Golden Isles Development Authority Builds on Momentum Through Strategic Investment, Business Growth, and Workforce Progress

Fiscal year 2026 brought $70 million in new investment alongside business expansion, workforce outreach, and site development that strengthened Brunswick and Glynn County's long-term economic competitiveness. 

BRUNSWICK, Ga., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Golden Isles Development Authority (GIDA) has released its 2026 Year in Review, highlighting another year of strategic progress as the organization attracted investment, supported existing industries, strengthened workforce initiatives, and advanced key development sites across Brunswick and Glynn County.

During fiscal year 2026, GIDA helped facilitate $70 million in new capital investment and 91 new jobs; aided the expansion of five existing businesses; expanded workforce outreach efforts that engaged approximately 6,000 educators, students, parents, and community members; and advanced industrial sites that will help position the Golden Isles for future business growth.

"This year, we continued bolstering the businesses that already call Glynn County home while attracting new investment and preparing sites for future opportunities," said Ryan Moore, President & CEO of the Golden Isles Development Authority. "Combined with our ongoing workforce initiatives, those efforts are helping to build the foundation for sustained economic growth across the Golden Isles."

GIDA's highlights from the fiscal year include:

• Facilitated $70 million in new capital investment, creating 91 new jobs through Project Parrot, continued investment at Hillpointe, and other business activity.
• Supported the expansion of five existing Glynn County employers: Troy Acoustics, Jered, Quaker City Plating, Brewer Technologies, and RSW.
• Reached approximately 6,000 educators, parents, students, and community members through Keep Glynn Running workforce initiatives.
• Increased visits to GIDA's available-property web pages by 144% and digital engagement across platforms by 38%, helping showcase Glynn County to prospective businesses and site selectors.
• Advanced Mallard Industrial Park, expanding opportunities for future industrial development, along with construction of a new industrial entrance serving the Georgia Breakbulk Logistics Park.
• Partnered with many of Glynn County's largest employers, including GP Cellulose, King and Prince Seafood, Gulfstream, Rich Products, and International Auto Processing.

The organization also exceeded its goal for consultant-driven business development, with 38% of project opportunities originating through site selection consultants and brokers, reflecting GIDA's investment in relationship-building and national business recruitment efforts.

Beyond business attraction, GIDA continued developing a broader workforce strategy to help employers recruit and retain talent while supporting the region's long-term economic growth.

"Our success is built on collaboration," said Bill Dawson, Chair of the GIDA Board of Governors and retired General Manager of Operations, Georgia Ports Authority. "Every project, every partnership, and every workforce initiative represents people working together to strengthen the Golden Isles. The accomplishments of fiscal year 2026 demonstrate GIDA's ongoing commitment to helping businesses and communities thrive."

For more information about GIDA's initiatives or to read the full 2026 Year in Review, visit https://goldenislesdev.com/report/.

About the Golden Isles Development Authority
The Development Authority is the organization that is tasked with the creation of jobs and investment in Glynn County through the retention, expansion, and attraction of business and industry. Its mission is to ensure that Brunswick and Glynn County have a strong business climate that encourages the growth of existing industries and is an attractive location for prospective businesses.

SOURCE Golden Isles Development Authority