Deal completes economic development mission to Israel

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal is wrapping up a five-day mission to Israel that included a delegation of state of Georgia officials and business leaders.

The delegation visited Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Herzliya and Atlanta’s sister city of Ra’anana. The governor met with prominent members of government including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the mayor of Jerusalem to explore business and trade opportunities. The delegation also met with companies that have already invested in Georgia or are considering establishing a presence in Georgia.

“Israel is a vital partner in friendship and in our economic development efforts,” Deal said. “We are here to bolster our ties as we celebrate Georgia’s 20th year in the Israeli market and our long-standing commitment to the country.”

During the mission, Deal announced that Israel-based Haifa Group will build a new Controlled Release Fertilizer manufacturing facility in Savannah. Haifa is a leading global supplier of potassium nitrate, specialty plant nutrients and food phosphates, which help the agriculture industry. A $12 million investment, the new Controlled Release Fertilizer plant will create nearly 20 jobs.

“This new plant serves as a testament to the strength of Georgia’s advanced agriculture technology industry,” said Deal. “We fully expect that this new production facility will help establish our state as a center of advanced fertilizer technology, with farmers, nursery owners and professional turf experts across the country asking for our products.”

 

While in Israel, Georgia also recognized several outstanding Israeli companies for their respective partnerships with the state at the ‘Georgia: Destination for Global Success’ seminar. UPS was recognized for 20 years of service in economic development in Georgia. The Georgia Trade Champion award was presented to E.G.M. Investments Ltd.; the Peach Investor award was presented to Verint Systems; and the Strategic Georgia Partner Award was presented to the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FICC). Award finalists included Hewlett-Packard, Jacada Inc., AMDOCS, conexx: America Israel Business Connector (formerly known as American-Israel Chamber of Commerce) and Mussafi & Sons.