Georgia is continually optimizing its leading role in economic development and workforce readiness. Named the No. 1 State for Business for an unprecedented 11th consecutive year by Area Development magazine, Georgia’s strategic investments and innovative approach continue to deliver for business.

Stimulating Collaborative Efforts, Strategic Investments
At the heart of Georgia’s success is the commitment to listening to business needs and fostering collaboration. This pledge was on full display at the second Governor’s Workforce Conference, where leaders from business, workforce development, and higher education came together to discuss strategies for ensuring long-term prosperity.  

State Workforce Development Board Chairman Stuart Countess, President and CEO of Kia Georgia, reinforced the critical need for building and strengthening the relationships between educators and companies within communities. He highlighted the most recent work of the Georgia General Assembly and the Board with the High-Demand Career Initiative. This data-driven initiative is delivered through programs at the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), including greater access to trainingfor “high-demand” occupations with the state-funded HOPE Career Grant. 

Georgia MATCH and Workforce Development
A highlight of the summit was an update on Georgia MATCH, the largest direct college admission program in the nation. Launched in 2023, Georgia MATCH sent letters to every high school senior, letting them know there was a spot for them at University System of Georgia (USG) and TCSG institutions.  

The results have been impressive, with a second consecutive year of growth in USG and TCSG enrollment in Fall 2024. The number of Georgians seeking a USG degree as an in-state student increased by 4.9%, and research universities led in year-over-year enrollment growth by both number and percentage of new students.  

The news follows the University System’s announcement that USG awarded the highest number of degrees to date during fiscal year 2024 and that year-over-year enrollment in Fall 2023, the inaugural year for Georgia MATCH, was up by 9.3% for TCSG and 6.2% for USG.  

“We’re building momentum toward being the best public university system in the nation and continuing to help increase the state’s economic development and families’ long-term prosperity,” said USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue.  

Top State for Business – and Talent
Making Georgia the Top State for Talent to match its Top State for Business title was the charge from Governor Kemp to kick off the event and the theme throughout. Longstanding economic development priorities show how Georgia has historically risen to the occasion.  

Georgia is already ahead of the game, thanks to the state’s roots in aligning workforce with the needs of existing industries through innovative solutions.  

For the 15th year running, Georgia Quick Start has earned the moniker of Top Workforce Training Program in the nation by site selectors, primarily due to the program’s continual adaptation of new and emerging technologies needed to meet the needs of successful business operations. Quick Start was created in 1967, and today it is a testament to Georgia’s leadership in the space.

The benefits of Georgia Quick Start are best told by its clients. During one panel, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) Learning and Development Manager Karisa Young highlighted the ways Quick Start has been integral to HMGMA’s workforce training for highly skilled employees known as “Meta Pros” and meeting the company’s robust training requirements. Young described how Quick Start has been there every step of the way as the company exceeds its aggressive production timeline requirements. On September 19, the Metaplant’s specially designed Quick Start Training Centerheld its “Topping Off” ceremony as it moves towards its completion.

Gulfstream Vice President of Law and Public Affairs Jay Neely reiterated the adaptability of Quick Start to help establish new training curricula as companies and processes themselves evolve. One excellent example noted was Quick Start’s support when Gulfstream began producing its Gulfstream G650 aircraft, which introduced an all-new design and new manufacturing methods. Gulfstream and Quick Start collaborated on developing training programs for each G650 production line build-stations, resulting in more accessible training opportunities to help grow the talent pipeline.   

Looking Ahead
Georgia’s alliance between business, education, and policymakers is stronger than ever and continues to grow. This alignment ensures that Georgians are prepared for the jobs available statewide and that businesses can obtain the needed workforce and talent to meet their goals. This win-win scenario will help maintain the state’s economic momentum and securing its future as a hub of opportunity. 

A Call to Business Leaders
For business decision-makers, Georgia represents a unique opportunity. The state’s dedication to fostering a skilled workforce, combined with its strategic investments and collaborative spirit, make it an ideal location for businesses looking to thrive. By choosing Georgia, businesses are not just selecting a location; they are partnering with a state committed to their success.

Join Us in Georgia
As we continue to build on our legacy of excellence, we invite you to join us in Georgia. Our pro-business environment, strategic workforce initiatives, and collaborative efforts ensure that Georgia remains the best place in the nation to live, work, and visit.

Connect with a GDEcD project manager.