As part of AT&T's continuing efforts to drive economic development and investment in Georgia, AT&T and the Tift County Development Authority today announced that Magnolia Industrial Park, Magnolia Industrial Park II and Crossings Distribution Park have been certified as being AT&T Fiber Ready.

"AT&T is investing in high-speed Internet in urban and rural areas all across Georgia using the latest wired and wireless technologies, and we are proud to highlight Tifton and Tift County as one of many places in Georgia where AT&T's fiber infrastructure is in place and ready to help local businesses drive job creation," said Courtney Brinson, AT&T Regional Director – External Affairs. "Positive, pro-business policies embraced by Georgia's state and local elected officials continue to make our state a great place to invest, and I'm proud of the work our AT&T Georgia employees have done deploying fiber and other infrastructure that delivers high-speed Internet access.  Their hard work and skills, combined with millions of dollars in AT&T investment, enable Georgians to connect and innovate."

In today's world, connectivity is vital to new employers and businesses of every type.  There's no such thing as a "low-tech" business today, so economic development leaders must be able to tout the presence of high-speed internet connectivity.

"Georgia is open for business, and we want to be sure that message is heard loud and clear.  Our state has great people and beautiful places, and we want to be sure that it's clear we also have the latest technology," said State Senator Greg Kirk. "This Fiber Ready certification helps our economic development leaders send that message clearly as they work to bring businesses and jobs to Georgia."

"Our resources in Georgia are extensive, but if potential investors aren't aware of the technology infrastructure in place across the state, then we face the potential of losing many opportunities.  This certification helps to eliminate those missed opportunities," said Brian Marlowe, Executive Director of the Tift County Development Authority. "Georgia's economy is headed in the right direction, in large part because of the leadership of our elected officials.  Their continued focus on smart policies and economic development are vital to our work growing the opportunities in Tifton and Tift County."

With the designation of being AT&T Fiber Ready, economic development leaders can more effectively position their communities for site selection by emphasizing the availability of high-speed, fiber-based services.