3 min read March 2024 — In an interview with Focus:, Randi Mason, vice president of economic development for Decide DeKalb, shared how the organization is working to address workforce development and talent acquisition challenges, its tailored business support, and its efforts to share best practices across the county.
What have been some major highlights for Decide DeKalb over the past 12 months?
Our team played a key role in facilitating over a billion dollars in investments over the past year, contributing to the creation of more than 1,300 new jobs in the county. These metrics serve as the top line indicators of our success. Additionally, we spearheaded the establishment of a new Tax Allocation District (TAD) in southwest Dekalb County, strategically focusing on fostering development in an area that has traditionally seen less growth compared to the rest of the county. These accomplishments stand out as significant milestones for us in 2023.
What are some key strategies for attracting and retaining businesses in the county?
Our robust business retention and expansion program involves one-on-one engagements with businesses across the county. In 2023, we conducted discussions with approximately 80 businesses, addressing their specific needs. We provide support in promoting growth, facilitating Workforce Development programs, and assisting with access to resources, such as small-business loans. Our goal is to ensure that businesses have the necessary support and connections to foster their development.
How do you customize economic development initiatives to address the diverse needs of a county with a wide range of communities?
We actively cover the entire county during our programs, collaborating closely with groups along Buford Highway, such as the Latin American Association. Our events are tailored to businesses in specific areas; for instance, we recently organized an event in collaboration with the Somali community. Embracing and celebrating our diversity is a key aspect, as it contributes to why businesses choose to be in DeKalb County. Our commitment involves reaching out to various groups through targeted programs and events held in locations where they are well-represented.
How do you foster collaboration among local and state governments, the chamber of commerce, and other stakeholders?
Given our role as the economic development force in the county, we consider it crucial to facilitate collaboration. We organize quarterly events involving all economic development partners, particularly at the city level. These gatherings provide a platform for cities to share their initiatives, ensuring that everyone is informed and avoiding redundancy, like Chamblee and Brookhaven attending the same event without prior knowledge. Additionally, we prioritize sharing best practices across all communities within the county.
How does Decide DeKalb operate in partnership to tackle workforce development and talent acquisition challenges within the business community and the county?
We have a shared position with Workforce DeKalb, the workforce development agency of the county, to simplify the often-convoluted federal jargon associated with workforce development programs. This joint effort enables us to present the information in a way that businesses can readily comprehend. An example of our targeted initiatives is the MADE in DeKalb program, particularly addressing workforce challenges in manufacturing and distribution. Through this initiative, we host an educator fellowship each summer, engaging 10 teachers from the DeKalb County school system. These educators undergo immersive experiences, including company visits to entities such as Schneider, Pepsi and Sugar Bowl Bakery. Following these visits, the educators collaborate throughout the school year to integrate their newfound industry knowledge into the curriculum. This approach ensures that when discussing career paths with students, they can provide informed insights into manufacturing and logistics.
How do you support small businesses and entrepreneurs?
In 2023, the county granted us a substantial boost, allocating $2.5 million for the establishment of a Small Business Loan and Technical Assistance Fund. This initiative represents a significant shift as, in the past, we directed our businesses to external partners like the Small Business Development Center for such services. With this new funding, we gain greater control and can tailor these services specifically for DeKalb County businesses. This means that even if a business is not prepared to apply for a loan and needs some preparatory work, the technical assistance provided through these funds will position them for future loan applications. Additionally, the availability of loan funds will further enhance our support for businesses in the county.
How does your organization collaborate with the numerous educational institutions in the county to benefit local businesses?
We have established four industry councils, drawing participation from major employers and educational institutions, such as Emory and Emory Healthcare. While the list of participants is extensive, it includes a mix of large corporations and small businesses. This intentional mix fosters exposure to diverse opportunities and encourages collaboration among them. The aim is to facilitate discussions on workforce challenges unique to each industry. By doing so, we can tailor programs at DeKalb County to effectively address these challenges or refer them to our partners who already have pertinent programs in place.
Can you elaborate on the county’s overall challenges, particularly workforce challenges, and what strategies are being implemented to address these?
When it comes to overall challenges, one major focus is on redevelopment, which is a significant issue in the broader metro Atlanta region. Our attention is dedicated to revitalizing areas that have lacked investment for an extended period and are primed for transformation, as exemplified by the redevelopment of North DeKalb Mall into Lulah Hills. To support this development and address infrastructure requirements in the surrounding vicinity, we have established a tax allocation district. This strategic move aims to cater to the retail needs of residents and to create spaces for businesses in an area that previously lacked significant activity, recognizing that traditional malls might not be as appealing in the current landscape.
What are your expectations for the county’s economic landscape in the next few years, and what are your top priorities?
Our primary focus revolves around catalyzing investment in regions south of Memorial Drive that have historically been underserved in terms of investment. While we’re enthusiastic about forthcoming developments like Campus 244 and Dunwoody, it’s essential to note that these areas already attract considerable attention from developers. Our unique emphasis lies in ensuring that developers are well-informed about the untapped opportunities in South DeKalb. Specifically, there is a notable absence of banks and retail establishments in certain communities. To address this, we are diligently working to implement tools and strategies that will facilitate investment and foster job creation in these often-overlooked areas.
What distinguishing features does Decide DeKalb provide for the business community?
We are proud to boast excellent transit access for the majority of our community through MARTA, setting us apart from more suburban locations. This accessibility enhances the overall appeal of our area for businesses and residents alike. Moreover, our community takes pride in its diversity, a key distinguishing factor. Whether companies are international entities seeking a global workforce or simply value a diverse work environment, we provide a rich pool of skilled workers who are not only capable of meeting these needs but also comfortable thriving in diverse professional settings.
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