The Wayne Commerce Center in Jesup, Georgia, has been awarded the “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) certification with “Select” status, according to an announcement from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Wayne County Industrial Development Authority. This new designation is expected to enhance the site’s appeal for future industrial projects.
GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson stated, “The Wayne Commerce Center’s strategic location and newly certified speed-to-market advantages make it an ideal choice for companies ready to move quickly and access key markets. This certification positions the community for success in today’s competitive environment.”
Located at 2520 Waycross Highway, the 312-acre site sits between major interstate highways I-16, I-75, and I-95. It is about an hour from the Port of Brunswick and less than two hours from the Port of Savannah.
Georgia House Representative Steven Meeks commented on the importance of readiness: “Preparation delivers opportunity. By getting this site ready for industry, we’re better equipped to attract jobs for families to live and work in the communities where they grew up. Thank you to Dell Keith and the Wayne County IDA for their leadership and collaboration with state partners to advance this important work.”
Jesup Mayor Ralph Hickox emphasized what this means locally: “The GRAD certification of Wayne County’s new industrial park is a major milestone for our community. It signals to prospective employers that we are ready for growth, investment, and job creation. This achievement reflects our commitment to economic development and showcases the strategic vision of the Wayne County IDA. We’re excited for the opportunities this park will bring to our citizens and our regional economy.”
Georgia Senator Blake Tillery noted local efforts: “I’m proud for the work of local leaders to obtain this designation for Wayne County. It’s not an easy task and requires thorough planning, local investment, and a lot of work. I’m proud of the state-local partnership we have in Wayne County.”
Wayne County Commission Chairman Kevin McCrary added: “We are excited about the new 312-acre Wayne Commerce Center, recently GRAD certified, and how this certification will streamline the process for companies seeking to establish roots in Wayne County, saving them valuable time and resources. This transformative project is poised to drive economic growth and secure a prosperous future for our community.”
To achieve GRAD status, sites must meet due diligence standards reviewed by third parties before final approval by a board consisting of public- and private-sector economic development professionals. The “GRAD Select” distinction indicates that more rigorous requirements have been met or exceeded.
Across Georgia there are more than 70 industrial sites with GRAD certification available through fast-track processes supported by comprehensive due diligence efforts. The state also invests over $18 million through its Rural Site Development Initiative aimed at helping rural areas prepare new industrial locations; these grants fund improvements needed to add additional GRAD-certified properties.
Further details about certified sites can be found at georgia.org/site-selector or by visiting connectinwayne.com.
The GDEcD serves as Georgia’s lead agency responsible for business recruitment as well as promoting tourism—including film production—and fostering innovation statewide.
