Arnall Golden Gregory Attorney, John Gornall, Receives Esteemed Award from GEDA

ATLANTA – Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) honored John Gornall with the annual Rip Wiley Award for Professional Excellence in November. John is one of only two attorneys to receive the award since its inception in 1980. He was the first chairman of GEDA’s Public Policy Committee, served on the board and chaired a task force that convened all stake holders, drafted the legislation and promoted the property tax credit for environmental assessment and remediation expenses for brownfield properties before the legislature. The legislation became law in 2003. He went on to serve as a member of the successful state negotiating team for the $1.2 billion KIA automotive assembly plan and represented Google in its over $1.4 billion of investments in Douglas County.

“Contributing to the economic development of our state has been a privilege over the past four decades. Receiving this award will be one of my most treasured memories. It also reminds me of all the great people with whom I have been privileged to work and to whom the credit is due. The Georgia team, of which GEDA is a major part, make Georgia’s business environment number one” said John after receiving the Rip Wiley Award.

The Rip Wiley Award for Professional Excellence recognizes a GEDA member with at least 10 years of economic development experience for professionalism, honor, integrity, leadership, hard work, and contributions to the profession. Potential recipients are nominated by previous recipients or by current officers, directors, and chairs. The selection of no more than one Rip Wiley Award recipient annually is made by the current officers of GEDA.

The Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) is a 700+ member non-profit association of professionals and volunteers who are involved with the economic development of the state and Georgia’s cities and counties. GEDA is one of the leading organizations for economic development professionals in the Southeastern U.S. GEDA was organized to increase the effectiveness of individuals involved in the practice of economic development in Georgia by encouraging cooperation, exchange of information, and upgrading of professional skills.

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