ATLANTA –– Three leading members of Georgia’s economic development community held a briefing Wednesday during which they acknowledged the challenges currently facing the state but also reflected upon the achievements of the past legislative session and the core assets that will ensure Georgia’s future success.

 

Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, George Israel, president of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, expressed their commitment and that of the economic development community as a whole to continue working to identify investment opportunities, increase jobs, and maintain programs and assets that will attract new business to the state.  

 

“We’ve faced unprecedented economic challenges over the past couple of years but are now seeing companies have enough confidence to make positive investment and hiring decisions,” said Stewart. “While we have a long way to go to completely rebound, Georgia is taking market share as jobs and investment numbers continue to trend upward. Strong partnerships are in place in Georgia to keep economic development momentum strong during good times and bad.”

 

Georgia consistently enjoys high rankings with regard to a number of key business factors including workforce training, fiscal policy and the ability to attract a dynamic young population. These factors, combined with a comparatively low cost of living and corporate tax structure are keeping companies interested in the state.  

 

The three leaders also agreed that no success would be possible without Georgia’s elected leadership and their willingness to support key economic development issues.

 

“The 2010 session of the Georgia General Assembly will be remembered by the business community as the year of our ‘3 for 3’ huge victories in transportation, water and school board reform,” added Williams. “These were the Chamber’s top legislative priorities and key factors to metro Atlanta and the state’s ability to recruit companies, grow jobs and remain competitive now and into the future.” 

 

“Our leaders also saw fit to focus on comprehensive tax reform, incentives for investments in technology, workforce development programs and funding for a statewide trauma care network – all of which will make our state more attractive to business,” continued Israel.  “The past legislative session has without question made an impact that will benefit our state for years to come.”