You are receiving this message because you requested updates from Georgia.org | No images ? See the online version . OCTOBER 2014 | WE SPEAK BUSINESS | GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Georgia Department of Economic Development Named "Best in Class" Announced at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Conference, GDEcD was named the No. 1 "best in class" state-level economic development agency in the country, according to a new survey of U.S. corporate executives and location advisors. In addition, the Department was awarded a Gold Excellence Award for work in New Media for the Life Sciences industry. RECENT PROJECTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS OCT Kubota to create 650 jobs in Hall County, invest $100 million 27 Read OCT 21 Badcock to locate new distribution center to LaGrange Read OCT Acuity Brands to create 700 jobs in DeKalb, Rockdale 20 counties Read OCT 16 Walmart to create 400 jobs in Fulton County Read OCT 6 PolyTech Fibers to create 114 jobs in Murray County Read OCT Tokyo-based manufacturer to create 170 jobs in Gwinnett 3 County Read JOIN THE CONVERSATION OUR FAVORITE TWEETS Mwahahaha: Savannah was named one of the spookiest cities in the U.S. http://bit.ly/1vO3shE You know why many businesses choose Georgia as a place to work? One reason is due to our excellent workforce. @gaworkforce Our Director of Life Sciences explains why the @HealthITSummit is a great example of life sciences collaboration. http://mwne.ws/1uGGO6z FEATURED VIDEOS Unmanned Aerial Vehicles on Display at Sunbelt Ag Expo Many believe that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, or "drones") hold great potential for use in agriculture. The Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace showcased UAV demos during the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. Play Video Kubota Grand Opening Kubota Corporation continues to grow its presence in Georgia. In May 2013, Kubota Industrial Equipment held a grand opening for its manufacturing facility in Jefferson, Georgia. Play Video INDUSTRY RELATED NEWS United Arab Shipping Company officially opens United Arab Shipping Company's new Gwinnett office, which will house shipping logistics, accounting, finance and customer service, is expected to create 160 new jobs, representing more than $10 million in investment. Read More Georgia Trend's "Business Georgia" looks deeper into Georgia's evolving economic landscape GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr and Lee Thomas, deputy commissioner for film, music and digital entertainment, were interviewed on the state's economic growth. Read More Costa Rica and Mexico Inbound Buyers Mission connects companies with buyers Five buyers from Costa Rica and four buyers from Mexico representing the top tiers of the retail, food service and distributors in those markets traveled to Georgia where they had 123 prearranged one on one meetings with 23 Georgia companies in Atlanta and Tifton on October 6 and 8. Sales were reported on site and several companies are in the midst of negotiations. Read More TICA manufacturing facility now open Toyota Industries Compressor Parts America (TICA) celebrated the grand opening of its new 320-job, 600,000square-foot manufacturing facility in Pendergrass. Read More The Walking Dead Season 5 premiere is show's highest rated episode Filmed in Georgia since the beginning, AMC's The Walking Dead's Season 5 premiere achieved a record-high of 17.3 million viewers and the series has been renewed for Season 6. Take the "Undead" self-guided tour to see filming locations. Read More Georgia communities receive funding for tourism and arts GDEcD has awarded $200,000 in product development agreements to 10 tourism and art entities across the state. The Tourism Product Development Agreement helps produce jobs and support Georgia's creative economies with an emphasis on local artists and the nonprofit arts industry. Read More Technical Industry Expertise and Research Collaborations Distinguish COIs The Georgia Centers of Innovation provide more than 1,500 customers each year with the technical industry expertise, collaborative research and partnerships to help them connect, compete and grow. Read More RECENT BLOG POSTS OCT 28 Mercer, Morehouse School of Medicine Promising GRA Additions Last month, the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) formally welcomed Mercer University and Morehouse School of Medicine as new members. Read More OCT GeorgiaTrend: Biotech Boom in Georgia 27 The state's biotech industry employs more than 120,000 and has a $30- billion annual economic impact. Hear from Amanda Shailendra, director of life sciences and corporate solutions, on why Georgia's bioscience industry is unique. Read More OCT Spooky (and Not-So-Spooky) Halloween Events in Georgia 14 If you're looking to celebrate Halloween in a big way, Georgia's cities and towns have lots to offer. Whether you're on the hunt for a haunted trail or a kid-friendly Halloween party, the Peach State will provide! Read More GREAT RESOURCES PAST ISSUES | SUBSCRIBE The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia, and promote the state as a top destination for arts, events, and film, music and digital entertainment projects. Visit Georgia.org Georgia.org | The Georgia Department of Economic Development | 75 Fifth Street, NW, Suite 1200 | Atlanta, Georgia | 30308 404.962.4000 | communications@georgia.org