For the fifth consecutive year, Georgia has been named the top state in the nation for business according to the publication Area Development. Governor Nathan Deal joined representatives from Area Development this September at the State of the Ports Address in Savannah to make the announcement. During a statement to the press, the governor said this “coveted distinction reflects the strength and resilience of our pro-business environment.” He credited a low tax structure, global gateways, and pro technology environment to success. In addition, the governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to workforce and transportation infrastructure.

Due to Georgia’s pro-business environment, thousands of jobs have been created for families within the state, and billions of dollars have been invested in local communities. The Governor said he looks forward to further opportunities in the coming years, including business expansions, relocations, and improvements. In conjunction with a government that promotes business growth and collaborative economic development initiatives, the highly-skilled and hardworking members of the state’s workforce will likely keep Georgia at the top spot for years to come. The state welcomes companies from all industries.

Georgia also received top ranking for several other of Area Development’s lists, including first place for cooperative state government and workforce development programs. The state got top five spots for nine other important categories as well. Rankings were determined by survey results taken from consultants throughout the nation. Weighted scores were developed from a variety of categories, including overall cost of doing business, access to funding, business incentive programs, favorable regulatory environment, workforce development programs, and most improved economic development policies.

Area Development surveyed hundreds of supply chain, real estate, 3PL, site location, and corporate business consultants to create its rankings. These consultants have helped hundreds of companies grow in locations throughout the country. Some of the highlights of their efforts in Georgia have included 27,000 new jobs through more than 400 expansion or relocation projects, 40 new corporate headquarters, $63.1 billion in tourism, and 20 continuous months of positive growth. In 2017, the total of imports and exports between Georgia and the world exceeded $128.6 billion.

According to a statement from Pat Wilson, Economic Development Commissioner from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the state’s top position in rankings for the last five years is not an accident. It is a result of strong leadership from Governor Deal and a partnership approach to development that’s been adopted by city and county leaders throughout the state.