, food and forest products,” Deal said. “Besides serving these existing port customers, it will also act as an economic development tool, drawing new investment from business and industry to Hall and its surrounding counties.”
Handling both import and export containers at the Gainesville terminal, Norfolk Southern will provide service on a direct rail route to and from the Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal.
“Savannah is a rapidly growing gateway for global commerce, and Hall County and the surrounding region in Northeast Georgia are key areas of expansion in the state. Manufacturers and distributors around the globe continue to set their sights on this region for development,” said Norfolk Southern’s Jeff Heller, Vice President Intermodal & Automotive. “Georgia Ports Authority’s inland port at Gainesville, combined with Norfolk Southern’s rail service, will provide crucial links in the supply chains of local industries, consumers, and the rest of the world, and serve as a catalyst for new opportunities for industrial development. Norfolk Southern is pleased to partner with the GPA on this important project.”
Port officials say improved access to rail will increase logistics options and overall efficiency, while reducing congestion on Georgia highways. Presently, containers moving by truck travel a 600-mile roundtrip to and from the Port of Savannah. When the new rail yard opens, drivers will be able to make shorter trips from area manufacturers and distribution facilities to the Northeast Georgia site.
“Our new Northeast Georgia location is part of our Network Georgia initiative, which provides new and existing port customers with additional logistics options,” said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. “The new rail hub will allow importers and exporters to move loaded containers to the coast with greater efficiency, and provide a ready source of empty containers for Georgia exports.”
GPA Board Chairman Jimmy Allgood said the new choice in cargo handling will transform the local rail market, helping port customers optimize their supply chains.
“Our inland terminals are bringing our ports and producers closer together, providing new economic opportunities,” Allgood said. “That’s good news for Georgians, who will benefit from increased employment options as more companies expand or locate here. Georgia Ports already support more than 440,000 jobs across every corner of the state.”
Located in the Gateway Industrial Centre on GA 365, the new 104-acre terminal will provide logistics solutions for customers across Northeast Georgia. The facility’s services will draw from the 1.5-million population in Hall, Gwinnett and surrounding counties.
“The business world is getting closer to Northeast Georgia. The new inland port terminal will shorten the supply chain for many manufacturers, processors and distributors in the region,” said Tim Evans, vice president of economic development for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. “Accessing the container port by rail can save time and money, because rail deliveries to and from the Port of Savannah can shorten truck delivery times from approximately seven hours to less than 30 minutes. Direct access to the Port of Savannah, the fastest growing container port in the U.S., is an innovation in logistics infrastructure that provides many of our existing businesses a competitive advantage.”
In conjunction with GPA’s inland terminal announcement, Auto Metal Direct, a worldwide distributor of auto body panels and trim for classic cars and trucks, announced its intent to open a new 318,000 square-foot distribution and fulfillment center. Construction will soon begin on the new home for AMD in the Gateway Industrial Centre. Upon completion, the $15 million development will bring 40 jobs to Hall County.
“Hundreds of containers each year are received by AMD, so the services provided by the Georgia Ports Authority are essential for the maintenance and growth of our business,” said AMD President Mark Headrick. “The proximity of the new inland port will be a real plus in many areas, and was an influencing factor in the eventual location of our building. Quicker service, lower cost and ease of movement should all be realized in our new location.”
“The Georgia Ports Authority continues to be a fantastic economic development partner and an incredible catalyst for growth in our state. Not only have the ports positioned us as a global leader in terms of logistics infrastructure, but they have been a critical piece of the puzzle in terms of locating new projects and existing industry expansions across the state,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The expansion of AMD is a testament to their efforts and will further bolster the strength of the workforce in this community. Congratulations to all of the partners involved – this new Northeast Georgia Inland Port will create exciting opportunities for this community and region.”
The Northeast Georgia Inland Port is the second Network Georgia-related announcement this year. The GPA held a grand opening for the Appalachian Regional Port Aug. 22 just north of Chatsworth, Ga., on a 42-acre site in Murray County. The Hall County inland terminal is scheduled to be complete in 2021. At full build-out, it will have the capacity to handle up to 150,000 containers per year.
What customers are saying:
Phil Sutton, Vice President Administration, Kubota Manufacturing of America Corporation
GPA has supported Kubota for many years, helping to find solutions to reduce lead times for both in- and outbound shipments. Using the Port of Savannah provides Kubota a great cost alternative to West Coast ports. We anticipate several levels of potential cost savings with the new inland port, including reduced costs for chassis and container fees and reduced FTZ administrative fees. We expect a reduction in lead times due to greater availability of empty containers and shorter transit times to and from the inland port. Although we have not fully explored all of our options with regard to rail transportation, there is a huge potential we will be able to significantly reduce reliance on OTR motor carriers and again reduce lead time for inbound parts and outbound finished goods.
Mike Giles, President of the Georgia Poultry Federation
For many years Georgia poultry producers have reached customers all over the world through the Port of Savannah which currently ranks as the number one export facility for poultry products in the nation.
Because our poultry producers are relatively close to the port, the Georgia poultry industry enjoys a competitive advantage when it comes to delivering our chicken products to overseas customers efficiently and in a cost-effective manner.
The Georgia Ports Authority has done an outstanding job over the years of investing in infrastructure which has improved the level of service for poultry shipments through Savannah, and this new inland rail yard is a continuation of that type of investment in the future connectivity between the Georgia poultry industry and our customers worldwide.
Arrik Williams, Business Development Manager, Tatsumi Intermodal USA
It’s common knowledge the 3 most important aspects in business real estate is location. The construction of the inland terminal, a practical stone’s throw away from our facility, would be an immediate enhancement for current and potential new operations. Our business model is built around appointing container equipment and negotiating trucking rates between Hall County, Atlanta, Savannah, and Charleston. Being able to look no further than hometown Gainesville for these applications will allow us to negotiate better rates to port while adding transloading services for our customer base; simultaneously reducing the numbers of tractor trailers that currently populate our interstates. We look forward to being a collaborative extension of this new endeavor and welcome the opportunities it brings to our great communities and industries.
Brandon Loftus, Director of Operations, ZF Gainesville, LLC
Continued development of the supply chain for ZF’s business based in Gainesville is vital to our future growth plans. We utilize the port regularly for import and export and we’re excited to be part of the Gainesville community and the State of Georgia which continually supports industry and manufacturing through infrastructure improvements. This activity should really help us to streamline our logistics and support our assembly and manufacturing processes.
Larry L. Enterline, Chief Executive Officer, FOX Factory
We are pleased that the Georgia Port Authority is moving ahead with its plans to enhance service for us and the other companies in the Hall County area. This is another great example of the favorable business climate that we factored into our decision to expand our Powered Vehicles Group’s operations in Georgia.
Benjamin Sippl, Vice President, Mugele Group
This terminal will benefit the nearby industry and especially the local trucking companies. Due to trucker availability challenges, having a rail facility that can carry material all the way from the coast will make it a bit easier for manufacturers to get their material delivered to their assembly lines on time and at a more economical cost.
Rail access could make Mugele more attractive by being able to offer companies a consolidation warehouse of their goods nearby a port that can then be picked, packed and shipped to the assembly line on JIT basis. This reduces exposure to risks during transportation and offers manufacturers flexibility with their own in-house storage capacity.
Reprinted from the Gainesville Times Dec 2nd, 2018
The city of Lula said it would hold its Christmas in the Park celebration Saturday “rain or shine,” and despite the cold rain, the community still came together to celebrate the upcoming holiday season.
Lula city manager Dennis Bergin said there was a decline in attendance over last year, but understood the weather kept people away.
“It was pouring like cats and dogs up until about an hour ago,” Bergin said. “So, we understand that, but hopefully we’ll make the best of it. Santa’s still coming. I just talked to him a minute ago and he’s excited to be here.”
Among the attractions were booths headed by local businesses, churches, and the closing parade which acts as the headlining moment of the celebration. Each booth handed out free food, from baked goods to hot beverages. While the event came together as a Christmas celebration, including churches, a Santa for the kids and performers singing Christmas carols, businesses were also present, with business owners viewing it as a way for people to get to know the community at large, including Lula Pharmacy & Foothills Gift Shop Pharmacist Amy Miller.
“I think it’s a great way to bring the whole community together and meet people that you just don’t get to see very much,” Miller said. “Our lives are so busy and fast-paced now that I think this is a great way to get everybody out and meet people. I love this.”
Buster Autry, pastor at Main Street Gospel, agreed with Miller that Christmas in the Park was about community both for Lula’s citizens and for anyone passing through who wants to see the spirit of the town captured.
“It gives us a chance to get acquainted with everybody in the neighborhood,” Autry said. “The businesses and churches and people who come in to visit around and see how our little town looks. It’s just a fun time to get acquainted. That’s the reason we call it a ‘meet and greet.’ we just get together and give out stuff and enjoy everybody’s company.””
Bergin says that Christmas in the Park was part of a larger movement of community events for the people of Lula and hopes it will grow as years go by and city renovations give them more space to use for a wider range of attractions.
“The city throughout the year does a lot of community events where we bring everybody together to get a chance to meet your neighbor and fellowship,” Bergin said. “Like today, everything we do here today is free. Every booth that you see is donating their services and what have you. Of course, it is that time of year, but we do this year round. We’re proud. Overall, this is something we’re just excited about and every year is gonna be bigger and better. Next year we’ll incorporate the depot renovation, so we’ll have all-day festivities going on. So we’re pretty excited about it.”
Thanks to all the participants who helped in the parade, the wonderful entertainment, the caring folks who donated their time and talent with each booth, and of course our Lula Bellton Historical Society and their membership, all of which made this event possible every year!
