Patrick Topping, CEcD, with the Macon Economic Development Commission and Topping Economic Development Consulting, was named the 2018 recipient of the Rip Wiley Award for Professional Excellence by the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) at its Annual Awards luncheon yesterday.  Topping is being recognized for his professionalism, integrity, leadership, commitment and contributions to the profession.

Topping is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), as recognized by the International Economic Development Council.  He has been involved in the creation over 15,000 direct and indirect jobs and nearly $2 billion in investments in plant and equipment.  His organization has been awarded top Economic Development agency in the Southeast and was recognized as having a Top Project in the State.

He received his MBA from the Georgia College & State University, Business Management, Marketing & Related Support Services.  He has been awarded Honorary Lifetime Member in the Southern Economic Development Council and was the 47th Chairman/President of GEDA, in 2010.  He has served in Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber and Cumming -Forsyth County as President of their Chamber, and after serving over twenty-two years at the Macon Economic Development Commission, he hung out a shingle last January and started his own consulting business where he is currently consulting in economic development with Jones County, a project with Thomas And Hutton and business development for MetroPower, a large electrical contractor serving the Southeast.

Topping received the award at the luncheon from Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.   Earlier in the day, Governor Nathan Deal welcomed Pat and other winners to his office at the State Capitol for congratulations and a photograph.  More than 250 economic developers from around the state attended the ceremony.