COVER STORY
Fuel In The Pines
By Jerry Grillo
Can an abundant natural resource – the pine tree – put Georgia in the forefront of ethanol production? Bioenergy experts are predicting that the state will play a leading role in the research and production of biofuels in the 21st century. Our 24 million acres of commercial forest are just the beginning.
ABOUT THE COVER: Tifton-based Herb Pilcher photographed Ross Harding at the Herty Advanced Materials Center in Savannah for Georgia Trend.
FEATURES
Building Green
By Jerry Grillo
A powerful movement toward sustainable new construction and renovation has homebuilders, contractors and homeowners buying in, lured by environmental concerns and a desire to cut utility bills.
2008 Economic Yearbook: Forging Ahead
By Susan Percy
Our annual region-by-region look at the state’s economy indicates that Georgia is faring better than many other states. Eight writers talked to business and civic leaders as well as economic development officials throughout the state. Stories by Mae Gentry, Patti Ghezzi, Ray Glier, Karen Kennedy, Bobby Nesbitt, Christy Simo, Katheryn Hayes Tucker and Matthew Willett.
2008 Industry Outlook
By Jeffrey Humphreys
Home remodelers can expect more business, automotive jobs return with Kia, ports are booming and healthcare remains a strong performer.
Sterling Reputation
By Krista Reese
For nearly 30 years, Beverly Bremer’s shop has been the place where generations of Atlantans come to buy silver baby cups and place settings. She got her start by selling her own silverware at a local flea market.
Matching Supply To Demand
By Ed Lightsey
Georgia’s technical colleges often turn on a dime to answer market needs. There’s a new computer forensics program in macon, an expanded biotechnology program in athens and a home technology integration program in jasper. they’re all turning out job-ready graduates.
OUR STATE
Savannah: Intellectual Capital
Blending economic brains and brawn
Plus,
Savannah At-A-Glance
By Ed Lightsey
South Metro Atlanta: Rapid Expansion
Atlanta’s southside welcomes industry and residents
Plus,
South Metro Atlanta At-A-Glance
By Randy Southerland
Walker County: Lessons Learned
Using tourism to reshape an economy
Plus,
Walker County At-A-Glance
By Matt Hennie
DEPARTMENTS
Organizatins: State Botanical Garden Of Georgia
By Shannon Wilder
The GreenRoom
By Ben Young
Political RoundUp
By Tom Crawford
Neely Young: Georgia’s Economic Checkup
Thanks to the state’s busy ports, the coast of Georgia is on a roll. A recent study showed 15 new private industrial parks in Savannah, with 20 million square feet of space.
Business Casual: Not Working
By Susan Percy
It doesn’t take much for a simple home improvement project to get complicated, and the combination of high-tech systems, chain of customer-service command and plain old good intentions just can’t compensate.
Trend Radar
By Ed Lightsey
Profile: First In Education
By Patty Rasmussen
Eldridge McMillan is the longest-serving member in Board of Regents’ history
Legends: Running For Glory
By Gene Asher
Georgia Tech’s Leon Hardeman had speed and balance – and he could spin on a dime
Art Of The Meal: Bluepoint: Ultramarine Cuisine
By Krista Reese
At Atlanta’s high-profile see-and-be-scene, the entrees are impressive, especially a translucent, soy-dotted sea bass with coconut sticky rice.
Politics: Once They Were Giants
By Tom Crawford
Come November, Democrats will likely expand the slender majorities they now hold in the Senate and House. What are the odds that Georgia’s delegation will regain some of its lost prestige in a time of Democratic control? Not good.
