Rowen Site Selection Newsletter: June 2025

June 17, 2025

Welcome to Rowen

Shaping Georgia’s Economic Future

I’m excited to share an important milestone in Rowen’s journey: the release of a new economic analysis that highlights the 11-county region surrounding Rowen. The study showcases the Rowen Region as the state’s powerhouse for talent, workforce development and economic growth. Nearly half of Georgia’s projected prime working-age population growth will occur in the Region between 2023 and 2028. Talent surrounds us at Rowen, and this data clearly shows that we have a workforce to drive our mission to build a community focused on the future.

We also recently announced the formation of our Executive Advisory Council, a diverse collection of statewide leaders who will help inform the vision of Georgia’s largest knowledge community. Their strategic guidance will help shape Rowen’s development, ensuring that our vision remains broad, bold and deeply rooted in innovation.

As we continue to lay the groundwork—literally and figuratively—we invite you to learn more about Rowen and look forward to connecting with you at future industry events.

Mason Ailstock
President & CEO
Rowen Foundation

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Rowen’s $32 Million Infrastructure Project

Rowen completed a $32 million “complete streets” infrastructure project, laying the groundwork for a walkable, people-first community in Gwinnett County – just 35 miles from Athens, Atlanta and Gainesville. This phase includes two miles of roads, multi-use pathways, underground utilities (fiber, water, power and more) and green spaces designed to support future development while prioritizing sustainability and pedestrian accessibility. The design is Georgia’s first-ever Greenroads Pilot Certified project, incorporating climate-conscious features like biofiltration swales, narrower lanes to reduce concrete and heat island effects, and using a variety of native plants selected for their microclimates, creating a solid foundation for future development.

Read More in Urbanize Atlanta

Rowen Nears Development with Surge in Company Interest

Rowen is nearing vertical development as the Foundation develops plans for the 150-acre Rowen Village, including the Rowen Convergence Center, set to break ground in 2026. Designed to serve as the “front door” to Rowen’s mission, the center will provide higher education, industry and community partners a place to gather, connect and grow. Rowen continues to attract interest from prospective companies in high-growth sectors, such as life sciences, agriculture and environmental technology, as the Foundation works closely with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Gwinnett County and others to establish a global hub. This growing momentum marks a pivotal step toward realizing Rowen’s vision of a dynamic, knowledge-driven community poised for long-term economic impact.

Read More in Atlanta Business Chronicle

Rowen’s Sustainable Infrastructure Offers Long-Term Savings

Rowen was recently highlighted as a “living laboratory” for high-tech innovation, research and community building in Forbes magazine by acclaimed meteorologist Dr. Marshall Shepherd. The community emphasizes environmental stewardship, academic partnerships and an entrepreneurial spirit. By partnering with the state’s top colleges and universities, Rowen benefits from talented scientists, planners, researchers and students to offer access to exceptional talent and cost savings to companies seeking a home for their next business move.

Read More in Forbes

Rowen on the Road

It was a pleasure meeting some of you recently at the SEDC Site Selection Summit in April and the Area Development Spring Consultants Forum earlier this month. We look forward to connecting with more of you at the following upcoming events:

Looking for Sites?

Contact the Rowen Team

Media Coverage

Georgia invests $1B to turn Route 316 into ‘workforce expressway’ between Atlanta and Athens

Originally posted in Atlanta Business Chronicle. A decade from now, a series of stop-and-start intersections along the state highway connecting Atlanta to Athens will be ditched in an effort to improve traffic flow and accommodate growth. Georgia’s Department of Transportation is investing approximately $1 billion into a long-term overhaul of state Route 316. The four-lane […]

A rendering of Rowen from a bird's-eye view. Announcements

Rowen Foundation Announces Leadership Transition

The Rowen Foundation today announced that President and CEO Mason Ailstock will step down after accepting a new opportunity. The Rowen Board of Directors is conducting a national search for Rowen's next president and CEO with the Board anticipating new leadership later this fall.

A rendering of Rowen from a bird's-eye view. Blog

Why Companies Are Choosing Georgia’s Largest Biotech Park

While Boston and San Francisco have long dominated the life sciences conversation, the Southeast is writing a new chapter, and Georgia is leading it. With 2,000 acres of preserved land for state-of-the-art facilities, labs, and collaboration spaces, Rowen is a compelling destination for biopharma and biotech industry investments that value collaborative learning, knowledge sharing, and transformative thinking.