L-R: Heather Feldman, GMRC Economic Development Director; GMRC Executive Direcdtor Danny Lewis; and David Stovall, GMRC Board Chairman.
GAINESVILLE - The Gainesville-based Georgia Mountains Regional Commission received a 2012 Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the Ty Cobb Regional Medical Center Project.
A collaborative partnership of over 60 local primary and specialty physicians helped consolidate two rural hospitals into the new state-of-the-art Ty Cobb Regional Medical Center. The 144,000 square foot hospital offers patients and physicians a modern healthcare facility that enhances the quality of care and strengthens the delivery of services. The new hospital also provides specialty health services not previously offered in the region.
The Georgia Mountains Regional Commission prepared grant applications and secured funding from the following sources: Appalachian Regional Commission ($300,000) and Economic Development Administration ($756,000) for water and sewer infrastructure for the City of Lavonia and Community Development Block Grant-Employment Incentive Program ($400,000) and the OneGeorgia Authority ($500,000) for road improvements for Franklin County.
NADO is a Washington, DC-based association that promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies through regional cooperation, program delivery, and comprehensive strategies. NADO’s Innovation Awards program recognizes regional development organizations and partnering organizations for improving the economic and community competitiveness of local communities. The Innovation Awards program has provided an opportunity to showcase creative and cutting-edge projects like the Ty Cobb Regional Medical Center Project.
“The project will be an economic driver for the region by making the region more competitive in attracting new business and industry” said Heather Feldman, Director of Economic Development of the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission.
