The arrival of Hyundai and the large suppliers that will locate in our community to support them is creating unprecedented growth opportunities for the citizens of Statesboro and Bulloch County. It is critical that all the agencies who have a role in this come together in working toward shared goals to manage this growth.
With this in mind, eighteen Statesboro and Bulloch County leaders, representing seven entities, convened on November 9-10, 2022 for a workshop to identify challenges, define opportunities and state the aspirations for the future. State Senator Billy Hickman also participated in the workshop. A rigorous discussion and a review of case studies where communities faced similar opportunities occurred.
The seven agencies represented were:
- Bulloch County
- City of Statesboro
- Georgia Southern
- Ogeechee Technical College
- Bulloch County Board of Education
- Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce
- Bulloch County Development Authority
The Bulloch County Commission convened for a brief update Monday morning of the committees work. Curt Deal, Vice Chair of the Development Authority of Bulloch County and Bulloch County Commissioner led a presentation to the full commission.
Workshop results
During the workshop the group created a mission statement, identified four focus areas of work that needs to be accomplished to prepare for the growth and set a plan to continue the process.
Vision Statement
They created a joint vision statement to help guide this effort. The statement is as follows.
To be an innovative community for economic, cultural and sustainable opportunities driven by collaboration, transparency, inclusion and community spirit.
Four focus areas
- Infrastructure: Create and plan for elements that enhance livability: intentional placemaking, housing, roads, water, sewer and transportation.
- Education and Workforce: Establish Bulloch County as the gold standard for literacy and workforce readiness.
- Vibrant Community: Complete the Blue Mile and Blue Mile Creek Projects. Connect the university to downtown. Bring downtown alive – a place to go after 5 p.m.
- Communication: Create one brand, one message for the world to know who and what Statesboro-Bulloch County offers.
The four work plans will be thoroughly developed, additional team members recruited, a leader to spearhead the effort identified, and funding secured.
Commissioner Deal proposed that the commission consider allocating $25,000 to help fund someone to lead this effort. They are asking all seven agencies involved to share in the funding of hiring a consultant or an individual to lead this work, finalize the work plans and develop an implementation plan.
The committee will meet again in early January.
Watch full video of the meeting below:
