Since February's announcement of Caterpillar's investment in northeast Georgia, officials have been touting the intergovernmental corporation that took place between Oconee and Athens-Clarke counties and the city of Bogart to seal the deal.

Now, the Georgia Economic Developers Association is recognizing those government bodies for "outstanding achievement in the location/expansion of business in Georgia." The award was presented during the 49th Annual GEDA conference held at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah from Sept. 12 through 14.

"This project was exceptional in that it came together in such a short time frame and with so many agencies working together toward a common goal,"  a news release from the Georgia Economic Developers Association stated.

About the award

This is now the fifth year GEDA has recognized major projects from the previous year. In what has become a major portion of the annual awards ceremony, GEDA recognizes recipients in four categories:

• SMALL — A county with a population of 50,000 and less
• MEDIUM — A county with a population 50,001 to 100,000,
• LARGE — A county with a population more than 100,000
• REGIONAL — Any multi-county effort

The Deal of the Year awards recognize outstanding achievement in the location or expansion of new businesses in the state of Georgia that meet community economic development goals and involve significant community program support, such as  financial or permitting assistance, workforce development, state financial support, etc.

You might also be interested in reading:

• Video: Take a Tour of the Oconee-Athens Caterpillar Plant Construction Site
• Want to Work at Caterpillar in Oconee-Athens? Here's What you Need to Know

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