July 2026 Features

• Albany Civil Rights Institute Makes History with First-Ever Freedom Schools Summer Program Finale

  July 13, 2026

  The Albany Civil Rights Institute is proud to announce the successful completion of its inaugural Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools Summer Camp, marking a historic milestone in the organization's mission to educate, empower, and inspire future generations of leaders.

• Top 8 Products Announced in Coolest Thing Made in Georgia Competition

  July 10, 2026

  The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announced today the Top 8 finalists in the second annual Coolest Thing Made in Georgia competition, presented by Synovus, now merged with Pinnacle Financial Partners. After thousands of votes from across the country and around the world, only eight Georgia-made products remain in the bracket-style competition celebrating the innovation, craftsmanship, and manufacturing excellence that power Georgia's economy.

• Georgia Council for the Arts Awards 179 Organizations $1.3 Million in Grant Funding

  July 09, 2026

  The Georgia Department of Economic Development team specialized in empowering arts and culture, Georgia Council for the Arts, today announced that $1.3M in competitive grant funding will be distributed to recipients in 37 counties across the state through its fiscal year 2027 General Operating Support, Project, and Arts Education Program grants.

• Gov. Kemp Leads Economic Development Mission to Scotland and Ireland

  July 09, 2026

  Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that he and First Lady Marty Kemp are leading an international mission this week to foster economic relationships in Scotland and Ireland, including a meeting with Executive Chair Euisun Chung and other senior leadership from Hyundai Motor Group and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Prime Minister of Ireland.

• From Pennies to Protests, New Georgia Laws Alter Penalties, Programs and Protections

  July 07, 2026

  New state laws took effect Wednesday, bringing new mandates that will change life for Georgians in both obvious and unseen ways.

• Georgia Launches New Office of Education and Workforce Strategy

  July 07, 2026

  Effective, July 1, 2026, the Governor's Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) officially becomes the Governor's Office of Education and Workforce Strategy (GOEWS), marking a significant evolution in how Georgia coordinates education and workforce policy under one roof.

• Albany Awarded State Grant to Advance Pecan Grove Industrial Park

  July 06, 2026

  The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission has been awarded a $135,000 state grant to help advance development of the Pecan Grove Industrial Park, strengthening the community's ability to compete for new industry, jobs, and private investment.

• Georgia Historical Society Elects Clyde Tuggle as Board Chair & Adds Riley Blount, BJ Green, & T. Dallas Smith to Board

  July 06, 2026

  The Georgia Historical Society is pleased to announce the election of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Curators: Riley Blount, BJ Green, and T. Dallas Smith, which were at the Society’s 187th Annual Meeting, held at the Georgia Historical Society headquarters in Savannah.