Wednesday Conversation: Regional Economy

Chalk up another record year for the Georgia Ports Authority. The total volume of goods handled by the ports increased nearly 8 percent from last year and there was a double-digit increase in the number of container units handled at the Port of Savannah. An executive says to expect more businesses to utilize our seaports and notes steps that have been, or will be, taken to make that a reality. Elsewhere, we touch on two other topics — how to answer the demand for a skilled manufacturing workforce and proposed changes in patent protection laws.

Explore»Join the conversation

About the Author

Rick Badie

Republicans: Return to the basics and Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment.

The Republican Party today has fled from its roots of limited government, strong national defense and fiscal responsibility. GOP must reclaim its roots against populism.

OPINION

A new vision for Georgia’s energy future means putting people and planet first

Georgia's energy system is operating under an old regulatory model that adds to the cost for power consumers in the Peach State. A new model is needed for "energy justice."

OPINION

Treasure McWeay, 4, should be alive. Hers was another preventable child death.

Georgia children die at a much higher rate from abuse and neglect than the national average. Child deaths are preventable, but Peach State's poor rankings are not surprising.

The Latest

Credit: Mike Luckovich

OPINION

Mike Luckovich: Birdbrain

OPINION

SNAP cuts put Georgia in a food and work crisis. Demand action and solidarity.

OPINION

Georgia leaders should not vilify technology. Social media and AI hold promise.

Featured

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC

‘Landslide’ PSC sweep jolts Georgia Democrats ahead of 2026 midterms

Georgia Democrats put Republicans 'on notice' ahead of 2026 midterms with Public Service Commission wins.

Atlanta traffic patterns are changing, report says. How it impacts your drive.

A recent study from Texas A&M University backs up what we're all seeing: Roads are clogged all day long, and by some metrics, traffic is busier than in 2019.

Mrs. America isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty

From beauty queen to cricket farmer to grief coach, Buford resident Paige Ewing keeps it real. She is the 2025 Mrs. America, and in January she will compete for Mrs. World.