Five properties receive GRAD Select status as Georgia expands its inventory of development-ready industrial sites
ATLANTA — September 17, 2026 — Nine industrial sites across Georgia have recently earned Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development certification, strengthening the state’s inventory of shovel-ready properties available for new investment and business expansion.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development announced that five sites have received the program’s more rigorous “GRAD Select” designation:
- 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
- Wilkes County Industrial Park West in Wilkes County
Four additional properties certified earlier this summer were recognized during the Georgia Economic Developers Association’s 2026 Annual Conference in Savannah:
- Tidewaters Industrial Complex in McIntosh County
- Savannah Portside International Park in Effingham County
- Tradeport West Business Park in Liberty County
- 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,” GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson said.
“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.”
GRAD Program Offers More Than 70 Certified Industrial Sites
Georgia’s GRAD program includes more than 70 certified industrial sites positioned to accommodate fast-track economic development projects.
Properties seeking GRAD certification must meet established due-diligence standards, undergo an independent third-party review and receive final approval from a board of public- and private-sector economic development professionals.
GRAD Select status indicates that a property has met or exceeded additional, more demanding certification requirements. The designation gives prospective companies greater confidence that essential planning, environmental assessments, infrastructure reviews and other preliminary development work have been completed.
“Preparing sites for development gives communities the ability to compete for new investment while also creating opportunities for existing industries to grow and expand,” GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce Misti Martin said.
“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.”
Rural Site Development Initiative Supports Site Preparation
Six of the nine recently certified properties received site-improvement grants or certification scholarships through Georgia’s Rural Site Development Initiative.
More than $28 million in RSDI funding has been distributed to help rural communities prepare industrial properties, complete necessary improvements and add new sites to Georgia’s GRAD-certified inventory.
Property details, aerial views and information about certified sites across Georgia are available through the state’s online site-selection platform. Additional information about the certification program is available at Georgia Certified Sites.
Newly Certified Georgia Industrial Sites
Enterprise Corner
Enterprise Corner is a 200-acre industrial property in northwest Georgia. The site is managed by the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority and received support through a GRAD certification scholarship.
Additional information about the community is available from Rome-Floyd County Development Authority.
Louisville Airport Industrial Park
Louisville Airport Industrial Park encompasses 245 acres in central Georgia. The Development Authority of Jefferson County manages the property, which also received support through a GRAD certification scholarship.
Learn more at Jefferson County Development Authority.
Park West Industrial Park
Park West Industrial Park is a 150-acre industrial property in southeast Georgia managed by the Development Authority of Appling County.
Additional community information is available at Baxley-Appling County Economic Development.
Pierce County Industrial Park
Pierce County Industrial Park is a 360-acre property in southeast Georgia managed by the Pierce County Industrial Development Authority.
Learn more from the Pierce County Industrial Development Authority.
Wilkes County Industrial Park West
Wilkes County Industrial Park West encompasses 488 acres in east-central Georgia. The Wilkes County Payroll Development Authority manages the site, which received assistance through a GRAD certification scholarship.
Additional information is available at Washington-Wilkes Economic Development.
About GDEcD Global Commerce
The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce division works with companies, communities and partner organizations to recruit new business locations, encourage expansions, support small businesses and advance community-led site preparation.
From fiscal years 2022 through 2026, the division participated in projects expected to generate $125.6 billion in investment and create 164,900 jobs across Georgia. The five-year period also produced a reported $38.1 billion in foreign direct investment.
Learn more at Georgia’s business development website.
About the Georgia Department of Economic Development
The Georgia Department of Economic Development is the state’s sales and marketing agency and its lead organization for economic development, exports, film and the arts. It also serves as Georgia’s official destination marketing organization.
Through partnerships and Georgia’s diverse industry base and global connectivity, GDEcD supports business growth, innovation and economic opportunities in communities from the mountains to the coast. Learn more at Georgia.org.
