Much of the news putting Georgia in the national spotlight lately hasn’t exactly shone the best light on our state. Our school system is struggling, protesters have taken the steps at the Capitol over immigration and we can’t seem to find enough water. This isn’t painting a rosy picture for companies looking at Georgia as a potential spot for relocation.
Georgia has much to offer. We boast an airport that serves more than 150 U.S. and 80 international destinations; we are in the top five in the nation for the most Fortune 500 companies; and our port in Savannah is the fastest-growing.
It can sometimes be easy to forget the good and, even inadvertently, foster the negative. But with an unemployment rate that is higher than the national average, it is important we work together to send the message that Georgia is a prime enterprise spot and that we are open for business.
Technology is one of our best opportunities for growth and is poised to lead us out of the recession. The Technology Association of Georgia, or TAG, recently polled more than 100 Georgia technology decision makers about their plans for growth. More than 70 percent said they plan to hire in the next 12 months and more than 80 percent will expand their work forces in the next five years. Additionally, by the end of 2010, Georgia technology companies announced plans to spend more than $1 billion in the state, which is expected to create more than 5,000 jobs.
Today, there are more than 250,000 technologists in Georgia accounting for more than 10 percent of our work force. And a recent study by the Kaufman Foundation ranked Georgia tops in the nation (tied with Nevada) for entrepreneurial activity. More than 500 companies set up business in our state every month — many of which have roots in technology.
But when people think of destinations for technology business, Georgia isn’t usually top of the mind — even among those of us living here. So how do we change this perception?
First, we must support initiatives that attract and keep technology companies in our state. TAG polled the same group of technology decision-makers about their biggest pain points which included needing more venture capital, better tax benefits and breaks and improvements in our transportation infrastructure.
State lawmakers are debating legislation supporting tax breaks and initiatives designed to encourage business. And a resolution that recently passed the state Senate and now moves on to the House is encouraging the establishment of a commission to conduct extensive interviews with technology stakeholders to gather data that ultimately will lead to the creation of a strategic plan for science and technology. The first ever for our state.
We also need to promote our children’s interest in science and technology. While some of Georgia’s public schools have come under scrutiny lately, there are also a number of programs encouraging students to become interested in science, technology, math and engineering, or STEM, careers (which typically pay twice the average salary of other jobs in Georgia). The Georgia Partnership for Reform in Science and Mathematics, or PRISM, FIRST Robotics and TAG’s Education Collaborative, which provides a unique summer internship program that places Georgia high school students with area technology companies for five weeks, are nonprofit initiatives that support STEM programs.
Parents, teachers and all Georgians should encourage the development and expansion of STEM education as it not only develops a strong, future work force, but helps create an environment attractive to businesses looking to relocate.
Finally, it is imperative that we each take responsibility for our state’s image and reputation. Boast to friends and family not living here about all the great things Georgia has to offer. Share stories on your social media channels about positive events and news from the state. And support and patronize the companies that operate and do business in Georgia.
Technology is poised to lead our state’s economic recovery. And together we can make sure that happens.
Tino Mantella is president and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia.
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