Development Authority of LaGrange

02/06/2026

Congratulations, Ozzy! A wonderful young man and leader. So proud to know you and celebrate your success at KIA and TC3!

10/10/2025

10/02/2025

The Development Authority of LaGrange is grateful for the support of our sponsors and industry partners, who helped provide a wonderful event for over 1100 students today!

A special thank you goes out to a wonderful group of Troup County School System TC3 students and their teacher, Ms. McKinley. They volunteered as hosts, runners and assistants, filling in wherever needed around the event. A great group of young adults with a wonderful future ahead of them:

Xaden Clark, Kody Gates, Ozzy Hernandez, Jamiya Lewis, Niamani Lockhart, Mallorie Moore, Da’Nesha Mitchell, Dixie Purser, Sa’Naiya Williams.

10/01/2025

The final countdown to our 3rd Annual October 2nd West GA event is on! We are hosting over 1000 high school and middle school students from 6 school systems in our region!

Our event is structured as a fun, hands on, trade show style event! This year we will have a DJ, a QR Code Scavenger Hunt in addition to our Industry Bingo and ease of check-in using vFairs technology! Please check out our landing page westgamfgday.vFairs.com and give our sponsors a shout out!

If you are in our area, stop by and meet our participating industry partners, learn about their contributions to our economy and see manufacturing technology in action: West Georgia Technical College Precision Manufacturing Trailer, Precision Manufacturing Lab, WGTC Welding Trailer, Be Pro Be Proud Skills Trailer, Georgia AIM’s Novo Robotic Dog, Geek+ iVue Robotics System Technology Works Advanced Control Solutions & Automation inc FANUC America Corporation AND MUCH MORE!

09/30/2025

As our final post for our Student Success Stories, we are extremely excited to present Garrett Huckleberry of Fokker Services Group . Garrett is a 2024 Graduate of Callaway High School and part of the pilot Student-to-Technician apprenticeship program designed and implemented by Jeff Matthews Vice-President of Operations, Fokker Services Group.

STORY:
Garrett Huckleberry is a recent graduate of Callaway High School and one of the students that helped Fokker Services prototype our Work-Based Learning (Students-to-Technicians) program while working part-time during his Senior Year.

After graduation, he accepted a full-time position as a Technician on our Rotating Product Line team responsible for repairing and overhauling critical commercial aircraft components such as Starters, Air Cycle Machines, Hydraulic Pumps, etc. His dedication, eagerness to learn, and professionalism led to promotion to Senior Technician, and he is on track to be promoted to Certified Master Technician in the not-too-distant future!

In Garrett’s own words, “My senior year I knew I wanted to get straight to work after high school. I decided to come to Fokker halfway through my senior year and it has been great so far.”

Fokker Services is proud to collaborate with The Development Authority of LaGrange and WGTC to help make West GA Manufacturing Day a success! Fokker Services has been recognized as the 2023-24 Troup County Business of the Year and the West Central Work-Based Learning Partner of the Year for 2024-25. As we continue to strive for excellence, our Student-to-Technician program is thriving!

Garrett is an exemplary example of how mentorship and on-the-job training can pave the way for a bright and fulfilling professional career. When asked who we’d like to feature as a Student Success Story, Garrett was an easy choice.

09/30/2025

Preparations are underway for our October 2nd West Ga Regional event! We are hosting 1,000+ students from six school systems, not only to celebrate 🎊 our manufacturers, but also as part of our alignment strategy!

Our event, in partnership with West Georgia Technical College, provides a fun, trade show-style atmosphere, engagement with industry partners, and exposure to advanced manufacturing technology, robotics, and career opportunities in manufacturing. Average manufacturing wages in Troup County are almost $70,000 per year, the highest average wages in our community!

Thank you to our participating industry partners and our sponsors for making our third annual event even more amazing!

09/30/2025

Today, as part of our Student Success Stories, we are so excited to feature Brayden Bishop!

Brayden is a senior at Troup County High School working in the machining department of Hyundai Transys Georgia Powertrain as part of . The Hyundai-Transys team is a great partner in WBL and understanding the value of YouScience to identify individual aptitudes and aligning pathways and apprenticeships to support student success!

STORY:
My name is Brayden Bishop, and I’m a senior at Troup County High School. Through the Work-Based Learning program, I work at Hyundai Transys in the machining department. My experience here has been very positive, and I’ve truly felt welcomed as part of the team from the beginning. The environment has allowed me to grow, not only by learning important skills like teamwork, responsibility, and communication, but also by feeling supported along the way. The mentorship from my supervisors has made the biggest difference they’ve taken the time to guide me, encourage me, and show me the right way to approach my work. Their support has helped me grow both on the job and as a person. After graduation, I plan to attend trade school for welding, earn my certifications, and build a strong and successful career for myself.

09/29/2025

For our fourth Student Success Story, we are proud to recognize Riley Morgan, weld maintenance at Kia Georgia. Riley is a 2019 graduate of Troup County School System and a 5 year KIA employee!

STORY:
Riley Morgan has worked five years at Kia Georgia in the maintenance department. His career path began in high school when he discovered through a program at THINC Academy that he did not want to go to college to major in video design.
THINC College & Career Academy is a charter school in LaGrange that allows high school students to serve in career paths that reflect the business community. The five career paths include business and marketing, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), health and sports medicine, energy systems and mechatronics.
Morgan, decided on mechatronics, and once he acquired an internship at Kia Georgia, he never looked back.
“Before coming to Kia, I had no idea what manufacturing was,” he said. “In eighth grade I was focused on video game designs, but I realized when I got to high school that it probably wasn’t for me.”
Morgan said he wasn’t sure exactly what his niche would be until he came to Kia.
“I found a job where I like what I’m doing, which is engineering, robotics and mechanics,” he said. “Otherwise, I would have wasted more time and money on a major that I wouldn’t have loved as much”
Morgan has since received a degree in “Precision, Manufacturing and Maintenance” from West Georgia Technical College and continues to be a bright shining star at Kia and an example of how students don’t have to take a traditional path to earn a college degree.
“My hands-on experience couldn’t be taught in a lecture hall,” he said. “But it allowed me to choose a major that has brought me independence and financial success. I found out sooner than most of my peers that this is what I do best and what I’m good at.’’
Morgan has learned a skilled trade at Kia and the drive to keep learning on the job.

09/27/2025

Today, we are excited to highlight Oren Rogers, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic at Interface in LaGrange! Oren is a favorite of the Interface team, citing his work ethic and commitment to excellence.

STORY (edited):
Meet Oren Rogers, a standout example of how hard work, passion, and hands-on learning can lead to a successful career in manufacturing!

A 2022 graduate of Heard County High School, Oren came highly recommended by his Construction and Automotive Pathway instructors—and Interface listened. He joined Interface right out of high school as a third shift Mechanic, a challenging role he tackled with grit and a strong desire to grow.

His dedication paid off: Oren was soon promoted to first shift, where he continues to thrive. His reputation has reached the highest levels of the company, with Interface’s Global Director of Engineering, Chris Duck, proudly saying: “Oren was a phenomenal hire! I wish we could clone him!”

Oren is currently pursuing his associate’s degree in Precision Manufacturing at West Georgia Technical College. While he enjoys working with both mechanical and electrical systems, his true passion lies in machining, where he thrives on mastering technical details and precision.

Known for his clear communication, collaborative spirit, and commitment to excellence, Oren has become an invaluable member of the Interface team. He’s gaining hands-on experience and is eager to grow into more advanced maintenance roles, and his managers already see great potential in his future.

At Interface we’re proud to be part of the local community and to support the next generation of skilled trades professionals like Oren.

As part of West GA Manufacturing Day at West GA Technical College, we’re honored to spotlight Oren’s journey—a powerful example of how local partnerships and career and technical education can open doors and build the skilled workforce of tomorrow.

09/26/2025

Today, we are excited to feature Ryan Jackson of Mountville! Ryan, a 2024 graduate, began his industrial maintenance career from engagement with an employer at our Manufacturing Day event!

STORY:
“I started at 18 working in an Industrial manufacturing facility, where I gained valuable skills and experience with large-scale equipment. During that year, I learned how to troubleshoot issues, make repairs on the fly and under pressure, to keep the machines running and support production. That experience gave me a solid foundation in both mechanical and electrical work and showed me how important it is to stay safe, calm, and focused when equipment goes down.

In May of this year, I joined the Mountville Mills crew. My supervisor, Cameron has been my friend ever since we started college when I was just 17, so working together and Having that trust and understanding from the start has made it easier to grow in my role, and it’s been motivating to have someone I know, push me to do better every day and have the faith that we keep in each other to depend on.

What I love about being a maintenance mechanic at Mountville Mills is the challenge. No two days are the same. I like being the guy who can role up his sleeves, figure it out, and get production running again. And honestly, there is no better feeling when a machine finally roars back to life.”

09/25/2025

Today, as part of our lead up to West GA Regional Mfg Day, we are thrilled to celebrate Pashuntz Johnson, Production Tecnhnician at Hyundai Transys Georgia Powertrain! Pashuntz started her experience as a Troup County School System Work-Based Learning Student.

STORY:
“My experience started during my senior year of high school, and I am still employed at Hyundai-Transys Georgia Powertrain after graduation.
Working with this company has been an amazing experience.

I’ve built new relationships with team members and managers while learning valuable skills. I truly appreciate the mentoring and hands-on experience I’ve gained, all while earning money. The Work-Based Learning program and Hyundai-Transys Georgia Powertrain team have prepared me for the real world, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and have no regrets about participating.”

09/24/2025

As part of the lead up to our West GA Regional Manufacturing Day, we will feature a daily Student Success Story. These students became employed in the manufacturing sector following targeted and intentional engagement strategies with committed and informed industry partners.

Today, our first success story is Austin Hanner! Austin is one of the first apprentices hired by Fokker Service Group hired out of the BIG Lunch Initiative from Callaway High School!

STORY:
Austin Hanner is one of many Fokker success stories! As a member of our inaugural Student-to-Technician Program, Austin has become an invaluable team member and a shining example of what our program has to offer. Austin was hired in 2022 as student to work part time as an Aviation Maintenance Technician, while also completing his senior year at Callaway High School.
In his own words, “Each shift I proved my dedication by showing up early, working safely, and tackling challenges with precision. My supervisors noticed my work ethic and passion for the field, mentoring me and trusting me with more responsibility.” And notice they did!
Upon graduation, Austin was offered a full time position here at Fokker and the start of his aviation career. His hands-on experience paired with his confidence and can-do attitude, assure a bright future for this young man.

He was promoted to Senior Technician ahead of schedule and just before his 19th birthday, making him the youngest Senior Technician in our organization! His rapid advancement reflects both exceptional skill and dedication. He is also on track to receive his Component Master Technician Certification and a promotion to Master Technician in the very near future, further underscoring his impressive trajectory and commitment to excellence.

Fokker Services is proud to collaborate with The Development Authority of LaGrange and WGTC to help make West GA Manufacturing Day a success! Fokker Services has been recognized as the 2023-24 Troup County Business of the Year and the West Central Work Based Learning Partner of the Year for 2024-25. As we continue to strive for excellence, our Student-to-Technician program is thriving!

Austin is a true testament that mentorship and on-the-job training can pave the way for a bright and fulfilling professional career. When asked who we’d like to feature as a Student Success Story, Austin was an easy choice.