Loading...Georgia Chamber of Commerce Continues Tradition of Economic Development
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By George Israel, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber of Commerce
This week marks the 50th Anniversary of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Tour, an annual event that brings existing and prospective business leaders together in order to highlight all our state has to offer.
Started in 1959 with the intent of attracting companies considering relocating to or expanding their presence in Georgia, the initial Tours included flying low over potential business sites and introducing guests to state officials and business leaders. Throughout the years, this premier economic development event developed into today’s three day tour and has highlighted every major city in Georgia, each of which offer their own unique advantages to the companies that choose to call them home. Guests experience our warm Southern hospitality, get to know business and government leaders, visit hallmark destinations, and - to top it off - experience Augusta National during the venerable Masters Golf Tournament.
In today’s economy, efforts like this are more important than ever. For once recovery begins, we want our state to be top of mind as companies are making expansion or location decisions. The Red Carpet Tour allows the Georgia Chamber to show executives from throughout the world why our state is a great place to live and do business.
We’re not just tooting our own horn. A survey of top CEO’s conducted by Chief Executive magazine recently ranked Georgia as the 4th best state to do business based on regulatory and tax policy, education, access to resources, and quality of life. And the 2009 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competiveness Index ranked our state 8th for economic outlook based on, among other things, the tax burden, quality of our legal system, and status as a right-to-work state.
Companies like those who participate in the Red Carpet Tour each year choose Georgia not only because of our prime location and temperate climate, but also because of our relatively low cost of doing business and high quality of life - both of which the Georgia Chamber has worked hard to maintain.
While our Red Carpet Tour guests will receive our undivided attention this week, a workforce that is well prepared for the jobs of today, a balanced tax structure that draws from a broad base, a transportation system that allows both people and freight to move efficiently through our state, health care that is both accessible and affordable, and dependable energy and water resources are all high priorities that our Chamber will continue to focus on today and in the future. These are the things that prospective companies want to hear about - the bottom line facts that matter in their decision-making process.
There is no question that our state has benefitted from the Red Carpet Tour, which has generated more than $3 billion in new investments and helped create more than 30,000 jobs throughout Georgia.
With results like those you can be sure of one thing - no matter who gets the green jacket on Sunday, Georgia is a winner.
