News Summary
Georgia has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business by Area Development magazine for the twelfth consecutive year. This accolade highlights the state’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment under the guidance of Governor Brian Kemp. The ranking reflects the effectiveness of collaboration between state officials and local leaders, as well as strategic investments in infrastructure and economic development programs aimed at ensuring Georgia remains an attractive destination for businesses.
Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business for the 12th consecutive year by Area Development magazine, highlighting the state’s enduring appeal to businesses seeking to invest and operate effectively. This designation underscores the state’s commitment to creating an ideal environment for economic development.
Governor Brian Kemp has hailed the rankings as a significant reflection of the state’s sustained commitment to excellence in fostering a robust business climate. Under his leadership, the emphasis on improving Georgia’s economic landscape has been a central theme, and these rankings are seen as a direct outcome of those efforts.
The ranking system is determined through votes cast by site selectors across the nation who are tasked with guiding company investments. This collaborative approach recognizes the importance of teamwork in economic development initiatives. Governor Kemp expressed gratitude to various stakeholders, including the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), legislative partners, local leaders, and economic developers, for their contributions toward maintaining this top ranking.
Georgia’s Lt. Governor Burt Jones remarked that the ranking is emblematic of the cooperation between state officials and local leaders, which has been pivotal in shaping the state’s business ecosystem. Similarly, Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns attributed the achievement to decades of strong leadership, innovative policies, and strategic investments that have laid the groundwork for the state’s enduring success.
Bárbara Rivera Holmes, the Georgia Labor Commissioner, pointed out that this title signifies the results of intelligent investments in people, infrastructure, and communities, further reinforcing the integral components of the state’s economic development strategy.
Ranking Methodology and Performance Metrics
The annual ranking evaluates the business environment using scores from 15 different categories, informed by insights from nearly 50 leading site consultants nationwide. In the latest report, Georgia succeeded in ranking within the top five in 10 out of 15 assessed categories, earning it the overall top position.
Some of the categories that contributed to this high ranking include a noteworthy performance in permitting speed. Georgia has been recognized for its efficient review processes among various agencies, ensuring that necessary approvals for businesses are processed swiftly. This represents a vital factor for businesses looking to establish operations in a new state.
Investment Programs and Future Initiatives
Georgia continues to make strategic investments aimed at fostering future growth opportunities. Initiatives such as the Rural Site Development Initiative are focused on preparing local communities for industrial development, ensuring that they are ready to accommodate new businesses seeking locations outside of urban centers.
In the current competitive economic landscape, site selectors have indicated a shift in priorities, emphasizing the importance of execution, speed, and alignment of resources among various state and local entities. This reflects a broader understanding that factors such as incentives and low taxes are no longer the sole determinants of business location decisions.
Conclusion
The recognition of Georgia as the No. 1 state for business is indicative of a well-coordinated and sustained effort across various levels of government and industry stakeholders. The state’s proactive approach towards economic development and its achievements in infrastructure and permitting processes may continue to attract both local and international businesses in the years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- 11Alive
- Wikipedia: Georgia (U.S. state)
- The Georgia Virtue
- Google Search: Georgia economic development
- Area Development
- Google Scholar: Georgia No. 1 state for business
- WGAU Radio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic development
- Coosa Valley News
- Google News: Georgia business rankings
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
