In the heart of Fitzgerald, Jason Dunn is at the forefront of revitalizing the local economy, while embracing the spirit of community. With a deep connection to the town, Jason speaks passionately about the importance of a tight-knit community, which he believes is essential for fostering growth and a sense of belonging. And if you're active on LinkedIn, you're probably already familiar with Jason's generosity of spirit and love of sharing knowledge and experience.
A major milestone in Jason's journey came during a trip to Washington, D.C., where Fitzgerald was honored by the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) for the 'Deal of the Year' in collaboration with Polar Beverage. The project, involving a remarkable $40 million investment, included the establishment of new warehouses, reflecting the promise of opportunity for rural areas.
The crowning moment of the trip was visiting the White House cafeteria, where Polar Beverage drinks made in Fitzgerald were served. Jason snapped a selfie with the beverages and humorously sent it to the CEO, highlighting the connection between local efforts and national recognition.
Almost as "cool" as a refreshing Polar Beverage was Jason and his son, Jacob's, coincidental carpool to the airport that day - Jason headed to D.C. and Jacob to a week-long training session in Indiana for his position at Lippert Components.
Watch the full video of our chat with Jason and his son, Jacob, or scroll down for a summarized recap of the interview.
Heather: Hey guys! Not that you need much introduction, but let's have it anyway.
Jason: Ha, I'm Jason Dunn, the Director of the Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority.
Jacob: My name is Jacob Dunn. I'm a production and maintenance tech at Lippert Components.
Heather: And so, how do you two know each other?
Jason: Well, I've known Jacob for about 22 years now. He came into my life September 1st, 2002. And, of course, he's my son. And we've been tied at the hip since.
Heather: What do you love about Fitzgerald, Jason?
Jason: I appreciate the tight-knit community. There’s a comfort in knowing that this is my home. I feel that we have the right leadership in key areas—like the development authority, the chamber of commerce, our school system, and both city and county government. We're working together towards a common goal, and it's truly organic with local individuals stepping up to address rural economic challenges.
Heather: How do you grow a rural area while maintaining that small-town feel?
Jason: We focus on what our expectations are regarding economic development. Instead of chasing large deals that might not suit us, we prioritize building relationships with local employers and enhancing our school system. A strong school system directly contributes to a strong community. We also maintain excellent relationships with our local hospital because those foundations are key; our community thrives only when our kindergarten and hospital are robust. We're dedicated to fostering these connections and investing in our youth, ensuring that we remain a united community, even without needing a large factory.
Heather: It's refreshing to focus on strengthening what exists; that growth can also mean enhancing what's already there.
Jason: Absolutely! I was invited to D.C. when our community was recognized by GEDA for "Deal of the Year" for a project with Polar Beverage, which involved a $40 million investment and 200,000 square feet of new warehouse space. It was thrilling to walk into the cafeteria at the White House and see Polar Beverage drinks being served. I snapped a selfie and sent it to the CEO, saying, "Look where your seltzer is!" It’s incredible to witness both Fitzgerald and Lippert doing big things in a rural setting—it's proof that success can thrive anywhere.
Heather: That is so great! You are quite a celebrity in the economic development world. Tell me about Jacob's role at Lippert, one of the local industries there.
Jason: It's truly one of the proudest moments, and I'm so proud of the work ethic Jacob learned a long time ago. We aren't scared to get dirty. He kind of cut his teeth, the year COVID started. He would work at a tire shop and learned everything about repairing tires, changing tires, balance rotated, you name it.
Jacob: A lot of people told me when I was in a class, they said, "this class is just a start. You'll learn a lot more on the job." And that's been true for me.
Jason: One thing that led us to this path is what we've learned in a lot of these economic development conferences. When you hear what the workforce needs are, and you hear employers say over and over, "we need young men and women with problem-solving skills that aren't afraid to work."
Life in rural Georgia has a lot to offer, especially with committed economic developers like Jason at the helm. Whether it's sharing tomatoes with neighbors, taking a break to go fishing, or orchestrating major industry wins, the Dunns are thriving in Fitzgerald and beyond.
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