Great time riding and camping in Pisgah. Fall colors are beginning to appear. Love how this photo turned out.
All posts by Robert Payne
Savannah, Georgia
Real Marketing
It has been a few months since I moved to Georgia and immersed myself in the economic development landscape. One of the aspects of my new position has been to leverage the brand direction set in place by the marketing and communications team as well as our agency of record, Engauge.
To me it is a refreshing approach because it draws upon hard figures and statistics unique to the region with a foundation of “We Speak Business.”
Above is an energy ad I recently worked on for an upcoming conference. Below are two more. One is an aerospace ad for Georgia Trend (left), while the other is a logistics and infrastructure ad for Site Selection magazine (right).
What do you think?
Click either image above to view larger.
Balsam Mountain Inn
Conveniently located next to the Blue Ridge Parkway and just 8 miles from Waynesville, North Carolina stands the quaint and majestic 100-year-old Balsam Mountain Inn. Sporting 50 bead board rooms complete with claw foot tubs and a decidedly mountain cottage-style feel, reservations include breakfast and as much rocking in the rocking chair as you desire. Dinner is also available onsite if you choose not to venture out. If you do, the Frogs Leap Public House is an excellent choice. Of course, there is plenty of access to hiking, kayaking, and exploring Smoky National Park.
Georgia Department of Economic Development
I have officially started a new position as director of account management in the marketing and communications department at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
I will primarily be serving the Global Commerce teams as they generate economic development throughout the state. They are an active group composed of 5 main teams:
- Aerospace, Defense and Advanced Manufacturing
- Logistics, Energy, Agribusiness and Food Processing
- Corporate Solutions
- Health Sciences and Advanced Technologies
- Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment
- International Investments
In addition, ten international offices actively represent and promote the state to key decision makers in their regions.
In 2011, the International Trade Team assisted 265 trade deals in at least 37 countries; meanwhile, the Global Commerce team members supported 158 missions and trade shows.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development also operates its Tourism Division as well as Film, Music & Digital Entertainment.
Another key business team is the Georgia Centers of Innovation. Focused on six industry clusters and located throughout the state, the Centers assist and partner with Georgia companies to help them accelerate growth and provide industry-specific knowledge, connections and innovative business solutions.
For example, Bioscience:
There is a lot going on here in the state of Georgia. Stay tuned!

