Georgia named ‘Top State for Doing Business’ for 7th Consecutive Year

Prior to a tour of the new Amazon fulfillment center in Gwinnett County today, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Georgia has been named the “Top State for Doing Business” for the seventh year in a row by Area Development. The executive publication’s annual poll of nearly fifty leading site consulting firms from across the U.S. weighs thirteen different factors to make this determination. In addition to Top State, Georgia earned a No. 1 ranking in the category of cooperative and responsive state government.  “This seventh consecutive Top State award is a powerful testament to the fundamental strength of Georgia’s economy, even in these challenging times,” said Governor Kemp. “After all of these years, it’s abundantly clear that Georgia remains the epicenter for job growth, economic development, and investment because of strong, conservative leadership. But make no mistake about it, this ranking is because of the hardworking Georgians who work tirelessly to create opportunities and build success in their communities.”  “From advanced manufacturing to leading-edge cyber innovation, we are proud to work with job creators to secure mutual success and a brighter future for Georgia. Moving forward, we will work around the clock to keep our state government streamlined, responsive, and business-friendly, and there is no doubt this ranking will help to strengthen our economic recovery as we protect the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians,” said Kemp.  Area Development’s 2020 Top States for Doing Business results reflect the rankings that states receive based on weighted scores in the following categories: overall cost of doing business, cooperative and responsive state government, favorable regulatory environment, business incentives, workforce development programs, competitive labor environment, speed of permitting, logistics and infrastructure, available real estate, energy availability and costs, site readiness programs, corporate tax environment, and access to capital and projects. Georgia ranked No. 1 in 10 of the thirteen categories and placed in the top five in the other three categories.  This recognition comes on the heels of the Port of Savannah being named the top port for U.S. exports from January through May of this year. Governor Kemp also recently announced a strong start to the first month of fiscal year 2021. Georgia economic development projects attracted roughly $574 million in new investments, and 3,629 new jobs were created in nearly every region of the state in July.  Founded in 1965, Area Development magazine is considered the leading executive magazine covering corporate site selection and relocation. Editorial coverage provides valuable information pertinent to the factors, key issues, and criteria that affect a successful decision. Area Development is published quarterly and has 44,000 mailed copies.