Georgia Earns Top Marks For Workforce Development

Governor Brian Kemp’s office has sent word that Georgia has been named the top state for workforce development in the South Atlantic Region, according to Site Selection Magazine. Availability of qualified workers, and the state’s ability to train workers to meet demands, is often a key criteria in overall competitiveness rankings when publications like Site Selection and media outlets such as CNBC rank states. The full press release is at the bottom of this post.

As timing would have it, I spent the morning at the offices of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. They presented an update on Georgia’s workforce, specifically with regards to what industries are hiring, what opportunities Georgia is preparing our workers for within the University System and Technical colleges, and most importantly, where our skills gaps are. They also note which industries/job classifications pay at or above living wages, and which do not.

It will take me time to digest the data received and turn it into something that communicates that data into actionable policy items, though the MACoC has done that well themselves. I’m going to try to put the good work of Amy Lancaster’s team into “plain English”. Expect several posts over the next couple of weeks on the subject.

In the interim, the announcement by the Governor seems a good time to highlight an organization that has been working to make sure Georgia’s government, business, and civic leaders know where are strengths are, where we need to improve, and working diligently to make sure we’re closing those gaps.

The State, led by Pat Wilson at the Department of Economic Development, has their eye on the ball and continues to land new businesses almost daily. (Note, 300 manufacturing jobs coming to Jackson County just today). Wilson notes that it is partnerships that make this happen. The team at the Metro Chamber of Commerce has been laser focused on this one aspect to make sure Georgia is ready. It’s nice to see a high public score after years of work on this major policy area.

The Governor’s press release is as follows:

Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced Georgia earned the top ranking for workforce development in the South Atlantic Region, according to Site Selection Magazine’s 2020 Workforce Development Rankings.

“As I’ve said in communities throughout the Peach State, the hardworking Georgians who make up our workforce are the foundation of our competitive edge in attracting business – both in the Southeast and across the country,” said Governor Kemp. “I’m excited that Site Selection Magazine has recognized yet another reason why Georgia is the best state in which to live, work, and raise a family.

“Working hand in hand, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and our leading workforce development program, Georgia Quick Start, have produced a top-notch workforce that companies can count on to get the job done. Looking ahead, we are committed to working with our partners throughout state government and in local communities to ensure that more businesses call Georgia home and continue to create opportunities for families throughout our state.”

Site Selection is an internationally circulated business publication focusing on corporate real estate and economic development. In November 2019, the publication also ranked Georgia the number one state for business for a record-breaking seventh consecutive year.

In the announcement, Site Selection Editor Mark Arend pointed to ranking factors “relative to other states in the same region based on five national and objective measures” such as depth of the labor pool, availability of certified applicants for job openings, and legislatures that are committed to funding workforce programs.

Site Selection’s rankings are based on a combination of factors, including CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business 2019, Workforce and Education sub-ranking; Forbes’ most recent Best States for Business Labor Supply sub-ranking; U.S. News’ Best States for Education rankings; ACT National Career Readiness Certificates rankings; and the workforce preparation and development component of the State Economic Development Program Expenditures Database from the Council for Community and Economic Research.

“Workforce development is the number one issue for so many of the companies that we work with, and business decision-makers understand that training programs like our No. 1 Georgia Quick Start offer a readily available workforce that will help their businesses not only meet their goals, but carry them to new heights,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia’s partnership approach is working to support economic development across our entire state and keep it attractive to businesses and job creators. This exciting news is a great way to start a new year as we continue generating hope and new opportunities for Georgians.”

Georgia has long received recognition from leading companies and site consultants for its attractive business climate. The state’s workforce training program, Georgia Quick Start, is the best program in the United States. Logistics hubs like the Port of Savannah and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport connect businesses to their consumers across the globe, and the state’s pro-business policies make Georgia a competitive option for companies looking to locate or expand.

In fiscal year 2019 alone, the Georgia Department of Economic Development supported the creation of nearly 29,000 new jobs through the location of 332 projects, 74 percent of which were located outside of metro Atlanta.