News Summary
Georgia has been recognized as the top state for business by Area Development magazine for the 12th consecutive year, as announced by Governor Brian Kemp. The ranking reflects the state’s commitment to economic development and strong collaboration among stakeholders. With notable performance across various categories evaluated by site selectors, Georgia’s leadership in creating a business-friendly environment stands out. The state aims to maintain this position through innovative initiatives and strategic planning, ensuring future growth and attractiveness for investments.
Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business by Area Development magazine for the 12th consecutive year. This recognition was announced by Governor Brian Kemp on September 24. The ranking reflects Georgia’s commitment to excellence in economic development, backed by strong collaboration among various stakeholders.
The annual ranking is derived from a poll conducted by Area Development, which surveys site selectors tasked with identifying the most favorable locations for business investments. Georgia’s consistent performance in this ranking highlights the state’s strategic initiatives and leadership in fostering a business-friendly environment.
Governor Kemp noted that maintaining the top ranking is not a guarantee and underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to improving and adapting its economic strategies. He emphasized that teamwork among state offices, local leaders, and economic developers has been pivotal in achieving this recognition.
In addition to this notable ranking, Georgia excelled in various categories of the assessment, placing in the top five in 10 distinct categories evaluated by the magazine. The rankings are determined based on scores across 15 categories, synthesizing feedback from approximately 50 site consultants across the Nation.
This year marks the 16th edition of the “Top States for Doing Business Survey,” reflecting trends and changes in the economic landscape that impact business decisions nationwide. The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) has played a significant role in securing this position, demonstrating effective strategies to attract and retain business investments in the state.
Individuals involved in Georgia’s economic development praised the results as a product of decades of strategic leadership and investment. Lt. Governor Burt Jones highlighted the importance of collaboration among various state departments and local authorities, underlining that such partnerships are critical to maintaining the state’s competitive edge.
Additionally, House Speaker Jon Burns articulated that the state’s strong leadership has created a robust environment conducive to business growth. With more than 175,000 unique users visiting the Area Development website quarterly, the magazine’s findings are delivered to a wide-reaching audience of business executives and site selection consultants, solidifying the significance of this ranking in shaping a favorable business climate.
Looking ahead, Georgia’s economic development strategies focus on future growth potential, particularly through initiatives like the Rural Site Development Initiative. This program is designed to assist communities in preparing industrial sites for development, ensuring that the state remains attractive to future investments.
Pat Wilson, the GDEcD Commissioner, remarked on the necessity of years of strategic planning and collaboration to achieve success in economic development. It reflects a shared vision among Georgia’s leaders to build and sustain an optimal environment for business operations.
In summary, Georgia’s continued recognition as the top state for business reveals a well-coordinated approach to economic development, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and forward-thinking initiatives that promise to keep the state at the forefront of business attraction and retention.
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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.
