Georgia’s newest knowledge community is teaming up with the state’s historical leader in agricultural innovation to discuss the prospects of Georgia’s largest industry.
On March 31 at 11 a.m., leaders in agriculture, technology and innovation, will gather at the University of Georgia’s new Delta Innovation Hub for the “Future of Agriculture,” a one hour event kicking off the Rowen Foundation’s 2022 Thought Leadership Series.
The event’s keynote will be given by Stefan Caspari, senior vice president and general manager of grain and protein for AGCO of Duluth, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. Caspari will discuss the company’s focus on sustainability and innovative work to create systems addressing animal welfare, food security, support for farmers and access to healthy food in a growing population. He will also show how the AGCO Foundation contributes to those efforts.
Dean Nicholas T. Place of UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will offer remarks and discuss how additional industry considerations such as healthcare, diversity, climate change and environmental resiliency connect to and inform the future of agriculture.
The thought leadership event comes six weeks after University of Georgia Provost Dr. S. Jack Hu joined the Rowen Foundation’s board of directors along with representatives from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia Gwinnett College. The Foundation expects to continue to offer periodic thought leadership events throughout the year as it strengthens its relationships with Georgia’s leading research institutes and other partners focused on agriculture, medicine and the environment.
Siemens unveils fleet charging structure in P’tree Corners
The electric vehicle ecosystem in Peachtree Corners keeps growing. The latest addition in the city comes from Curiosity Lab’s neighbor, Siemens, which has unveiled a sustainable, electric vehicle (EV) charging structure designed for electrifying fleets and high demand charging applications at scale.
Siemens created the concept to electrify new or existing parking lots and building structures quickly and efficiently by using a modular, scalable design. The solution, which resembles a modern-day fueling station, was developed in late 2021. It was installed in three days at Siemens’ research and development hub for Electrical Products and eMobility solutions in Peachtree Corners.
Markus Mildner, CEO of eMobility at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, says: “The massive growth of electric mobility requires an easy and rapid expansion of a reliable and sustainable charging infrastructure. This specific concept shows how Siemens and its partners are working on new, innovative ideas to help support this growth in the U.S. market. Working closely with partners globally to meet local needs is very important to us and this cooperation embodies that spirit.”
The City of Peachtree Corners and Curiosity Lab also are committed to expanding access to sustainable energy solutions. According to Business Insider, even with 1.8 million battery-powered cars already on U.S. roads, there are only about 100,000 charging plugs for them at around 41,000 public station locations.
To help solve this issue, over the last few years, the City of Peachtree Corners has unveiled a solar roadway system that powers an EV charging station in front of City Hall and developed an electric-vehicle charging plaza at Town Center. Additionally, Curiosity Lab’s Innovation Garage can power electric vehicles being tested at the Lab.
Brandon Branham, chief technology officer and assistant city manager of Peachtree Corners, adds: “As more electric vehicles – both commercial and consumer – hit the roads, it is vital that cities and businesses work together to address the growing demand for easily scalable public and private charging stations. The City of Peachtree Corners – both at Curiosity Lab and at our resident businesses – will continue to serve as a beacon for electric vehicle and charging innovation. We invite companies working in this space to partner with us to test next generation sustainable energy solutions.”
Bugbee to become CFO of Marcus Family Office
Chief Financial Officer Margaret Bugbee of the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia has accepted a position as CFO at the Marcus Family Office, an Atlanta organization created by The Home Depot’s co-founder Bernie Marcus. Her last day at the Community Foundation will be June 3, 2022. She has been part of the Community Foundation in a full-time or part time capacity for over 20 years.
Before joining the Community Foundation’s staff in May 2013, Bugbee spent 15 years doing part-time accounting work for the foundation. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance and is a certified public accountant. She is actively involved in the community and serves on the Scott Hudgens Family Foundation Advisory Board and the Gwinnett County Public Library Foundation Board.
Randy Redner, the Community Foundation’s CEO/president says: “This is a great opportunity for Margaret. She has done an incredible job over the years as CFO of the Community Foundation and means so much to all of us.”
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