Page 37 - FDI Alliance International Magazine Summer 2020 Digital Interactive Issue

■ Appalachian Regional Port near Chatsworth
(Georgia Ports Authority / Stephen B. Morton)

■ Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson, second from right, meets with GEDIA officials at their headquarters in ■ Georgia is a national leader in advanced
Attendorn, Germany. In July of 2020, Governor Kemp announced that GEDIA Automotive Group plans to build an advanced manufacturing facility ■ Community painting class at Deep Center, Savannah, Georgia. manufacturing, a GDP of $64.7 billion USD in 2019.
in Dalton, Georgia.

STATE OF GEORGIA’S The global company selected Georgia for economic development strategy, is working GDEcD is confident that the state’s economy will
their first U.S. advanced manufacturing facility,
with local creative industries to provide a lifeline
remain well-positioned for recovery and growth.
DIVERSE ECONOMY REMAINS FUNDAMENTALLY STRONG investing $108 million USD in Henry County. through both state and federal grants, especially
as people crave connectivity and creative
During August, GDEcD also announced the state’s escapes. These organizations not only inspire
new representation for Canada. Mr. Ludovic Ortuno and educate their communities. They also attract
In 2020, Georgia, USA businesses of all sizes, Between March 14 and August 14, the state across multiple manufacturing sectors, resulting will direct a team based in Montréal, who will continue tourists and remain large economic players in
sectors and regions of the state have been announced 129 new projects, delivering nearly in a GDP of $64.7 billion USD in 2019. The to advance Georgia’s vital relationship with its their local economies.
forced to innovate while economic development 14,000 jobs and nearly $3.5 billion USD in Georgia Department of Labor estimated that No. 1 export partner; support existing Canadian
professionals have confronted unexpected investment. Even while facing a global pandemic, there were 385,300 manufacturing jobs in the companies in the state, such as Coreslab While Georgia’s tourism industry has felt the painful
challenges from the novel coronavirus. As the jobs and investment numbers increased when state as of June 2020. Structures, Decostar, Magna International and effects of COVID-19, its strong foundations
state looks ahead, this diverse economic base compared to the same time period last year. Irving Tissue; and explore new opportunities remain intact, and the Explore Georgia team is
and the fundamentals that have made Georgia On the coast, the Port of Savannah has been provided by the United States-Mexico-Canada committed to safely advancing and supporting
strong continue to provide a source of promise In the mountains of northwest Georgia, investments named the top port for U.S. exports. From Agreement (USMCA) trade deal. the tourism industry.
and good news, despite challenges from in the new inland port in Murray County helped January through May of 2020, the port exported
COVID-19. solidify German automotive parts manufacturer more loaded containers than any other port in Businesses of all sizes and sectors have been Over the course of the state’s fight with COVID-19,
GEDIA’s decision to locate their first Southeastern the nation, achieving a 12.2% market share. dealt a tough hand by COVID-19, particularly GDEcD is continuing to witness Georgia
Creating jobs and opportunities for Georgians U.S. manufacturing facility for electric vehicle The dominance of Georgia’s ports continues Georgia’s small businesses, arts communities, companies of all sizes, and the people behind
is at the core of the Georgia Department of parts in Dalton, Georgia. Logistics investments to spur economic growth. In June 2020, Port and tourism and hospitality partners. These them, set a new standard for service, collaboration
Economic Development’s (GDEcD) mission. also helped attract flooring companies including City Logistics announced their $80 million USD companies are part of the fabric of the state and and creativity, even while facing immense ■ 83rd Governor of the State of Georgia,
From assisting with locating projects, leveraging CFL, Huali Floors, Novalis Flooring, Mannington expansion in Chatham County. help make it the vibrant place that it is today. challenges of their own. Manufacturers in every Brian P. Kemp
the state’s international relationships and first- Mills and Try-Con Tufters to either establish or corner of Georgia have pulled together, retooled
class logistics network, to providing ground-level expand their presence in the region. Another key part of economic development is Since March, GDEcD’s team members located their machines and donated their goods and
assistance as companies, and particularly small creating an environment that fosters innovation. in all 12 regions of the state, have acted as on- services to those who need them most.
businesses, navigate COVID-19 relief options In the capital city, Atlanta, the continued priority In May, Governor Kemp announced that the-ground support to local companies in need
– GDEcD is committed to helping Georgia placed on education programs in software and tech biotechnology company RWDC Industries will of temporary relief or assistance. In April, GDEcD GDEcD has created a public “Georgia Suppliers
companies succeed. industries has caught the attention of tech-based invest $260 million in expanding its operations partnered with Governor Kemp, the University of List and Map” displaying more than 320 Georgia
companies large and small. Since May alone, into Athens-Clarke County, bringing 200 jobs Georgia Small Business Development Centers companies who have stepped up to supply
With strong international partnerships, the busiest Microsoft, Zillow, Milletech and Skynamo have to the area. Founded in an innovation lab at the and the Department of Community Affairs to critical supplies during this time of need. Whether
and most efficient airport in the world, the No. 1 announced plans to build hubs in the Atlanta area. University of Georgia in 2015, RWDC Industries offer a series of web-based information sessions a restaurant, clothing boutique, manufacturing
port in the nation for U.S. exports and unmatched has emerged as a global leader in developing tailored to each region of Georgia. The popular plant or any of the many companies who call
workforce development programs – to name just Georgia also remains a U.S. leader in advanced cost-effective alternatives to single-use plastics. sessions helped small businesses navigate the Georgia home, all businesses across the state
a few driving factors of the state’s economy – manufacturing, attracting new businesses to its federal funding and support programs made are welcome to use this list and map as a free
Georgia’s economic development remains on southern regions. In May, Governor Brian Kemp In addition, the state’s international partnerships available through the CARES Act. resource for sourcing those items. ABBY TURANO
the right track. announced that A-1 Roof Trusses, a leading continue to deliver opportunities across Georgia. DEPUTY COMMISSIONER,
manufacturer of pre-engineered wood trusses, This past spring, Governor Kemp announced that More than 800,000 small businesses call While a great deal has changed since March, MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND
During July, the first month of fiscal year 2021, plans to invest $17 million USD and create Ireland-based Kerry Group plans to invest $125 Georgia home. GDEcD’s Small Business GDEcD and its partners across the state remain INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Georgia attracted 3,629 jobs and $574 million 130 jobs in a new manufacturing facility in rural million USD in its northwest Georgia expansion, team continues to stand ready with specialized focused on creating opportunities for Georgians.
USD in investment. These jobs and investments Decatur County. bringing more than 100 full-time positions to assistance to help those companies identify the By leveraging the state’s strong and diverse ATurano@Georgia.org
were not isolated to one region, business size or Floyd County. More recently, Governor Kemp most effective lending and relief opportunities. economic framework, connecting businesses of
industry – it takes all of them for our economy Georgia, which has a population of roughly welcomed mattress and furniture brand Zinus to Georgia Council for the Arts, an arm of all sizes with assistance and relief options and
to work. 11 million people, demonstrates great strength Georgia at the State Capitol. GDEcD and important component of the state’s attracting new investment ventures to Georgia,

37. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL