Georgia Department of Economic Development

Georgia is a global hub for innovation and business, creating jobs of the future for Georgians and supporting a thriving logistics industry. In Taipei, GDEcD joined partners from Georgia Tech and the American Institute in Taiwan for multiple presentations on Georgia’s competitive advantages in workforce, education, and business friendly policies that attract companies on the cutting-edge of technology. Georgia's international connectivity, supported by two of the busiest and fastest growing ports in the country, solidifies Georgia's role as a global gateway for business. Evergreen Marine Corp., one of the world's leading international shipping companies, hosted the delegation to discuss where the logistics industry is headed, including developments in eco-friendly vessels.

Congratulations to Tiana Jones, the 2025 Georgia Poetry Out Loud state champion! A national arts education program for high school students, Poetry Out Loud fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership, all skills that provide benefits for life. Thanks to the Alliance Theatre for partnering with Georgia Council for the Arts to administer this program. Tiana, a junior at Whitefield Academy in Cobb County, placed second at the national level in 2024 and will return to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national finals May 5-7. Best of luck, Tiana! #POL2025 #POL20Years Photos by Casey Ford Tina Lilly, Emily Yewell Volin, Liz Magovern Davis, M.Ed., Mashaun D. Simon, MDiv, Kristen Silton

As the state’s No. 1 export product, aerospace is a key industry and manufacturing sector in Georgia. More than 800 aerospace-related companies support jobs for Georgians in every corner of the state.

The arts have always been at the heart of Georgia’s story—fueling creativity, strengthening communities, and driving economic growth. They are the soul of who we are as Georgians—what makes us unique and defines our culture and character. The arts illustrate where we have come from and highlight where we are going, connecting our rich history with the promise of our future. That’s why I’m excited to share that Georgia Council For The Arts has launched “Reimagine: Contemporary Georgia Artists,” a traveling exhibit bringing the transformative power of the arts directly to rural communities across our state. Made possible by the Georgia General Assembly, “Reimagine” will visit 10 communities over the next 18 months, showcasing works from Georgia’s State Art Collection alongside pieces from talented local artists. This initiative is more than just an exhibition—it’s a journey across Georgia, highlighting the creative spirit that connects and inspires us all. At each stop, we see firsthand how the arts spark investment and community growth. In Euharlee, where the tour kicked off, the Welcome Center and History Museum made facility improvements in preparation for the showcase—enhancements that will support cultural programming for years to come. Even more exciting, local student artists were selected to exhibit their work, reinforcing the next generation’s role in Georgia’s creative economy. The arts are more than expression—they drive innovation, economic development, and community resilience. Whether by supporting local artists, boosting tourism, or strengthening public spaces, initiatives like “Reimagine” prove why the arts play a starring role in a thriving society. If you’re near one of the upcoming stops, I encourage you to visit and experience Georgia’s creative heartbeat firsthand! For dates, locations and more info: https://lnkd.in/eXj9JtjJ #GCAReimagine #GeorgiaArts #CreativeIndustries #EconomicDevelopment #RuralInnovation #ArtInCommunity #CulturalInvestment Tina Lilly | Emily Yewell Volin | Allen Bell | Delilah Johnson | Tyrone Webb | Olivia Byers | Vivian Truong | Regan Young | Rebecca Harris | Allie Dean | https://lnkd.in/e5mWm4hR

Georgia companies Inveris, KGM Suppressors, and Noctis Technologies are at Enforce Tac 2025 in Booth 7-422. These Georgia-based, small- and medium-exporters have worked with GDEcD’s Trade team to prepare for and exhibit at Enforce Tac as a way to find new leads and expand their international sales.

Almost half of the United States’ top 100 food-processing companies operate in Georgia, and Georgia remains one of the United States’ largest producers of peanuts, pecans, poultry, and more. Visit booth S3-G58, Shk Saeed Hall 3, at Gulfood to learn more about the scale of Georgia’s food and beverage industry, and discover Georgia’s booming food processing industry: https://bit.ly/3Y7uLYc.

At Enforce Tac 2025, Georgia companies Inveris, KGM Suppressors, and Noctis Technologies are joining Georgia trade representatives in Booth 7-422. Enforce Tac is a growing global trade show where companies can meet with thousands of potential industry partners and hundreds of exhibitors over two days. Georgia’s global connectivity, robust manufacturing industry, and collaborative spirit creates a successful environment for companies locating, expanding, or operating in the state.

Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced that Duracell, one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, will establish its Global Headquarters for Research and Development at Science Square in Atlanta. This $56 million investment will bring 110 new jobs to Georgia, reinforcing the state’s position as a premier destination for innovation and growth. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Qlqn38

Georgia continues to underscore why it is the No.1 State for Business, breaking export records for the fourth year in a row at $53.1 billion. The state outpaced the national average for export growth with a year-over-year increase of 6.4%.? ? “Georgia offers extensive partnerships, expert guidance on export strategies, and top-tier infrastructure – including deepwater ports, railways, highways, and airports – that empower businesses to thrive in the global market,” noted Commissioner Pat Wilson. ? The good news continues into total trade. The state moved up a rank to sixth in the U.S. for dollar value of trade, serving as a global gateway to facilitate more than $198.7 billion in trade to 222 unique countries and territories. ? More on Georgia’s trade performance in 2024:?https://lnkd.in/etYZxcXT

From providing research to inform decisions to assisting with attending some of the largest global trade shows, our Trade team supports Georgia businesses in countless ways. Taube Ponce, Senior International Trade Manager, shares how we help Georgia exporters expand their international reach through market insights, strategic partnerships, and key industry events. https://lnkd.in/eDUpbr23