Development Authority of Jeff Davis County

11/27/2025

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from the Development Authority! 🍁

This season, we are especially grateful for the businesses, industries, entrepreneurs, and community partners who drive growth and opportunity in our area. Your hard work and vision help create jobs, strengthen our economy, and build a brighter future for all who call our community home.

As we pause to give thanks, we celebrate the progress we've made together and look forward to the continued development, innovation, and collaboration ahead.

From the Development Authority, we wish you a warm, joyful, and blessed Thanksgiving. 🦃🍂
Thank you for being an essential part of our community’s success.

11/26/2025

🌟 Meet the Board 🌟

Wanda Marchant is a passionate advocate for community growth, natural preservation, and economic progress in Jeff Davis County. With decades of service, leadership, and vision, she has played a transformative role in shaping the cultural, environmental, and economic landscape of the region.
As owner and partner of Ocmulgee Outdoors, Inc., established in 1978, Wanda has long championed outdoor recreation and promoted appreciation for the area’s natural beauty. From 1995–2005, she served as the first Director of Tourism for Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County, laying the foundation for what has become a thriving tourism industry.

A founding member of the Altamaha River Partnership (ARP), Wanda collaborated with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to develop Towns Bluff Park, now a cherished destination for both locals and visitors. Her visionary efforts also include saving The Big House, establishing a culinary program with Second Harvest, and organizing farm tours that showcased the richness of local agriculture. She was also instrumental as a founding member of the committee that created Peaches to the Beaches, Georgia’s longest yard sale.

Wanda’s commitment to community service runs deep. She has served as President of Friends of the Library, Secretary of the Jeff Davis Republican Party, and remains an active member of Elizabeth Baptist Church. In 2011, she made history as Jeff Davis County’s first female commissioner, serving from 2011–2014 and continuing to advocate for positive change in her community.

To Wanda, economic development in Jeff Davis County means creating a thriving, forward-moving community—one that offers new job opportunities, attracts and nurtures businesses, and strengthens the county’s infrastructure. It also means enhancing the beauty and livability of the area by improving green spaces, keeping the community clean, and preserving its charm through beautification and revitalization efforts.

Above all, Wanda believes economic development reflects a shared dedication to pride, progress, and purpose—where every improvement and act of service leaves a lasting impact on the future of Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County.

11/05/2025

Meet the Board

We’re proud to spotlight Terry Lane Stone, who serves as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Joint Development Authority Board.

Born in Hope Mills, NC, Terry has called Hazlehurst home since she was just 25 days old. She’s a graduate of Jeff Davis High, South Georgia College, and Georgia Southern College, where she earned her BBA in Accounting.

Terry and her husband, Freddie, have been married for 54 years and live in the Altamaha community of Jeff Davis County. Together, they own and operate Stone’s Machine Shop, Inc. and Accu-Ways, Inc. Terry also previously owned and operated Colonial Flower & Gifts for over 40 years.
Her passion for community growth and leadership is evident through her service on multiple boards — including the South Georgia Regional Development Authority, Board of Tourism, Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation Board, Family Connections Board, and Seaside Homeowners’ Board — as well as her active involvement in Rotary.

Terry’s outstanding service has earned her many honors, including Georgia Economic Volunteer of the Year, Jeff Davis Citizen of the Year, The Jane Baggett Award, and Chamber Director of the Year.

When asked why she serves on the JDA Board, Terry shared:
“I serve on the JDA Board because I want to see long-term economic vitality in our community — to bring great-paying jobs for our citizens, build an economy that keeps our young people close to home after finishing their education, and strengthen collaboration between City and County government with the JDA. Together, we can identify opportunities, remove barriers for growth, and attract businesses that align with our community’s values and future vision.”

Thank you, Terry, for your leadership, passion, and dedication to helping Jeff Davis County thrive for generations to come! 💛

10/30/2025

We just had an upgrade!

As the leading voice for business in Jeff Davis County, we bring people, ideas, and opportunities together to create a vibrant, welcoming place to live, work, and thrive.

10/15/2025

Meet the Board

This week, we’re honored to feature Lonnie Roberts, Board Member of the Jeff Davis County Development Authority!

A native and lifelong resident of Jeff Davis County, Lonnie has dedicated his career to public service and community growth. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and his master’s degree from Valdosta State University. Over the years, he has served his community in multiple capacities, including as County Clerk and County Administrator of Jeff Davis County.

Today, Lonnie serves as President of Coastal Pines Technical College, where his leadership continues to make a lasting impact on education and workforce development across the region. His commitment to progress and collaboration has not gone unnoticed—Georgia Trend Magazine has recognized him as one of the 500 Most Influential Georgians.

Economic Development:
When asked what economic development means to Jeff Davis County, Lonnie shared:
“Economic development is vital to enhancing the quality of life for our community by promoting job growth, improving infrastructure, and attracting new businesses and industries. It also means supporting and promoting existing local industries and working with local partners to strengthen education, healthcare, and public services—ensuring long-term economic growth and stability.”

We’re proud to have Lonnie’s experience, vision, and leadership helping to guide the continued growth and prosperity of Jeff Davis County.

10/08/2025

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing each of our Development Authority of Jeff Davis County board members and sharing a little bit about the people helping shape the future of our community.

This week, we’re excited to highlight Tracy R. McClendon, a dedicated member of the Development Authority.

Tracy has been with the Bank of Hazlehurst for over 29 years, bringing valuable experience, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose to our board. Her favorite title, though, is Mama/Mimi, and she cherishes every moment spent with her family.

A devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a proud member of our community, Tracy’s faith and love for Hazlehurst shine through everything she does.

We also asked Tracy what economic development means in Jeff Davis County, and she shared:
“Economic development in Jeff Davis is not just about numbers or buildings to me. It’s about improving the quality of life for everyone in our community, strengthening our schools, supporting our workforce, and preserving the small-town values that make Jeff Davis feel like home.”

We’re grateful for Tracy’s passion, service, and commitment to helping Jeff Davis County grow and thrive!

09/12/2025

Project Announcement from the Development Authority of Jeff Davis County.

09/12/2025

Yesterday, President/CEO of the Development Authority of Jeff Davis County, Oakley G. Perry, along with neighboring counterparts, presented to project managers and others from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Power, and Georgia EMC about doing business in Southeast Georgia. Each community was asked to bring a gift for attendees. Our community was happy to share pickleballs manufactured by EP American right here in Hazlehurst. Thank you to EP American and McPherson Manufacturing for providing these for us to give!

09/04/2025

Our office is happy to support workforce development and education here in Jeff Davis County! Part of that work is celebrating the success of our educators!

07/02/2025

We're Hiring!
Do you love planning events, programs, and fun community projects? Do we have an opportunity for you! The Development Authority of Jeff Davis County is seeking a full-time Program Manager, Events & Projects, to join our team.

Apply by July 16, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Link in the comments below.

06/19/2025

Our office is closed today in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

05/26/2025

Our office is closed today in observance of Memorial Day.