The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC) is pleased to announce that Kirsten Hayes has joined the organization as Georgia Grown Business Resource Coordinator, a new role that will support the launch and operations of the Georgia Grown Resource Center in Albany, developed in partnership with the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

In this role, Hayes will oversee coordination and programming for the new Georgia Grown Resource Center, which will serve as a hub for agribusiness support, technical assistance, and entrepreneurial development across Southwest Georgia. The center is designed to strengthen the region’s agricultural economy by helping producers, processors, and entrepreneurs access the tools and resources needed to grow and succeed.

“The Business Resource Center has been a concept we’ve been working toward for some time,” said Jana Dyke, President & CEO of ADEDC. “The goal is to provide a welcoming first point of contact for individuals interested in starting or expanding a business in our community. Kirsten brings valuable experience in entrepreneurial support and agribusiness development, along with a strong understanding of our local agricultural landscape. We are thrilled to welcome her to the ADEDC team as we continue building partnerships that support business growth and opportunity throughout Southwest Georgia.”

The Georgia Grown Resource Center will provide a range of services to agribusinesses and entrepreneurs, including business development guidance, connections to funding opportunities, assistance navigating state and local programs, and access to educational resources that support agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship.

The center will also work in collaboration with The Launch Room, a program focused on supporting entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, and business development resources, as well as FLEX ABY, a regional initiative that supports innovation and economic growth across Southwest Georgia.

While the dedicated Resource Center facility is currently under development, Hayes and the program will initially operate out of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission offices at 125 Pine Avenue. The center is expected to relocate to its permanent home in a new facility on Front Street later this fall, creating a dedicated space where entrepreneurs, agribusiness leaders, and community partners can access resources and collaborate.

“We are excited to open this new Georgia Grown Resource Center in Albany and expand our ability to serve agribusinesses across Southwest Georgia,” said Matthew Kulinski, Director of Marketing for the Georgia Department of Agriculture. “This center reflects the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s continued commitment to strengthening local economies by providing hands-on support, technical assistance, and meaningful connections that help our agricultural businesses grow.”

Hayes is an Albany native and a Fall 2025 graduate of Tuskegee University. She previously interned with 4C Academy for Agribusiness during the summer of 2024 and later served as an intern with The Launch Room, working alongside the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Tech, and other regional partners to assess the community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and help develop strategies to strengthen it. Her background in agribusiness education and entrepreneurial support, combined with her passion for community development, makes her well positioned to help lead this initiative and support local entrepreneurs.

“This opportunity allows us to deepen our support for one of the most important industries in Southwest Georgia,” Dyke added. “Agriculture has always been a cornerstone of our regional economy, and this partnership will create new opportunities for producers, entrepreneurs, and agribusiness leaders to grow and thrive.”

The Georgia Grown Resource Center in Albany is expected to open in its permanent location later this year.