Gov. Kemp to tour Nivel plant here, sign bills on Friday

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is returning to Grady County this Friday for the first time since being sworn in as the state’s chief executive.

The governor is coming to tour the newly expanded Nivel Parts and Manufacturing plant here and to sign two bills backed by District 173 State Representative Darlene Taylor.

Kemp is expected to arrive at the Nivel plant at 11 a.m. Friday, May 10 where he will have the opportunity to meet with local officials and Nivel company representatives.

Nivel is touted as North America’s largest independent provider of golf cart aftermarket parts and accessories. Earlier this year, it was announced that the company was moving all of its manufacturing to the Cairo plant and creating more than 50 jobs here.

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Regional Project Manager Tina Herring represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with the Grady County Joint Development Authority and Quick Start in facilitating the Nivel expansion here.

“I am thrilled that Nivel Parts & Manufacturing has chosen to expand their operations in Cairo. Nivel is a fantastic partner with the local community in Grady County, offering internships through the local high school and creating job opportunities for students entering the workforce. A brighter future for rural Georgia starts with businesses like Nivel Parts & Manufacturing,” Gov. Kemp has said previously.

Representative Taylor, who represents Grady County in the House of Representatives, expressed her excitement about the governor coming to Cairo this week.

“I am so appreciative of Nivel and their investment in our community. It is time to celebrate. This gives the Governor an opportunity to show how important we are and for him to put into action his commitment to rural Georgia. And there is more to come,” Rep. Taylor said.

She also expressed her delight that two of the bills she championed in the most recent session of the General Assembly would be signed in her district on Friday.

One of the bills expected to be signed by the governor is HB491, which Rep. Taylor explains provides for new and stronger regulations for international insurance carriers doing business in Georgia.

The second bill, HB168, extends a sales tax exemption for Community Health Centers, she said.

“We have several clinics in South Georgia and they are vital to providing care to our medically under served citizens. They serve all in need regardless of their ability to pay. While we are blessed to have such a wonderful and vibrant medical community, all areas of Georgia are not. The dollars saved allow them to provide more care,” Rep. Taylor said.

Grady County Joint Development Authority executive director, Julian Brown, said he is also looking forward to welcoming the governor to Grady County. “The state played a vital role in us being successful in attracting Nivel to move all of their manufacturing to the Cairo plant. This will give us an opportunity to show our appreciation,” Brown said.