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Georgia places a great priority on growing its existing industries and recruiting new business to the state. To help drive economic development marketing efforts, the state relies on collaboration with Georgia Allies.

Capitalizing on the momentum of the Atlanta’s 1996 Olympic success, the Georgia Allies initiative is a partnership between state government and private corporations that helps accelerate Georgia economic development efforts. This unique public-private partnership allows the state to effectively pool resources to increase economic development success in both new business recruitment and existing industry retention.

By focusing the individual initiatives of its members into a targeted program that aggressively promotes the state’s business development, Georgia Allies is a powerful voice for increasing awareness of Georgia’s pro-business climate.

Each year Georgia Allies hosts a variety of programs targeted at growing Georgia-based companies. The group also plays a major role in expanding Georgia’s brand in global markets by leading trade missions and marketing outreach efforts. The group’s annual Red Carpet Tour brings business executives from around the world to Georgia for a five-day event showcasing the regions and industries of the state, along with The Masters golf tournament.

Georgia Allies members include AGL Resources, ALLTEL Communications, AT&T, Bank of America, BB&T, BellSouth, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Electric Membership Corporation, Georgia Power, MEAG Power, SunTrust Bank, Synovus Financial, and Wachovia Bank.

Georgia is the third best state in the nation to do business, according to Site Selection magazine, an influential national economic development trade publication. Georgia’s business climate was also ranked number two in Site Selection’s survey of corporate site seekers across the country.

Georgia Allies continues to help move the state toward the future by sponsoring the Web site www.georgiafacts.net with the Georgia Department of Economic Development. At georgiafacts.net, you can:

• Locate detailed information about Georgia counties and major city regions
• Learn about international businesses that have established facilities in Georgia
• Find the ideal site or available facility for your business needs
• Network and explore the wide range of product manufacturers in Georgia
• Research the wage range and averages for different job types in the state.

Georgiafacts.net data is searchable by city, county and a wide variety of relevant factors.

As Georgia Allies enters another chapter in its partnership, we hope you’ll join us by using this site, contacting our members or joining our efforts. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaAllies.org or contact Charlie Gatlin, 404-962-4017 or cgatlin@georgia.org.