Ralph Forbes, PE was named the 2018 Volunteer of the Year by the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA). Working tirelessly for economic development efforts for many years, Forbes is being recognized for his outstanding service to the citizens of Georgia.

Selected by GEDA’s Board of Directors, his contributions are too numerous to count but Ralph many times is the "go to" person for communities and statewide economic development agencies when they are preparing a RFI for presentation to prospects.  Ralph has volunteered for many major projects in recent history but has helped companies to site locations in Georgia since the 1980s. He and his employer, Thomas & Hutton, is always a supporter of GEDA's events and programs.

Typically, this award goes to a local community volunteer, but Ralph Forbes’ expertise and generous gift of time to many communities throughout Georgia cannot go unrecognized.  His volunteer work covers the entire state.  He has been known to make meetings in Atlanta, Richmond Hill and back, all in one day!  All the projects in which he has participated, have involved collaboration among multiple stakeholders (i.e. County, multiple Cities, multiple Authorities, utilities, and more).  He has encouraged and exemplified that collaboration.  He is a premier expert on site development needs and legal restrictions.  

Mr. Forbes was present at GEDA’s November luncheon in Atlanta, along with friends and community supporters, to receive the Volunteer of the Year award.  More than 250 economic developers from around the state attended the luncheon to honor Mr. Forbes and others.