For the seventh time in 12 years, Georgia Power`s community and economic development organization has been ranked as one of the Top 10 in the world by Site Selection magazine, a national trade publication devoted to economic development trends and issues.
The organization was in the magazine`s Top 10 list for utility economic development in 1989, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1998, 1999, and again in 2000. The list is an annual effort by the magazine`s editors, who survey utility companies nationwide to determine the number and type of facilities that have located in their service areas, the number of jobs created and the methods that were used to attract them.
"Georgia Power`s long tradition of economic development goes all the way back to our first president Preston Arkwright`s recruitment trips to New York in 1927. We are proud of our great employees who continue to identify new and innovative ways to help our communities grow and prosper," said President and CEO David Ratcliffe. "Georgia Power has a huge investment in this state, and each day we work to make Georgia a better place for all our citizens."
"The entries for the Top 10 competition in 2000 were impressive in terms of going after business with programs and technological advances," said Site Selection Senior Editor Tracy Heath. "Many site consultants praised the efforts of the utility groups."
In 2000, Georgia Power`s community and economic development was credited with bringing more than 12,000 new jobs and $993 million in capital investment to Georgia.
Among the new programs and services that helped secure the Top 10 listing for the organization:
A new "interactive telecom database" that combines three databases with mapping capabilities: available buildings and sites, electrical infrastructure and telecommunications infrastructure. When the three databases overlay, project managers can identify on the map the best locations for projects needing strong telecommunications and electrical service.
A "Why Georgia for Business?" brochure, the first of its kind among economic development organizations in Georgia, that gives prospects a quick overview of the state`s major selling points.
An industry report titled "Metal Fabrication in Georgia" that documents the locations of 1,100 metal fabrication companies in the state. The companies employ nearly 26,000 workers and account for 4.3 percent of the state`s manufacturing jobs.
Advantage Georgia, a quarterly newsletter that highlights top buildings available in Georgia. Included are the size of the building, number of dock doors, ceiling heights, rail service capabilities and sale or lease price.
A new Community Assessment Program developed in 2000 that helps Georgia communities make themselves more attractive to their target industries.