Author: Admin

The Atlanta Regional Commission today approved an amendment to the regional Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) that allocates $265.4 million in federal and state funds for transportation projects across metro Atlanta.

The amendment includes $38.2 million in congressionally directed spending grants, $219.6 million in federal discretionary grant funding, and $7.5 million from Georgia DOT formula fund sources. The amendment covers 33 new projects and 12 existing projects. These include:

• Flint River Gateway Trails
  The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded two grants totaling $65 million for this planned 31-mile multi-use trail network that will connect the Atlanta BeltLine in Southwest Atlanta, Clayton County, and the Tri-Cities area of College Park, East Point, and Hapeville, which includes the headwaters of the Flint River. The funds, awarded through the federal Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods program, will be used to build three trail segments and plan nine other sections.

• The Stitch
  This effort to build a park-like ‘cap’ over a portion of the Downtown Connector in the City of Atlanta has received more than $150 million in federal grants and congressionally directed spending grants for work that includes preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and some construction.

• National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) projects

  EV charging infrastructure is planned along I-575 in northern Cherokee County and I-85 in Coweta County, utilizing $2 million in federal discretionary funding.

• Transit Fleet Upgrades
  $2.55 million in congressionally directed spending grants to improve rolling stock and customer amenities on Gwinnett County Transit route 50, which serves the Suwanee area, and route 60, which connects Georgia Gwinnett College to Lawrenceville and Snellville via SR 124.

• Connected Vehicle Pilot and Plan Development
  Henry County will utilize a $600,000 SMART grant from the Federal Highway Administration to improve roadway operations and decrease vehicle response times.

The Transportation Improvement Program is the mechanism by which federal, state, and local funds are approved for all significant surface transportation projects and programs in the region The TIP is updated several times throughout the year, as projects change or new funding becomes available. This update is required to incorporate new discretionary grant funding from Congress and U.S. Department of Transportation.

For more information, download an executive summary, or visit Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

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Stryten Energy LLC, a U.S.-based energy storage solutions provider, added to its in-house battery testing and analysis capabilities with a new laboratory space. The opening of the battery lab was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting celebration on August 26 at Stryten Energy’s new corporate headquarters. The event was attended by staff members from the offices of Senator Jon Ossoff, Senator Raphael Warnock, Representative Rich McCormick, Representative Andrew Clyde and local community leaders. Attendees toured the new battery lab and the onsite working solar plus energy storage microgrid.

A proclamation from Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in recognition of the celebration stated, “Through innovative projects, Stryten Energy is helping shape the future of energy storage technology in Georgia that will be important on a national scale for U.S. energy independence and security. Stryten Energy forging a brighter future for economic development in Georgia and fulfilling a shared commitment to innovation and growth, harnessing collective talents for the prosperity of the state of Georgia.”

“For the U.S. to achieve long-term energy resiliency and energy security, we’ll need a range of solutions across battery chemistries,” said Mike Judd, CEO and President of Stryten Energy. “We need to put battery materials through their paces, to stress test lead and lithium batteries and achieve market readiness for newer chemistries such as vanadium. With this expanded lab, we’ll be able to collaborate with new and existing customers to find additional applications for these chemistries, as well as strengthen existing ones.”

The lab will support Stryten Energy’s engineering, research and development, and quality assurance departments, as well as manufacturing facilities, in new product development, technology evaluations, warranty investigations and root cause analysis. The expanded facility has three vital parts:

• The Corporate Materials Lab performs tests on various battery materials, including electrolyte, polypropylene, lead and lead alloys. These materials are utilized in automotive, heavy-duty commercial, industrial, lithium and vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB).

• The Lead Battery Test Lab performs electrical performance and teardown testing on automotive, industrial and heavy-duty commercial batteries, including enhanced flooded (EFB), conventional flooded, and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries.

• The Lithium Battery Test Lab, the newest addition to the lab, focuses on conducting non-destructive functional charge/discharge, environmental and UL-related testing on lithium battery products.

As Georgia continues to attract clean energy innovators, the new lab will serve as a model to other local energy technology companies – further strengthening the state’s claim as one of the key power players in the sector.

For more information about Stryten Energy’s solutions, visit stryten.com.

Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) announced the appointment of Kevin Duvall as its new chief executive officer. Today at the Board of Governors meeting the Board voted in support of the executive search committee’s unanimous recommendation. Duvall will officially assume the role on September 16, succeeding Frank Poe, who has been at the helm of the Authority since April 2010.

Prior to the board meeting the executive search committee shared the results of its nearly year-long search conducted in collaboration with renowned firm Heidrick and Struggles.

“The search committee was committed to finding a leader who not only had the expertise to navigate the complexities associated with the position but also shared our vision for the future of the Authority,” said Glenn Hicks, chair of GWCCA’s board of governors search committee. “Following an extensive industry search process, we are confident that Kevin is the right leader for this critical role. His exceptional track record, innovative approach, and deep understanding of the live events industry made him the standout choice.”

With over 20 years of significant influence and oversight in various aspects of organizational management and strategic development at GWCCA, Duvall, who currently serves as chief operating officer, brings more than 30 years of experience in live events and public facility management. Duvall’s extensive background includes campus and facility operations, event management, public safety, contract negotiations, capital planning, crisis management, and key stakeholder relationships in public, political, business, economic development, and philanthropic sectors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin as the new CEO of Georgia World Congress Center Authority,” said Brian Daniel, chair of GWCCA’s board of governors. “Kevin’s extensive experience and proven track record in executive leadership make him the ideal candidate to lead GWCCA. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, and we are confident that under his guidance, GWCCA will continue to thrive, impacting not only Georgia’s economy, but the live events industry.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Frank Poe for his exceptional leadership and game-changing contributions to GWCCA. Frank has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization for future success. His visionary leadership and dedication over the years have left an indelible impact on the organization, its culture, and the Atlanta hospitality community. He will be greatly missed.”

Duvall’s appointment comes at a key time for GWCCA as it continues to enhance its facilities and services, contributing to the economic vitality of the surrounding area. His leadership will be instrumental in steering the organization towards achieving its strategic goals and further solidifying its position as a premier destination for conventions, trade shows, and the country’s most sought-after live events.

“I am honored to continue my journey with Georgia World Congress Center Authority as CEO,” said Kevin Duvall. “I look forward to working with the talented team at GWCCA and building on the organization’s legacy of excellence. Together, we will continue to drive innovation, deliver compelling guest experiences, and create lasting value for our stakeholders as part of GWCCA’s strategic vision for a connected campus that caters to the needs of current and future customers and positions Atlanta as a leading destination for entertainment and leisure activities.”

The forecast from Cox Automotive released today suggests that U.S. new-vehicle sales in August should remain relatively stable when adjusted for significant seasonality. In August, the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), or sales pace, is expected to reach 15.4 million, higher than last August’s 15.3 million pace but down notably from July’s robust 15.8 million level. The strong sales pace in July was partly fueled by a sales rebound following an industry-wide dealership software disruption that slowed the market in the second half of June.  

Sales volume in August, which will include deals completed during the Labor Day holiday weekend, is expected to rise more than 8% from last year and increase 12% from last month. In fact, August could potentially be the month with the highest sales volume of the year so far. However, significant seasonal adjustments are necessary to compare the market selling pace: This August has 28 selling days, three more than last month and one more than last year. August sales data will also include five weekends versus four last year.

Following the software outages in June and recovery in July, new-vehicle inventory was expected to normalize throughout August. As model year 2025 vehicles hit the market, several automakers reported that 40% or more of their current inventory on dealer lots consisted of MY25 vehicles. As automakers work to make room for the new model year, various financing deals are being offered, including options for 0% financing and up to $10,000 in customer bonuses for buyers choosing a new 2024 model.  The improved incentives and healthy inventory should support higher sales volume in August.

According to Cox Automotive Senior Economist Charlie Chesbrough: “The August new-vehicle sales pace is expected to finish within the 15 to 16 million range as monthly sales have for nearly the last two years. Historically, the Labor Day timeframe has been one of the larger sales promotion periods for the industry – and that should boost volume this year. However, this monthly report will also benefit from 28 selling days, more than any other month this year, and the long holiday weekend, so higher volume is expected.”     

August 2024 U.S. New-Vehicle Sales Forecast

Cox Automotive Industry Insights data

Total includes segments not shown 

All percentages are based on raw volume, not daily selling rate. August 2024 has 28 selling days, one more than last year and three more than last month.

Toyota USA Foundation announced grants of up to $8.6 million to prepare Fulton County Schools (FCS) students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The collaboration is part of the Driving Possibilities initiative and is a five-year phased rollout of programming in select schools.

“Our goal is to increase awareness of future STEM careers while helping build sustainable programs in the communities where our Toyota team members live and work,” said Tellis Bethel, group vice president of social innovation, Toyota. “With nearly $2.3 million in the first year, and more to come in years ahead, we’re looking forward to the expansion of Driving Possibilities in the Fulton County area.”   

Driving Possibilities focuses on PreK-12 education and builds on existing programs across the country. The long-term initiative’s aim is to close educational gaps for students through innovative, hands-on STEM programming while addressing the essential needs of students and families.

“Georgia is home to crucial Toyota Financial Services and Lexus operations, and we want to demonstrate how much we appreciate our local communities,” says Scott Cooke, Toyota Financial Services president and CEO. “We consider it a privilege to support Fulton County Schools educators who are providing young people with essential knowledge and skillsets in science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Driving Possibilities in Georgia will focus on supporting three key areas in Fulton County Schools:

• Increasing the level of service at existing Student and Family Engagement (SAFE) Centers. Located in two FCS high schools, Toyota’s support will expand community resources and services to also include PreK to eighth graders at identified schools.

• Integrating STEM learning with the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) curriculum to provide additional learning resources to students.

• Providing STEM-specific professional development for FCS educators, with support from Kennesaw State University.

In 2022, the Toyota USA Foundation announced Driving Possibilities, a national, career readiness and community engagement initiative, launched to prepare youth for the careers of tomorrow. It is a unique approach that brings together educators, local and national nonprofits, and communities to create limitless possibilities for all. With efforts across the PreK-12 education continuum, the program is the largest and most comprehensive in Toyota’s history. The initiative is funded by Toyota USA Foundation, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Toyota Financial Services (TFS). 

Fulton County Schools is the seventh site to launch Driving Possibilities programming, which is based on more than 65 years of active support in Toyota communities across the U.S. and builds off the successful model in West Dallas.

Toyota USA Foundation
The Toyota USA Foundation is a charitable endowment created to support education programs serving PreK through 12th-grade students and their teachers in the United States, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For more information about the Toyota USA Foundation, visit www.toyotaeffect.com/impact. 

Increasing headcount through the end of 2024 may not be feasible for some U.S. companies, as 33% of hiring managers say budget constraints or the inability to hire is responsible for stagnant or decreasing hiring plans.

However, reskilling current employees may be the key to balancing the desire to strengthen workforces while keeping costs in line, according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

More than two-thirds of hiring managers (68%) — an increase from Spring 2021 (60%) — report their company plans to reskill employees this year (i.e., train a current employee for a new position or teach them new skills for their current role).

Among those who plan to reskill employees, the majority intend to offer company-led training sessions or programs either during or outside work hours (71%). Many also report their company plans to provide on-the-job training by other employees (62%) or third-party training or courses (46%). Notably, 16% say they plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help train employees.

Reskilling Advantage

“Reskilling current employees is a much more predictable model than the hit or miss tactic of recruiting for experience,” said John Roller, an Express franchise owner in New Hampshire. “By installing an in-house ‘skills development program,’ companies can select current employees with known work history and provide training for the missing skill sets. It’s a huge win-win, but it takes an investment and dedicated focus.”

In Texas, Express franchise owner Nancy Reed says employers are investing in onboarding and new hire training. But due to turnover, they haven’t been able to look at the next stage of training for incumbent workers. 

“Now that hiring has stalled due to market uncertainties, employers are evaluating their current structures and conducting job analyses,” she said. “The next phase will be implementing skill development for their current workforce.”

Training Methods

Reed encourages businesses to partner with economic development and state workforce agencies that can create customized training using tax dollars. The hands-on training is then completed through local technical colleges.

Other options include tuition reimbursement for education that aligns with business needs, cross-training programs and internal mentorships.

Depending on the needed skill sets, Roller suggests in-house trainers, which “would be more expensive initially, but could be more efficient, and more effective, in the long term.”

Roller also says employees should take advantage of the numerous training resources available online to advance their careers.

“Look for quick training that builds on skills required to do your current job better,” he said. “It will make you more promotable, valuable to the company and potentially increase your pay.”

Traditional job roles are rapidly evolving or disappearing altogether, meaning the workforce is at a crossroads where reskilling and upskilling employees now could create the necessary talent of the future, according to Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO.

“As we’ve seen over the past several years, there is no quick fix for the skills gap,” he added. “However, companies investing in their greatest assets, people, will see the most success in recruiting, retention and their bottom line.”

Survey Methodology

The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between May 16 and June 3, 2024, among 1,003 U.S. hiring decision-makers.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

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