Page 42 - FDI Alliance International Magazine. Winter 2020 Digital Interactive Issue.

■ The state of Georgia’s diverse and highly skilled workforce, in a multitude of industries, remains a key driver in the state’s economy

DIVERSITY KEY TO STATE OF GEORGIA’S SUCCESS

In the State of Georgia, diversity and inclusion is For instance, inspired by Dr. King, a group of (HBCUs): Morehouse College and Spellman
not just a talking point. It’s part of our business Georgia business leaders in the early 1970s College, and others that are educating our future
community and culture. It’s an essential part saw the need to support minority suppliers leaders. The Georgia Institute of Technology
of our “We Speak Business” reputation and working their way into corporate supply chains. hosts the most diverse college of engineering in
actions that recognize any number of needs They established the Atlanta Regional Minority the U.S., known for graduating the most women
felt by a business and the incredible people Purchasing Council (ARMPC), which created a and underrepresented minority engineers. Each
who make it up. set of standards for identifying, engaging and year, Georgia’s nationally ranked accredited
utilizing minority suppliers in projects across the public and private universities award more than
We’re the cradle of the civil rights movement, metro Atlanta region. The council was successful 132,000 degrees and certificates to qualified
and you don’t have to look far in the capital city in influencing the evolution of supplier diversity, graduates of a variety of backgrounds and
of Atlanta or anywhere in the State of Georgia as evidenced by unprecedented levels of minority circumstances who are ready to enter the
to feel the effects of this movement, or to see participation in corporate procurement and workforce.
the role it plays in our everyday lives. major projects, both public and private.
Eventually the organization reached across the The Harvard Business Review recently described
The lessons Georgians learned firsthand from entire state. Georgia as a target state for tech companies
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continue to resonate. to establish recruitment strategies for workforce
Living legends who walked with him still provide Later renamed the Georgia Minority Supplier diversification, naming Atlanta as a “hotbed
leadership and inspiration as we carry out his Development Council (GMSDC), this award- of talent from traditionally underrepresented
vision and legacy of all people being treated winning organization now serves nearly 400 communities.”
equally, with access to opportunities across the corporations and more than 700 Minority
board. Business Enterprise (MBE) firms. The GMSDC As a complement to our outstanding institutions
is one of the top performing and most influential of higher education, Georgia’s HOPE Grant
In Georgia, economic developers play a unique organizations of its kind in the nation. waives tuition at our 22 state technical colleges
and important role as providers of hope, thanks for Georgia residents working to develop in-
in large part to a business community that The Georgia Department of Economic demand skills like welding, nursing, cybersecurity
has traditionally played a key role in pushing Development is a proud affiliate of this and others.
change forward. Stemming all the way from organization and works as a partner to develop
the 1960s with Dr. King, Georgia’s business and connect MBEs to our strong corporate And our businesses are working closely with
community and citizens have a positive history presence in Georgia. these education powerhouses, too. Southern
of working together to advance policies that Company recently announced a $50 million
make a difference in everyday lives, including Georgia is also home to two of the nation’s top multi-year initiative to provide students attending
those who have historically been marginalized. five Historically Black Colleges and Universities HBCUs with scholarships, internships, leadership

42. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL