Two of Georgia's Centers of Innovation recognized by Southern Growth Policies Board

ATLANTA –Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that two of the state’s Centers of Innovation (COI) were recognized with a 2009 Innovator Award by the Southern Growth Policies Board. The COIs for Agribusiness and Energy were lauded for their efforts in the bioenergy sector.

“When I created the Centers of Innovation four years ago, I envisioned collaborations that would be mutually beneficial for Georgia’s strategic industries, including agribusiness and energy,” Governor Perdue said. “I am pleased that a well-respected organization such as the Southern Growth Policies Board is recognizing our efforts to share research and industry expertise with businesses and entrepreneurs in Georgia.”

The Southern Growth Policies Board presented the award this week at its annual conference. The conference’s theme is Southern Energy: Abundant, Affordable, and American.

“We are excited that our Centers of Innovation for Agribusiness and Energy have been recognized for their outstanding efforts,” said Sterling Wharton, program director for the Centers of Innovation. “This award confirms that Georgia’s unique industry-centric innovation approach is an effective model for economic growth.”

Georgia’s Centers of Innovation program focuses on six strategic industries, including Aerospace, Agribusiness, Energy, Logistics, Life Sciences and Manufacturing, utilizing partnerships with the state’s leading research universities and industry subject-matter experts. The COI assist companies with direct advice, introductions to the regulatory and research communities, and strategic industry connections.   The net effect is expedited commercialization of innovations for entrepreneurial ventures and high-growth enterprises as well as accelerated growth for Georgia industries.

The COI for Energy is housed by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA). GEFA is a state agency that provides financing for environmental infrastructure, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to encourage stewardship of the environment and promote economic development statewide.

The COI for Agribusiness is hosted by the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Tifton Campus, which provides leading-edge agriculture industry research. The campus also offers agricultural and environmental research, outreach and instruction for innovative farming, economic development, youth and family programs and natural resources protection.

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