Augusta and Columbus might be on opposite sides of the state, but they share the same passion and drive to build strong innovation ecosystems to grow their economies. Through the Centers of Innovation, these communities are able to tap into resources across the state ensuring that businesses can access the right resources to address their needs. Ultimately, this all leads to a stronger innovation culture where Georgia businesses can connect, compete and grow across the global marketplace.Discover how two river cities are using Georgia’s resources and innovation network to build strong local innovation ecosystems to address growing their economies for the 21st century. 

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Chardan, Ltd.’s All American Khakis line was created in part to address the question, “How can we do our part to keep manufacturing in America going?” Operating in a 31,000 square-foot facility, Chardan manufactures pants for a variety of companies. Everything from design, manufacturing, shipping and customer service is done at All American’s facilities in Thomson, Georgia. This allows for total control of the process, keeps raw materials to a minimum and also allows for superior customer service through innovation.

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Since its founding in rural McDuffie County four generations ago, Hillcrest Farms has operated under a sustainable agriculture model and even today, 65% of the feed used in the dairy is either grown on the farm or from neighboring counties. It has always employed technology and the latest practices to produce the best product possible, creating a new avenue for itself: Agritourism; as the addition of technology makes the dairy operations more streamlined and interesting for visitors. Hillcrest Farms also works with area schools as students learn more about agriculture, farming and STEaM (Science, Technology Engineering and Math). In addition to agritourism and technology, the Hillcrest Farm team has been working with the local Farm Bureau to partner with other points of interest in the Dearing community. This will increase visitor opportunities in the community and widen the exposure of Hillcrest, and other area businesses to the global economy.

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When STRAND Clinical Technologies was founded in 2008, the business rapidly expanded due to its constant innovation and evolving technology. The Development Authority of Columbia County also worked to support this growth and fostered an environment conducive to their needs as a small business within Columbia County and as a U.S. market leader. “Georgia allows us the opportunity to grow and expand. At the local level, we engaged our local economic development authority to assist us with workforce and manpower.' -David Pope, Co-Founder and Chief of Innovation, STRAND Clinical Technologies

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