ATLANTA-Last summer, industrial developer IDI (IndustrialDevelopments International), based here, finished a $9 millioninfrastructure improvement program at a 260-acre site it hadpurchased from the Monroe County Georgia development authority for$6.5 million. After spending all that money to attract companies inneed of large warehouse space, one would think that IDI's marketingprogram would be equally as rigorous. That is where the GeorgiaReady for Accelerated Development Sites Program comes in.

At the Meridian 75 Logistics Center, 15 miles north of Macon,IDI is planning to build up to 2.9 million square feet, but inorder to attract tenants in need of one million square footfacilities, it sought out the seal of approval with the help ofGeorgia Allies, a public/private entity which administers the GRADprogram. Georgia Allies' larger mission is to promote business inthe state.

The GRAD designation indicates that a development site has beenpre-qualified and approved for development by a third partyconsultant who works with the Georgia Allies program, says LisaWard, vice president of leasing for IDI in Atlanta. Until recently,only seven sites in the state had been approved to receive thisdesignation, including IDI’s Tradeport East Business Center inSavannah. As of March 31, 2010, IDI’s Meridian 75 Logistics Centerhas joined that list of projects.