Page 33 - Athens New Comers Guide 2020

The University of Georgia (UGA)
is a top partner for industry, ranking
among the best U.S. universities for
licensing activity. UGA expends
more than $495 million annually
in research and development that
is applied in biotechnology,
genetics, pharmaceuticals, and
veterinary medicines.
More than 775 products ranging from
pharmaceuticals to peanuts and from
poultry vaccines to education tools
are now in the marketplace after
being developed at UGA. Additionally,
more than 175 startup companies have
been created through UGA research,
resulting in more than 1,300 jobs
and an estimated economic impact
of more than $531 million from UGA
startups and programs. Learn more by
turning to page 24. As Athens’ business community serving ten of Athens’ surrounding
moves ahead in 2021, it continues counties – Athens has the educated
UGA also did its part to help to enjoy a variety of state and local population that businesses want and
businesses throughout the area, in the training curricula they need.
fact throughout the state, to weather incentives, high quality of life, and In addition to the University of
the pandemic. UGA’s Small Business a low cost of living. This makes the Georgia, Piedmont University and the
Development Center hosted webinars Athens-Clarke County area a highly University of North Georgia have local
to help businesses navigate the attractive place for businesses to campuses. Athens Technical College
difficulties of 2020. Several UGA units locate, relocate, or expand. is another vital workforce partner,
collaborated to provide 1,000 medical offering a variety of programs and
face shields to frontline healthcare WORKFORCE classes aligned to high-demand skills
workers in Athens’ hospitals. Athens benefits from a wealth of in Athens and the surrounding region.
Additionally, Cooperative Extension educational and workforce training Clarke County School District’s Athens
agents statewide continued to serve opportunities in the community. Community Career Academy is a
the critical needs of farmers as they From a world-class public university partnership between CCSD, Athens
maintained our food supply. to a leading technical college system Technical College, the University

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce • www.athensga.com • (706) 549-6800 Economic Development 29