Caption: Lt. Gen. Gene Kirkland, Air Force Sustainment Center Commander, attended the Project Synergy ribbon cutting and toured the new facility along with Georgia Congressional representatives, Sanford Bishop and Austin Scott. (U.S. Air Force photos by Faye Banks-Anderson)

By Angie Gheesling

Project Synergy is a partnership between the Development Authority of Houston County, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC), and the Houston County School District. This $10 million – 47,000 square foot high-tech software facility provides a collaborative setting fashioned like a modern, Silicon Valley-style software lab. It provides a free environment for tech-savvy pros to innovate and create. Approximately 150 members of the SWEG’s 580th Software Engineering Squadron will occupy the space in addition to 250 new positions that are currently being added.
The Center also addresses those elements key to the present and future requirements of the software missions for Robins Air Force Base and the need to grow the workforce pipeline. As a response to the need to create an atmosphere made for creativity and the education of young people, a 2,000 square foot space has been included for the Houston County College and Career Academy students.

This project was made possible through the collaboration of many community members. Exemplary leadership as was demonstrated between Houston County Commission Chairman, Tommy Stalnaker, and former WR-ALC Commander, BG John Kubinec were key in making this project a reality.

It was best acknowledged by former Georgia Department of Economic Development COO, Bert Brantley:
It’s an incredible testament to the reality of all of Middle Georgia and this community in particular when the call is put out that you guys answer and say yes.

…A lot of people think about the base when they think about Warner Robins and Houston County- for me, I think about leadership. This community has continually produced leadership both in your local area and the state and that continues today. You guys continue to lead the way in developing incredible leaders…“Every prospect we talk to nowadays- the workforce is their number one question. A lot of communities are talking about what they’re doing to develop their workforce. Houston County is putting it into action in a much bigger way than we see across the state.”