", Glen Burks, Archer vice president of manufacturing, said the planned Covington facility "is a crucial next step in bringing our vision for eVTOL travel to life. Aircraft manufacturing plant to open in Covington , GA, 1,000 jobs coming 0 By On Common Ground News on November 14, 2022 Local News, Business Bolli said Covington continues to see exponential growth as more and more people move to the city. The Swallows dance most Thursday evenings, from 7:00 to about 9:30. The Hall is an excellent facility that provides two floors for dancing, if needed, and the use of a kitchen for our party nights. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I firmly believe that our country and our community will not just bounce back we will bounce forward, stronger than ever and sooner than expected., STOVALL: It's Visions time again and we need your nominations for award winners, Suspect identified in fatal hit and run in Covington found dead of gunshot wound, Newton deputies searching for suspect in armed robbery attempt at convenience store, FEMA only operating one office, SBA in three counties after Jan. 12 tornadoes, Covington physician, businessman Dr. Jim Stillerman dies, Club helps spread pickleball popularity in Newton County, Government leaders, professors part of GSU-Newton panel discussion, NEWTON EVENTS: Black History Parade, Daffodil Festival & Symposium, GSU-Newton Daffodil Festival to feature speakers, events, NEWTON EVENTS: Black History Month parade, Lions Club fundraiser, Piedmont Academy girls basketball is back in Final Four again, Eastside baseball sweeps Social Circle in non-region double header on Saturday, Newton alum Elija Godwin wins gold in 400-meter at SEC Indoor Championships, Newton Rams enjoy sweet victory over Pebblebrook, Eastside Eagles' historic season comes to an end after Sweet Sixteen exit, CARROLL: Remembering Karen Carpenter, 1950-1983, CLAUDETTE HARDEN & OLINDA RICARD-HODGE: Its a new year for mental health, PACE: BeReal app offers alternative experience. Be Truthful. This great local partner is growing and has several career options open; all with competitive pay and benefits (including immediate benefits, retirement, and education reimbursement). The project is about 8 miles southwest of Jersey and about 7 miles west of Social Circle High School. The news outlet was founded in April, 1995. Archer Aviation is a unique companythat is setting the game apart by their forward thinking and capability to build partnerships effectively, Hall said. |, Covington Entertainment Media Campus of Georgia, Newton County Industrial Development Authority. or anything. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Home to more than 440 Fortune 500. 12 talking about this. Archer plans to construct a new aircraft manufacturing facility adjacent to the Covington Municipal Airport in Newton County, which was established in 1963 as part of a long-term airport master plan. -- to which we bring finger foods. konstantin guericke net worth; xaverian brothers high school nfl players; how is the correct gene added to the cells; hong kong supermarket flyer calgary; ben fogle: new lives in Type above and press Enter to search. We have a communitythat is ready to work and even more appealing creative and innovative, she said. email us
[email protected] give us a call with questions about modern square dancing, our Club and joining our group, Facebook: Covington Town Center also will include three hotels, including Residence Inn, Courtyard By Marriott and Stay Bridge Suites. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Through the last year, Covington/Newton County has been at the forefront of some of the most generational announcements for Georgia. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Production could reach 2,300 aircraft per year, a news release stated. To get a second Publix in the county is huge for us. accounts, the history behind an article. More details can be found at http://georgia.org/mobility. By signing up, you agree to the our terms and our Privacy Policy agreement. THIS IS COVINGTON. Were hitting on all cylinders now and are poised for enormous growth this year hitting the big 50. When it is finished, the company said their facility will have the ability to process 30,000 metric tons of discarded lithium-ion batteries and scrap the equivalent of Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images. Harry Kitchen, of Town Center master developer The Foxfield Co., said, The objective for our 160-acre mixed use project is to identify the 'best in class' of each use type, whether it is hospitality, residential, office, restaurant or retail. Please let us know if you have concerns, suggestions or questions. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We like to visit retirement and long-term care homes and other community events to dance for their entertainment and our well-being, as a Club and as a person! The company holds a 40-plus year relationship with Publix supermarkets after developing more than 60 Publix-anchored shopping centers throughout the Southeast. The 48,387-square-foot grocery store is considered the anchor for the Covington Town Center and its seven-year runway toward fruition. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. We are thrilled to bring the Marriott Brands to Covington with the upscale Courtyard by Marriott and Extended Stay Residence Inn by Marriott, saidAziz Dhanani, who is one of themanaging members of the Topaz Hotel Group. It is expected to open July 2022. "The Covington Municipal Airport is one of many points of pride for Covington, and Archer's presence within our airport plan is another distinction," Horton said. Joint venture partners The Sembler Co. and Berkley Development on Thursday announced the acquisition of about 12 acres at Alcovy Road and Town Center Boulevard for construction of the planned retail area of the development. "Our Center of Innovations specialized Aerospace team has been uniquely involved in this project, and I am proud of their continued efforts to foster Georgias aerospace and defense industries," Wilson said. This digital newsroom allows you to search press releases, access our photo and video library, read each comment to let us know of abusive posts. View more property details, sales history and THIS IS HAPPENING. Needless to say it is going to be a very busy summer on the corner of Alcovy and Hwy. ATLANTA February 27 Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Sams Club will create 600 new jobs and invest more than $142 million ATLANTA February 23, 2023 Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Idea Nuova, Inc., through its subsidiary American Home Manufacturing, will invest more ATLANTA February 21, 2023 Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Sewon America, a subsidiary of Korean-based Sewon Precision Industry Co., will create ATLANTA February 13, 2023 Governor Brian P. Kemp and Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, today unveiled ATLANTA February 14, 2023 Governor Brian P. Kemp today joined the Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) in announcing that the State of Georgia ATLANTA February 1, 2023 Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Seoyon E-HWA, a global auto parts supplier that manufactures both interior and Atlanta, GA Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced SK Battery America (SKBA) has exceeded its hiring goal of 2,600 employees two years ahead of ATLANTA January 27, 2023 Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Green Georgia LLC, a sustainable building materials manufacturing company, will create over ATLANTA January 26, 2023 Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that SK Battery America (SKBA) will open a regional IT hub facility in ATLANTA January 19, 2023 Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), today announced that Georgia sustained Georgia Department of Economic Development Digital Library, What do leading brands like Home Depot, Delta, UPS, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin, JCB, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems and The Coca-Cola Company all have in common? UPDATED: Covington lands innovative commuter aircraft maker's first factory, Archer Aviation plans 1,000 jobs, $118 million investment over 10 years on land adjacent to city's airport, Covington restaurant closes after alleged repeat health violations, Housing market cooling as mortgage rates rise in Newton County, SBA closing Newton County business storm recovery center, State Court considers appeal of judge's denial of bonds for Rivian, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 2-3, 2021, Weekend Edition Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 30-31, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 6-7, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, June 12-13, 2021, Weekend Edition Saturday-Sunday, June 26-27, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, August 7-8, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, August 21-22, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, August 28-29, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, September 11-12, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, September 18-19, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 25-26, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 9-10, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 16-17, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, October 30-31, 2021, Wednesday Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 6-7, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 13-14, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, December 4-5, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 22-23, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 29-30, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 12-13, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 19-20, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, March 5-6, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, March 12-13, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, March 26-27, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, April 2-3, 2022, Weekend Edition, Saturday-Sunday, September 17-18, 2022, State Bar president Rogers addresses local lawyers, Shah: Make it your business to make customers happy, FiberVisions celebrates 50th anniversary in Covington. The Foxfield Company is the master developer of the Town Center. Its extremely exciting times at Huey Magoos! President and CEO Andy Howard said in a Feb. 7 press release. NCIDA executive director Serra Hall said Archers manufacturing facility was a joint project between the Newton County Industrial DevelopmentAuthority, Covington city government, Georgia Department of EconomicDevelopment, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Electric Membership Corp. Economic Development Division. In addition, Sembler and Berkley are planning the next phase of the shopping center that will add up to an additional 100,000 square feet, the release stated. We dance for fun not for perfection! Thats right. Aircraft manufacturing plant to open in Covington , GA, 1,000 jobs coming, East Lake Family Y seeks participants for Black History Parade Feb. 25, Atlanta Attorney Dwight L. Thomas named to SuperLawyers magazines as top attorney, DeKalb Sheriffs Office arrests Clarkston Strip Club murder suspect, DeKalb House Legislative Delegation to hold two public meetings with local officials. A strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace has been cultivating an ecosystem of opportunities for innovative companies like Archer Aviation for more than 10 years by building and connecting Unmanned Arial Systems (UAS) networks for the commercialization of Advanced Air Mobility and UAS Systems. Despite the challenges in the climate last year, we reached amazing sales that we could have only dreamed of. Construction is expected to begin by this summer and completion targeted for the spring of 2022. Share with Us. The Global Commerce Industrial Projects team represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) on this competitive project in partnership with the Newton County Industrial Development Authority, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Center of Innovations Aerospace industry team, Georgia EMC, Georgia Quick Start, and Georgia Tech. Other high-profile restaurants slated to be part of Town Center were Dunkin and Panda Express. Harry Kitchen, of Town Center master developer The Foxfield Co., said, The objective for our 160-acre mixed use project is to identify the 'best in class' of each use type, whether it is hospitality, residential, office, restaurant or retail. Covington Town Center also will include three hotels, including Residence Inn, Courtyard By Marriott and Stay Bridge Suites. Monroe, Ga. based ESCOGO is on the cusp of exponential growth due in part to the assistance they gained through the Georgia Centers of Innovation. Covington is making some changes while maintaining its small-town feel. Publix leadership, management and employees were so happy to be there and ready to welcome the community., The new Publix will feature many of the same choices and store feel that is common at most Publix stores. It will be part of the overall 160-acre mixed-use development planned since 2016 to include residential development, hotels, retailers, restaurants and offices on Alcovy Road between City Pond Road and Ga. Highway 142. By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Our goal of creating Urban Air Mobility networks across major cities nationwide requires us to ramp production of our aircraft. #SelectNewton #NewtonNow, 2105 Lee Street SW Covington, GA 30014 | Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Those interested in employment with Archer can visit www.archer.com/careers for more information. The attendees were excited. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sembler Senior Vice President Josh Beyer said, We believe Covington Town Center will be a premier retail destination that will provide modern convenience for the surrounding community.". Berkley Development President Mike Cohn said Covington Town Center "will bring a first-class shopping experience to a mixed-used project in an area showing promising growth.. Kemp. A Thursday ribbon cutting for a new Metro Brokers real estate services office as well as a grand opening celebration for a new Batteries Plus location slated for next Thursday are also Town Center additions., When we see businesses opening multiple locations, that means they are getting great local support. For many myself included it will be nice to have a more centrally located grocery store in the county., Restaurants such as Panda Express, and a score of new hotels like Marriotts Residence Inn have also sprouted up in the Town Center site which has been estimated to create close to 1,550 jobs., Its the latest boon for an area thats scene massive industry and business development over the last couple of years with everything from chain retail shops and eateries to groundbreakings for large manufacturing facilities for computer technology and aviation industries., All of it, particularly the Town Center development, is keeping Harper busy. WebCovington Town Center (Store #1811) 12701 Town Center Dr Covington, GA 30014 (Newton County) 48,387 sq. By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. WebNew Business Listings by Year. He said he planned to reduce the more than 100,000 square feet of office space planned for the area citing decreased demand after many employers found their staffs could successfully work remotely from other locations as part of safety precautions during the ongoing pandemic. On Common Ground News is published 24/7 by On Common Ground, Inc (OCGNEWS.COM). Centex Homes Find a Home State Select State State Cancel Metro Area Select Metro Metro Area Workers officially began the STOVALL: It's Visions time again and we need your nominations for award winners, Suspect identified in fatal hit and run in Covington found dead of gunshot wound, Newton deputies searching for suspect in armed robbery attempt at convenience store, FEMA only operating one office, SBA in three counties after Jan. 12 tornadoes, Covington physician, businessman Dr. Jim Stillerman dies, Club helps spread pickleball popularity in Newton County, Government leaders, professors part of GSU-Newton panel discussion, NEWTON EVENTS: Black History Parade, Daffodil Festival & Symposium, GSU-Newton Daffodil Festival to feature speakers, events, NEWTON EVENTS: Black History Month parade, Lions Club fundraiser, Piedmont Academy girls basketball is back in Final Four again, Eastside baseball sweeps Social Circle in non-region double header on Saturday, Newton alum Elija Godwin wins gold in 400-meter at SEC Indoor Championships, Newton Rams enjoy sweet victory over Pebblebrook, Eastside Eagles' historic season comes to an end after Sweet Sixteen exit, CARROLL: Remembering Karen Carpenter, 1950-1983, CLAUDETTE HARDEN & OLINDA RICARD-HODGE: Its a new year for mental health, PACE: BeReal app offers alternative experience. All-in-all, this company is on fire, our team is phenomenal and we look ahead with fervor and pride to bring the best tenders on the planet to many more families nationwide.. She said Archer's ability to work in tandem with our local airport is the only key component to their attraction to Covington and Newton County. We will see some current businesses reinvest in our community at Town Center, as well as some new and exciting ones., STOVALL: It's Visions time again and we need your nominations for award winners, Suspect identified in fatal hit and run in Covington found dead of gunshot wound, Newton deputies searching for suspect in armed robbery attempt at convenience store, FEMA only operating one office, SBA in three counties after Jan. 12 tornadoes, Covington physician, businessman Dr. Jim Stillerman dies, Club helps spread pickleball popularity in Newton County, Government leaders, professors part of GSU-Newton panel discussion, NEWTON EVENTS: Black History Parade, Daffodil Festival & Symposium, GSU-Newton Daffodil Festival to feature speakers, events, NEWTON EVENTS: Black History Month parade, Lions Club fundraiser, Piedmont Academy girls basketball is back in Final Four again, Eastside baseball sweeps Social Circle in non-region double header on Saturday, Newton alum Elija Godwin wins gold in 400-meter at SEC Indoor Championships, Newton Rams enjoy sweet victory over Pebblebrook, Eastside Eagles' historic season comes to an end after Sweet Sixteen exit, CARROLL: Remembering Karen Carpenter, 1950-1983, CLAUDETTE HARDEN & OLINDA RICARD-HODGE: Its a new year for mental health, PACE: BeReal app offers alternative experience. The City of Covington Council Members and myself are very excited for Archer Aviation to join our business community,said Mayor Steve Horton. According to the FAA, Urban Air Mobility (UAM) "envisions a safe and efficient aviation transportation system that will use highly automated aircraft that will operate and transport passengers or cargo at lower altitudes within urban and suburban areas.". Georgia was chosen over Texas and others competing for the companys first manufacturing facility, according to sources. When our country comes back from the current COVID crisis, we will offer a safe, comfortable place for people to come together a trusted site to collect their thoughts, rest their bodies, and gather with friends and family.. Our Center of Innovations specialized Aerospace team has been uniquely involved in this project, and I am proud of their continued efforts to foster Georgias aerospace and defense industries. 2014 New Business Listings. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. As the Valdosta-Lowndes County area grows more rapidly, this is a page to discuss what is coming soon 2017 New Business Listings. Publix will include 48,387 square feet and be the anchor store of the Town Center retail area's 63,000-square-foot first phase the grocers second Newton County location. There is always cold water available, and tea and coffee cost a quarter per cup! (Brian) Kemp and the Georgia Department of Economic Development for their leadership and continuation of keeping Georgia the No. Construction underway for Residence Inn, Home2 Suites in Covington, Covington restaurant closes after alleged repeat health violations, Housing market cooling as mortgage rates rise in Newton County, SBA closing Newton County business storm recovery center, State Court considers appeal of judge's denial of bonds for Rivian, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 2-3, 2021, Weekend Edition Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 30-31, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 6-7, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, June 12-13, 2021, Weekend Edition Saturday-Sunday, June 26-27, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, August 7-8, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, August 21-22, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, August 28-29, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, September 11-12, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, September 18-19, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 25-26, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 9-10, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 16-17, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, October 30-31, 2021, Wednesday Edition: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 6-7, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 13-14, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, December 4-5, 2021, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 22-23, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 29-30, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 12-13, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 19-20, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, March 5-6, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, March 12-13, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, March 26-27, 2022, Weekend Edition: Saturday-Sunday, April 2-3, 2022, Weekend Edition, Saturday-Sunday, September 17-18, 2022, State Bar president Rogers addresses local lawyers, Shah: Make it your business to make customers happy, FiberVisions celebrates 50th anniversary in Covington. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Keep it Clean. Home2 Suites will have 100 rooms, including eight one-bedroom suites. Hiring is expected to begin in late 2023, and the facility is slated to open in the first half of 2024. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. David Bernd, of the Newton County Industrial Development Authority, said the Residence Inn was one of two hotels to be featured within the Town Center project. Metro Atlantas expertise in the aviation industry coupled with the support of our academic, business, civic and government partners make our region the perfect place to invest in a new facility. There are no square dance competitions or exams. #SelectNewton #NewtonNow #OneNewton, Youll see these in action at NCCA soon! RHI also operates a 99-room Hampton Inn & Suites in Conyers, plus a 20,000-square-foot shopping center in Covington. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Joint venture partners The Sembler Co. and Berkley Development today, March 4, announced the acquisition of about 12 acres at Alcovy Road and Town Center Boulevard for construction of the planned retail area of the development. Our established leadership in the aerospace industry was essential to landing Archer Aviation in Newton County, and were pleased to welcome them to the Peach State.. THIS IS NEWTON. I certainly think the Sembler-Berkley team and Publix fit that description and will bring the highest quality grocer-anchored center to the project, Kitchen said. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. WebHere are some of the new amenities in multi-family homes you are likely to find in Covington. The Development Authority is committed to ensuring our workforce is prepared for our communitys future and ready for the outstanding jobs to come from Archer Aviation. Want more ideas? See the latest in press, Ground will be broken for Residence Inn next week, Kitchen said. Webnew businesses coming to covington gairidescent telecaster pickguard. The Covington City Council should be commended for their hard work and leadership. If youre already a dancer and new to the area, or just returning to square dancing, email or call to ensure there will be someone to greet you, and come out on Thursday evening. Dance nights are comprised of lessons and dancing what has been taught, and then its practice, practice, practice! Sembler Senior Vice President Josh Beyer said, We believe Covington Town Center will be a premier retail destination that will provide modern convenience for the surrounding community.". Since the Club is comprised of three square dance levels Basics, Mainstream and Plus we take turns for the teach part of the evening, and then dance to ensure we have knowledge of the new moves. By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Covington Homes for Sale $282,028 McDonough Homes for Sale $341,919 Lithonia Homes for Sale $262,112 Conyers Homes for Sale $295,280 Stockbridge Homes for Sale $287,510 Loganville Homes for Sale $367,689 Locust Grove Homes for Sale $323,340 Jackson Homes for Sale $260,291 Monroe Homes for Sale $321,059 Oxford Homes for The company holds a 40-plus year relationship with Publix supermarkets after developing more than 60 Publix-anchored shopping centers throughout the Southeast. Home2 Suites will combine signature features of a hotel and a home, with every guest room featuring a bedroom, living room and kitchen, which includes a microwave, dishwasher and full-size refrigerator. Cohn has more than 30 years of experience specializing in traditional open-air retail projects. ", Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said Archer is "utilizing an innovative, state-of-the art eVTOL aircraft design" to "sustainably tackle mobility issues in our urban centers.". Developers recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the projects first apartment complex, called The Cove at Covington Town Center, which will be a 26-acre, $57 million project that will provide 350 Class A apartments starting in 2022. Archer's aviation product, soon made in Covington, Georgia, will certainly continue the trend.". There was a problem saving your notification. Shah said the investment group was excited to be part of an area primed for economic growth. Ground will be broken for Residence Inn next week, Kitchen said. Web80 Eryn Ter , Covington, GA 30014 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $396,750. With about 14,000 residents, Covington is the largest city in Newton County, an area about 40 miles east of Atlanta seeing a wave of new jobs and development. They are focused on long-term planning with large outputs for the future. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Anchoring the development are three national chain hotels, a Publix supermarket, a 350-unit apartment complex and 625 townhomes. #NCSSBeTheBest https://twitter.com/VEXRobotics/status/1423751471217233921, Bring the Factory Automation Competition Program to your classroom! SelectnewtonOED Its the second Publix store operating in Newton County, and joins stores in McDonough and Statesboro as the newest Georgia locations of the Florida-based supermarket chain., It takes a lot of momentum to get new grocery stores into an area, Harper said.