Page 49 - FDI Alliance International Magazine. Spring 2021 Digital Interactive Issue

During the pandemic and the subsequent blow
to the economy, Stonecrest has maintained
its current growth strategy while realizing the
need to shift our focus to, not only, maintaining
our base through recovery and stabilization,
but in also seeking out new opportunities.

angl COVID RECOVERY, SUPPORT &
ASSISTANCE
Recently, Stonecrest completed its federal
CARES Small Business Recovery Act program.
The city’s $6.2 million portion went to
establishing a small business grant program for
all eligible Stonecrest businesses. The program
had a particular focus on industries hardest
hit with specific emphasis on manufacturing,
logistics, hospitality, service-based businesses
as well as new and emerging industries.
angl OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Because of Stonecrest’s available real estate
primed for development, our capable and
employable citizenry, our proximity to Interstate
20 (with a daily count of 122,000 travelers),
greater exposure for the city. The Stonecrest for business licenses are up over this same our access to the MARTA rail system along
inventory of available industrial real estate time, last year, even in the midst of the with our ease of access to Hartsfield-Jackson
is in high demand! pandemic! To that, Stonecrest also has a International Airport (the world’s busiest
number of attractive parcels available for airport), Stonecrest is ‘Open for Business’
In addition, many local industrial businesses development, supported by a very business and primed for local, regional, national and
are considered essential services and are friendly government. international opportunities.
growing well beyond their original projections.
This has provided greater opportunities for angl FILM, ENTERTAINMENT & HOSPITALITY
hiring and expansion of operations.
Another segment experiencing substantial
angl ECONOMIC COLLABORATION growth in Stonecrest, is Film, Entertainment &
Hospitality. Currently, four movie production
In just one example of successful collaboration studios are fully engaged, with more on the
between the government and corporate horizon and more industry companies coming
community, the city’s economic development to Stonecrest in support of the growing industry.
department partnered with Stonecrest-based Unlike many other business communities,
Home Chef Company to offer City Hall as a Stonecrest did not lose any restaurants.
location for safe, social distancing orientation Instead, new Stonecrest restaurants grew by
and new hire training for their employees – of nearly 15%! The Stonecrest hospitality sector CLARENCE BOONE
which approximately 800 Stonecrest residents is rehiring employees and hotel properties SR. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
were hired through this effort. are being renovated. DIRECTOR, CITY OF
Because of this 2020 success of the Home
Chef program, workforce development will angl ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MODEL STONECREST
now be added to the Stonecrest Economic The Stonecrest Economic Development
Development strategy. Our companies are department quickly realized the traditional map-
hiring. And more importantly, our applications modeling mix to grow has completely shifted. 3120 Stonecrest Blvd, Suite 190,
Stonecrest, GA 30038
phon
Direct: 770.224.0213
Main: 770.224.0200
enve
cboone@stonecrestga.gov
glob
www.stonecrestga.gov

49. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL