Peach Tree Times

A recent survey by Site Selection Magazine has ranked Georgia as the top state for Best Business Climate, highlighting its favorable conditions for business development. This recognition is separate from the magazine's annual state rankings and focuses on feedback from site selection experts who make decisions about job creation and capital investment.

Governor Brian Kemp expressed his satisfaction with the ranking, stating, “Georgia’s recognition as the No. 1 state for Best Business Climate by Site Selection is a testament to our partnership approach to job creation and economic growth.” He attributed this success to Georgia's workforce, infrastructure investments, and business-friendly policies.

The survey placed Georgia ahead of other states such as North Carolina and South Carolina. Atlanta was also recognized as one of the top cities for corporate headquarters. A site selector emphasized Georgia's collaborative partnerships that facilitate problem-solving during site selection processes.

Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, remarked on the significance of this recognition coming directly from industry experts: “Their votes directly reflect the work of our Georgia General Assembly and economic developers in every corner of the state.”

Site selectors identified key factors influencing their choices: workforce availability, tax policy, cost of living, incentives, quality of life, and worker training programs. Tess Fay from Global Location Strategies noted that Southern states like Tennessee and Georgia benefit from strong logistics infrastructure and favorable business policies.

John Boyd Jr., principal at The Boyd Company Inc., echoed these sentiments by noting demographic shifts to the South and effective economic development efforts in these regions. Jay Garner from Garner Economics LLC highlighted legislative efforts in Southern states aimed at maintaining a business-friendly environment.