News Summary
Georgia has been recognized as the top state for business for the 12th consecutive year by Area Development magazine. The ranking reflects the state’s commitment to creating a favorable business environment, as evaluated by national site consultants across 15 categories. Georgia excelled in 10 categories, showcasing its appeal to corporate interests. State leaders attribute this success to strong partnerships, strategic investments, and continuous workforce development initiatives. The Georgia Department of Economic Development continues to focus on improving infrastructure and community resources to support business growth.
Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia has been recognized as the top state for business for the 12th consecutive year by Area Development magazine, a distinction that underscores its ongoing commitment to fostering a favorable business environment. This ranking was established through evaluations conducted by approximately 50 national site consultants who assess various factors impacting business investment across the United States.
The ranking is determined by scoring states across 15 categories used to gauge their attractiveness for business operations. This year, Georgia excelled by earning a position in the top five in 10 of the 15 categories, showcasing its comprehensive appeal to corporate interests.
Governor Brian Kemp emphasized that this recognition reflects a sustained commitment to excellence in economic practices, aided by a collaborative approach among various stakeholders in state and local governments. He extended his gratitude toward state officials, local leaders, and the economic development team for their concerted efforts in driving the state’s economic success.
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones highlighted the significance of partnerships among state leadership, legislators, and local economic developers as vital components contributing to Georgia’s recognition. House Speaker Jon Burns attributed the ranking to decades of strong leadership, forward-thinking policies, and strategic investments that have resulted in historic job creation throughout the state.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes noted that the ranking reflects years of investment aimed at enhancing the state’s workforce, infrastructure, and community resources. Meanwhile, Pat Wilson, the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, pointed out that the combination of consistent leadership and targeted investments has helped maintain Georgia’s competitive advantage in the business sector.
This year marks the release of the 2025 ranking list, which is the 16th edition from Area Development. Georgia’s ongoing economic initiatives include programs such as the Rural Site Development Initiative, which seeks to prepare industrial sites in smaller communities for future growth and development.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is actively focused on projects and infrastructure improvements designed to facilitate business operations and expansion across the state. These efforts are part of a larger initiative to create a more conducive environment for business investments.
Area Development magazine serves as a leading resource dedicated to corporate site selection and relocation, providing insights into various factors that affect business viability. The magazine’s in-depth evaluations and rankings play a crucial role in guiding businesses in their location decisions and investment strategies.
Overall, Georgia’s recognition as the No. 1 state for business signifies not only the efficacy of its policies but also the collaborative spirit among its leaders and stakeholders. The state’s continued investment in workforce development and infrastructure initiatives is poised to uphold its favorable stance in future evaluations.
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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.
