Georgia Jobs and Investments Surge Thirty-five Percent in 2005

Georgia Jobs and Investments Surge Thirty-five Percent in 2005

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that the state's improving economic activity continued its dramatic climb in 2005, creating more jobs for Georgians and bringing additional investments and tax revenues to the state.

“ Georgia 's growing economy is a tribute to our strengths as a state and the optimism and hard work of our citizens,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “I am proud that Georgia has attracted and kept a wide variety of companies who recognize our great business climate.”

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) figures show steady growth in the number of businesses the department has successfully assisted with locations and expansions in Georgia . GDEcD's Global Commerce division reported that it helped 182 companies in 2005 to either expand or locate facilities in Georgia, compared to 151 companies it worked with in 2004—a 20.5 percent increase. The announced projects mean 15,902 new jobs for Georgians—an increase of more than 35 percent from last year. The new jobs will also bring in $2.68 billion in investments, a 30 percent jump from $1.97 billion in 2004.

“We're working hard to spread the word about Georgia 's great assets, and in fact were contacted by 12 percent more companies this year than in 2004,” said GDEcD Commissioner Craig Lesser. “The General Assembly's approval of pro-business legislation, our international outreach, award-winning programs such as Georgia Quick Start and Governor Perdue's support of the small business community have all been significant factors in the success we've experienced this past year.”

Expansions by Aflac in Muscogee County , and Perdue Farms in Houston and Monroe Counties , were the two largest projects announced, totaling 3,000 jobs and $255 million in investment.  Other significant locations or expansions included:

• Target Corporation ( Liberty & Chatham counties) – 750 jobs
• Contender Boats ( Appling County ) – 500 jobs
• NBTY Inc. ( Columbia County ) – 500 jobs
• ae group ag ( Troup County ) – 300 jobs
• Faus Group ( Gordon County ) – 350 jobs
• ADP ( Fulton County ) – 200 jobs
• IKEA ( Chatham County ) – 150 jobs

The Georgia Department of Economic Development is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.

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