Site Location
Why have so many international companies established business operations in Georgia?
Logistics
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest with over 85 million passengers annually
direct flights to more than 70 international and 150 national destinations
strategic East Coast location, as Atlanta is further west than Detroit, Michigan
closest U.S. time-zone to Europe (London +5 hours; Amsterdam +6 hours)
Commercial Infrastructure
container ports, commercial air service, major rail and highway systems
modern telecommunications system (fiber optics and wireless)
international services: finance, law, insurance, shipping, accounting, etc.
global cluster of business chambers, trade offices and consular offices
Industrial Infrastructure
consistent economic growth above the national average
diversified economy with a number of important industries
traditional industries: automobile, wood, pulp and paper, textiles and agriculture
growth industries: aerospace, auto components, information technology and telecommunications
research centers, technology and biotechnology business incubators
Workforce
Right-to-Work legislation with a low union participation rate
pool of qualified workers in a wide range of industries
wages and social costs lower than the national average
young workforce and strong work ethic
Operating Cost Enviroment
moderate costs for property, construction and commercial leases
moderate costs for wages, power, logistics and operating activities
moderate cost of housing and living in general
Business and Industrial Policy
pro-business government policies, consistency of tax and business legislation
stable tax policy - 6 percent corporate income tax, unchanged since 1969
business incentives available to new and existing companies
Quality of Life
attractive quality of life with wide range of sporting and cultural activities
diverse geography: beaches, farm- and timberland, lakes and mountains
pleasant, continental climate in the U.S. “Sunbelt”
friendly and hospitable people – “Southern hospitality”