Get 'N' Your Business Podcast guests: Malissa MacKay, Senior Manager, Georgia Center of Innovation, Logistics Team

In this episode of the Get 'N Your Business Podcast, Alison sits down with Malissa MacKay, the senior manager for the Georgia Center of Innovation's logistics team. Malissa shares her insights and experiences in aiding Georgia's businesses to grow, as well as the recent influx of distribution centers in the State Of Georgia.

Key Topics Covered:

• Introduction of the Georgia Center of Innovation: Malissa begins by explaining the mission and objectives of the Georgia Centers of Innovation (COI), emphasizing its focus on aiding businesses in navigating the complexities of innovation and expansion. The COI for Logistics, in particular, serves as a hub for expert advice and strategic connections, supporting the state's logistics and supply chain industries.

• Defining Logistics: Malissa provides a comprehensive overview of logistics, including its scope and significance to the state's economy, particularly noting the thriving ports of Savannah and Brunswick. These ports' success stories exemplify Georgia's growing prominence in global trade and logistics.

• Malissa's Role and Location: Detailing her responsibilities, Malissa shares that her role encompasses project management, overseeing the Center’s research tools, and conducting industry data and freight rate analysis. While her work covers the state, she collaborates closely with both Atlanta and the Port of Savannah, highlighting the strategic importance of these locations.

• Impact on Camden County and Georgia: The conversation shifts to the local level, discussing how the growth of the ports and the establishment of massive distribution centers, such as the planned Gateway Logistics Center at Exit 7 on I-95, bolster the state's economy. Malissa underscores coastal Georgia's allure for business operations due to its strategic location, infrastructure, and the influx of manufacturing to the southeast.

• Involvement in Manufacturing: Malissa speaks to the Center’s role in supporting the logistics needs of the burgeoning manufacturing sector in Georgia, expressing excitement over the opportunity to facilitate the movement of products and supplies, and thereby contribute to the state's economic development.

• Freeport Exemption Class 4: Addressing the recent passage of the Freeport Exemption Class 4 in Camden County, Malissa talks about its importance from a logistical and economic standpoint, emphasizing the benefits of such policies in enhancing the county’s competitiveness and attractiveness for business investment.

• Career Opportunities in Logistics: Recognizing the interest of local youth in pursuing careers within the logistics sector, Malissa offers guidance on exploring the profession. She suggests avenues for gaining insights and experience in logistics, highlighting the promising career prospects it offers.

• Read More: What’s all this talk about freeport exemption?

Contact Information

Malissa MacKay LinkedIn

Georgia Center of Innovation

Georgia Department of Economic Development | #1 State for Business

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