New Business & Growth
Nurturing Growth
Investing in sustainable growth and supporting local business success.
Our organization creates long-term and sustainable growth by investing in the attraction of new industries, industrial parks, and the expansion of entrepreneurship in the Golden Isles.
announcements of $178M in direct capital investment
Since 2020, GIDA has participated in 7 announcements of $178M in direct capital investment. The announcements include Hillpointe, Jered, Buc-ee's, Live Oak Fiber, Symrise, Second Harvest, and Weyerhaeuser Company.
in Share the Future Funds have been awarded
$420,000 in Share the Future Funds have been awarded in that time to Glynn County-based companies. These funds were in support of local expansions in the community.
in loans Recommended to the Board of Commissioners
GIDA also reviews and provides recommendations on Glynn County's Revolving Loan Fund. In the past 5 years, GIDA has recommended $350,000 in loans to the Board of Commissioners.
We Make, We Thrive
The industrial sector is a vital component of the local economy and the focus of the GIDA's attraction and expansion efforts. Some of the greatest ad valorem tax-paying entities in Glynn County are industrial facilities.
Industrial Impact
Because manufacturing is a capital-intensive activity, industrial property typically contributes more significantly to the tax digest than other land uses. In Glynn County, industrial acreage made up just 1.3% of total land area in 2024, yet it accounted for 8.9% of the county's total tax digest value. Over the past five years, the industrial digest value has grown by 30%—from $629 million in 2020 to $820 million in 2024—underscoring the economic importance and tax revenue potential of industrial development.
Manufacturing Wages
As of the first quarter of 2024, there were 1,969 people employed in manufacturing in Glynn County, and manufacturing paid an average annual wage of $74,483, a wage that is 45.37% higher than the average of all industries in Glynn County ($51,239).
TOP 10 TOTAL REAL & PERSONAL TAX 2024
| BRUNSWICK CELLULOSE INC | $4,204,385 |
| GEORGIA POWER COMPANY | $2,609,969 |
| SEA ISLAND COMPANY, INC | $1,157,064 |
| SYMRISE, INC | $436,204 |
| SEA ISLAND ACQUISITION | $423,973 |
| KING & PRINCE SEAFOOD CORP | $349,763 |
| RICH PRODUCTS | $345,134 |
| FOX RUN, GA, LLC | $324,705 |
| NHI-REIT OF SEASIDE, LLC | $322,591 |
| BRUNSWICK CELLULOSE, LLC | $311,947 |
Local Impact
Success Story: Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a global leader in vehicle logistics, opened its new hub at the Port of Brunswick in early 2025. The 300-acre facility supports vehicle and equipment processing, allowing faster delivery and expanded operations across the U.S. Southeast.
Problem:
Wallenius Wilhelmsen needed support hiring for its new state-of-the-art facility at the Colonel's Island Terminal in Brunswick. The company also expressed interest in building stronger connections within the local community.
Solution:
GIDA worked closely with Wallenius Wilhelmsen to promote local hiring efforts and facilitate introductions to community leaders and partners, ensuring the company felt welcomed and connected from the start.
Results:
Wallenius Wilhelmsen successfully staffed its new Brunswick operation and has established strong, ongoing relationships with the community, helping solidify its presence in the Golden Isles.
The Golden Isles Development Authority assisted Wallenius Wilhelmsen make connections with schools, partners, and organizations within the Golden Isles community. These connections are instrumental for workforce development at WW and in the Brunswick community..
Matt Henderson
General Manager