GEORGIA Georgia: # 1 State in the PORTS Nation to do Business CONTENT GOV. NATHAN DEAL Georgia's Ports Play Integral Role in Economic Development ........... 5 JAMES ALLGOOD, GPA BOARD CHAIRMAN Ports, Partners Co nfident in Georgia's Fu t ure ..... .7 GRIFFITH LYNCH, GPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GPA Embarks on New Mission .... ... .. ... ................... ..... . 9 GEORGIA POWER PAUL BOWERS, Chairman, President & CEO A Strong Resource for Site Selectors ........... ..11 KIA STUART COUNTESS, CAO Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Kia Relies On Georg ia's Prec ision Log isti cs ...... ... 13 INTERFOR DUNCAN DAVIES, CEO Reaching Global Markets Through World-C lass Ports ........ . .................................. ....... 14 UPS MYRON GRAY, President, US Operations UPS UPS Bullish on Georgia 's Future ........... .. ......... 16 GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY JAIMIE HEBERT, President Opportunity Ahead ..... . ........... ........ .... ..... .......... 19 THE HOME DEPOT MARK HOLIFIELD, Executive Vice President, Supply Chain and Product Development Home State Emerging Techno logy Hu b ............. .. .20 THE COCA-COLA COMPANY STUART KRONAUGE, President of Coca-Cola USA Operations, Senior Vice President of Marketing Coca-Cola and Georgia, A Refreshing Combination ............ ...... ..................... .. 23 UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA JERE MOREHEAD, President Advancing Georgia's Economy. ... ...... 24 GEORGIA TECH BUD PETERSON, President Driving Technological Advances ..... ...... 27 (,HIHGIA II I Tli I 'lj \ 'l ~ GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY Port of Savannah, Vital Link in Global Supply Chain .. .. .... 31 Factors in Savannah's Success as a Logistics Hub ............................................................... 31 Benefits of a Single-Operator Terminal .. .......... 31 Savannah Has the Right Infrastructure for Growth ................................................................... . ... 31 East Coast Market Share Trend .. .. 32 Mega Rail Moving Forward .... ". 32 Unique Advantages of GPA's Ocean Terminal ........ 32 Brunswick Aims to be No. 1 U.S. Autoport.. Inland Terminals Magnet s for Industry............ GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PAT WILSON , COMMISSIONER, GDEcD Integrated Approach Key to Georgia's Success .51 Georgia's Tax Credits, Encouraging Job Creation ......... 52 Georgia's Competitive Tax Climate ..............................52 Single-Factor Apportionment.. .. ...... ....52 Job Tax Credit .......................................... " .. 53 Value of the Job Tax Credit ... ". " .54 Port Tax Credit Bonus ............................... . .. 54 Centers of Innovation, Accelerate Industry Development .............................................. 55 Hiring Assistance ........................ . ....... 56 Training and Education ..................... .. 56 Quick Start Employee Training ........... 56 Retaining Ta x Credit.. .. ' ......... .57 Hope Scholarship and Grant Programs....... ... 57 Georgia's Colleges and Universities.. .. ................. 58 Infrastructure Backbone of Savannah Economy ........... 39 Rail Advantages In Georg ia .. .. ... 42 Georgia Investing $10B for Freight Mobility .. .. .. 47 Atlanta a Center of Global Trade ... 61 Northeast Georgia Features Diverse Economic Opportunities ..... .. 65 Georgia is Agriculture....... .... ............ ......................................... 66 Forest Products: A Renewable Resource for all Georgians .......... .. . ........ 70 GA PORTS .COM GOV. NATHAN DEAL Georgia's Ports Play Integral Role in Economic Development Wh en it comes to attracting new business, Georgia competes to win. Local and state leaders act with unity of purpose, focu sed on building a business-friendly environment and providing opportunity for Georgia families. Our list of assets is powerful: the most used airport in the world, the fourth busiest seaport in the nation, two Class I rail lines, an expanding highway network and unmatched workforce training. Georgia's superior transportation efficiency is a magn et for global commerce. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International A irport offers the most scheduled flights ofany airport in the world, including direct flights to 75 international destinations in 50 countries. It provides access to 80 percent ofthe US. market within a two- hour flight. A t the Port of Savannah, Garden City Terminal handles the most containership services on the U.S. East Coast with 36 weekly vessel ca lls, providing grea ter choice and scheduling fl exibility to reach global destinations. For motor carriers, th e state ofGeorgia is investing $10 billion to seamlessly absorb future gro wth by creating dedicated truck lanes, alleviating traffic and improving safety across the state. Geographic location is another benefi t of doing business in Georgia. Centered in the fastest growing region of tl1e United States, the Peach State puts major population centers within easy reach. In workforce training, we have expanded the HOPE Career Grant to includefive new strategic industry programs: construction, aviation, electrical line work, logistics and automotive technology. This brings the total to 17 areas of study in the Technical College System ofGeorgia targeted by the grant. The HOPE Career Grant is designed to supplement the HOPE Gra nt and cover the full cost of tuition for students enrolling in one of Georgia's strategic industry progmm areas. Our state is also blessed with the No . 1 progmm for targeted workforce development in the country. Georgia Quick Start offers customized training to facilitate start-up or expansion. Often cited among the deciding factors for companies choosing to do business in Georgia, Quick Start has extensive experience working with state-of- the-a rt manufacturing, distribution and wstomer contact operations. By emphasizing strong partnerships on both the state and local levels, we ha ve cultivated an economic environment that produces g7eater opporttmities f or hardworking people, genera tes investment in local communities and improves the overall quality oflifefor Georgians. In Fiscal Year 2017 alone, the Georgia Departm ent of Economic Development's Global Commerce Division helped crea te 30,309 new jobs, generating a record-breaking $6.33 billion in in vestments. Th is growth is a result ofthe expansion or relocation of 377 companies covering every region of the state. From th e support of our state legislature and loca l officials, Georgia has proven to be a reliable and responsible place for businesses of all sizes to plan f or future g7owth. For a historic fifth year in a row, Site Selection, a national publication foc used on economic development, mnked Georgia as the best state in which to do business. Th e magazine's research foc uses on private capital projects involving $1 million or more of investm ent, 20 or more new jobs or 20,000 or more square feet of new construction. This data, combined with a survey of site selectors, put Georgia at the head ofthe pack. Our low tax burden and economic assets, including a robust workforce and unparalleled connectivity, lead the nation in attmcting industry leaders from across the country and around the world. By building upon our strategic resou rces through forwardthinking investm ent in infrastructure and human capital, Georgia is securing its position at the f orefiont ofeconomic development. 5 JAMES ALLGOOD L AI t1f-\f l f T [BOARD GEORGIA PORTS Ports, Partners Confident in Georgia's Future It's not a secret to anyone operating in Georgia -from local farmers to global corporations - that this state is consistently ranked as the top place to do business in the U.S. What is less known are the reasons why the Peach State is the No.1 choice for some ofthe best-known names in the American marketplace today. In this publication, you will hear from a broad range of voices, from Home Depot to UPS, Coca-Cola to Kia, on why their companies decided to locate here, and why they're so confident in Georgia's future. We'll discuss the benefits of moving cargo through Georgia's world-class ports, the tax credits that make Georgia a more affordable option for new developments, the state's infrastructure plan, and the role ofeducation in building tomorrow's workforce. With cutting-edge training progmms, business-friendly state policy, and an unmatched logistics network that moves people and goods more efficiently, Georgia's economy thrives because we are all working together to advance a common purpose - a shared prosperity for the people and their employers across the state. What sets Georgia, and its ports, apart is that we are always striving to go the next step. We never allow obstacles to slow us down. And we will never slow down when it comes to promoting Georgia and supporting economic development. That's why Georgia has been ranked for five years running as the number one state in which to do business. We get it. GRIFFITH LYNCH L J I I R, GEORGIA POR fS GPA Embarks on New Mission Our team at Georgia Ports recently came together to develop a new mission - "to empower entrepreneurs, strengthen industries, sustain communities and fortify families by relentlessly striving to accelerate global commerce." To accomplish this ambitious goal, we also knew we needed a 10-year work plan to bring our ports to the next level. The plan follows three basic concepts for success: space, infrastructure and connectivity. To be competitive in the era of massive vessels and larger cargo exchanges ushered in by the re-opening of the expanded Panama Cana l, the GPA must also expa nd its footprints at the ports of Savannah and Brunswick - home to the largest single conta iner and auto facilities in North America, respectively. In Savannah, we are adding new container storage, cra ne lanes and property to grow our capacity well beyond 6.5 million Twenty-foot Equivalent container Units, or TEUs. Similarly, in Brunswick, we are increasing vehicle processing capacity to handle 1.4 million cars and trucks annually. With additional capacity, we are also investing in the infrastructure required to handle projected volumes to include a total of 42 ship to shore cranes and more than 200 yard cranes. Our virtual infrastructure is also expanding with the latest information technology upgrades and improvements connecting customers to their cargo in real time. Connecting our ports to an expanding marketplace is our third guiding principal. So in the very near future, we will be breaking ground on the Mason Mega Rail Terminal - an on-terminal project that will double our rail lift capacity to 1 million conta iners per year. This will provide direct, cost-effective access to CPA's Mid-American Arc stretching from Memphis to St. Louis, Chicago and Columbus, Ohio. This project will be complete in2021. And by this Spring, our latest inland terminal, the Appalachian Regional Port in Northwest Georgia, will come online capturing new markets across Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. On the water; the work to deepen the Savannah River is nearly 50 percent complete and slated to cross the finish line by late 2021. The harbor deepening will accommodate larger vessels, reduce shipping costs, meet a growing demand for U.S. exports and crea te jobs and economic opportu nity across this country. With these investments in pace, infrastructure and connectivity, growing enterprises can rest assured Georgia will be the best place to loca te or expand a business today and tomorrow. 9 GEORGIA POWER A STRONG RESOURCE FOR SITE SELECTORS by Paul Bowers For more than 130 years, Georgia Power has remained steadfast in our mission to improve the quality of life and wellbeing for our neighbors, our co-workers, 011r family and friends, and our company. We continue that tradition every day by working with and investing in communities across the state to help them thrive and prosper. It is our ultimate goal to help Georgia grow its already robust economy- making it the preferred place to do business today and in the future. You don't have to look far to see why Georgia is continuottsly ranked as the top state for business. It offers global access via the world's most-traveled airport, the largest single-container port in the country, top-ranked workforce training programs and highquality technical schools and universities. Its competitive tax rates and business incentives, diverse talent pool and innovative spirit attract new businesses from around the world, and help existing businesses grow. Our strong partnership with the state has generated $6.9 billion in development and brought more than 14,500 jobs to Georgia in 2017 alone. Thanks to these successes, Georgia Power was once again named to Site Selection magazine's list of Top Utilities in North America for Economic Development in 2017. That distinction is a testament to our commitment m creating a vibrant economic future for all Georgians. Our best-inthe-business Community and Economic Development staff help achieve this by: Assisting new companies through the site selection process Helping with existing industry expansions and retention Supporting leadership development in local communities Facilitating strategic planningfor communities to help them prepare for growth Supporting local, regional and state community and economic development partners in bringing new jobs and capital investment to Georgia Georgia p0wer At Georgia Power, we promise to deliver clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to 2.5 million customers across 159 cow1ties every day. We know in fulfilling that promise with world-class customer service and a diverse generation mix- including nuclear, coal, natural gas and renewables- we are doing our part in making communities stronger and providing sustainable energy solutions to support future growth. We look forward to many years working together with the State of Georgia and other organizations to drive economic development, ensuring that Georgia remains competitive for generations to come. II (,FOH(ol\ KIA RELIES ON GEORGIA'S PRECISION LOGISTICS by Stuart Countess As the highest ranked automotive brand for initial quality the last two years (2016-2017) according to J.D. Power; Kia's manufacturing facility in West Point is part of one of the automotive industry's greatest success stories. Top quality doesn't just happen; it's the result of building and maintaining a team of the best people to con tinuously improve our performa nce. The team in Georgia is world-class and it's made up of more than a stellar workforce, it's always been about having the right partners supporting our vision and our business in the various departments and agencies among the State ofGeorgia. Announced in2006, Kia Motors' first North American factory would soon become the largest economic development project in Georgia's history, and the first in a series of record-breaking accomplishments. In January 2008, Georgia Quick Start deployed the auto industry's first exclusively online application platform that generated more than 43,000 applications for the first 1,200 job openings at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), in just 30 days. To date, more than 137,000 applications have been received for positions at the plant in West Point. Georgia Quick Start traveled the globe to research and develop the gold standard in automotive manufacturing training - the Kia Georgia Training Center. From training production to maintenance, Georgia Quick Start transformed the skills of a largely textile mill workforce into a team that would deliver quality and reliability awards and accolades that are the envy ofeven the most premium brands. World-class quality has been achieved despite rigorous production demands. Just as soon as KMMG officially started production of the first vehicle, the 2011 Kia Sorento, we realized we would need to increase production capacity beyond the original plans to keep pace with customer demand. So, an expansion was completed in January 2012 which added capacity to the rail spur that ties the CSX track to KMMG's site as well as a host of other construction projects aimed at increasing the volume capacity within the various production shops. All the while, the State of Georgia's economic development team and related partners proved they were committed to KMMG's ability to grow. The resulting annual capacity of 360,000 units allows KMMG to meet demand for dealers across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and beyond. Fulfilling KMMG's production capacity is dependent upon a successful logistics network. KMMG requires just-in-time and just-in-sequence parts to be delivered to the factory in a constant stream. Too many parts arriving to the plant can bejust as crippling as not having enough parts on hand; and with an inventory of four hours or less, precision in logistics is critical. The Georgia Ports Authority has not only facilitated the import activities of necessary production equipment and parts in an effective way, they have innovated to further support the fluctuating demand we experience as production schedules and product mixes evolve. The inland port in Cordele was the first in a string of ports that Governor Nathan Deal launched and supplies KMMG with inbound parts we need while providing peanuts, cotton and other agricultural items with a supply of train cars headed outbound via Georgia's ports. As KMMG looks to the future, we know we will continue to be successful in partnership with Georgia to overcome the challenges we are facing to develop a workforce pipeline in the future. To be sure, the leadership in Georgia has made great strides through a variety of effective initiatives to promote and facilitate lowcost or free education in high demand careers. And, we have also seen progress locally take hold through the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia offerings. Dual enrollment growth and the college and career academies that have popped up in many communities are just a couple of examples. A world-class company like Kia needs a worldclass education system and it will be inwmbent on industry and education to continually evolve the skills and training we need to meet and exceed future workforce demands. We believe our future in Georgia is very bright. Ultimately, the robust automotive industry and network in the state, combined with a business-friendly environment and an overall low cost of doing business, situated in the center of the greatest logistics ecosystems we could imagine, make Georgia an ideal location for KMMG to continue on its growth path, and we intend to do just that. 13 Ll URGIA INTERFOR REACHING GLOBAL MARKETS THROUGH WORLD-CLASS PORTS l by Duncan Davies We are proud of our decision to invest in Georgia. The state has provided a business and political climate necessary I to support investment and to pursue new domestic and international markets. Georgia has: A favorable log supply and productive and sustainable forests, with more than22 million acres ofprivately-owned, com mercially-ava ilable working forests; Robust infrastructure, with strong rail and highway networks; and, A commitment to growing a strongforest-sector workforce by offering support and funding to programs like our maintenance apprenticeship program . In addition to these critical assets, our ability to reach global markets is greatly enhanced because of the world class ports located in Savannah and Brunswick. In 2016, Interfor exported approximately 40 million board f eet of our southern yellow pine lumber to Asia and other emerging markets, mostly from the Port in Savannah. In 2018, we anticipate our export business to approach ISO million board feet. Our proximity to the Port of For more than 15 years, Interfor has been systematically acquiring and upgrading sawmills in Ca nada, the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast to support our goal to become on~ of world's leading lumber providers. Today, we operate 18 mills and two remanufacturing plants representing more than 3 billion board f eet of capacity across North America in British Columbia, Washington, Orego n, Arkansas, South Carolina and Georgia. Our operations in Georgia have emerged as a critical piece of our company's asset base. Today, we operate seven mills in the state, representing more than one-third ofour production capacity, and our sou thern headquarters are located in Peachtree City, sou th ofAtlanta. More than 1,000 Interfor employees go to work each day in Georgia. Since acquiring our first mills in Georgia just under five years ago, we've invested more than $80 million to upgrade our mills in Savannah and the efficiency in which the Georgia Ports Authority manages con tainers to overseas markets is a real advantage for our long-term success. This yea r, we will buy nearly 4 million tons of logs worth over $150 million from two-thirds of the counties across the state. We will sell 1.5 million tons ofbyproducts to other manufacturing facilities to create pulp, paper, biomass and other products. Many of these products will be shipped to overseas markets through the ports of Brunswick and Savannah . Growth and expansion is an integral part ofour culture. Our southern yellow pine business has developed well and is maturing into a large part ofour company's profile. The ability to grow this part of business will be increasingly important, and Georgia and its ports will play an essential role for Interfor as we broaden the delivery ofour lumber around the world. I the state, and last month announced a $16.5 million investment at Meldrim, with more plans on the drawing board. We've also taken an active approach to investing in our people with initiatives like ou r maintenance apprenticeship program, which allows our employees to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to advance their careers in forest product manufacturing. 14 GHm(,J<\: f \!I I '1. f c. 'I.A 1 [( ''\ TO J() ll l '\I UPS BULLISH ON GEORGIA'S FUTURE by Myron Gray It's gratifying, but hardly Sllrprising, that Georgia has once again been named the nation's top state in which to do business. When UPS relocated our headquarters to the state, we saw Georgia's potential as a global business hub more than a quarter century ago. It was the right decision then and it remains one ofthe best moves we've ever made. Companies looking to expand or relocate today will find many of the same attributes apply - including great schools and neighborhoods, lifestyle opportunities and workforce training programs. But it's a buyer's market today, and companies that can bringjobs and economic vitality to a community hold all the cards. That's why many states are offering creative incentive packages to companies looking to expand or relocate. I would encourage the leaders of those businesses to look beyond any incentives and consider the power of partnership. In our more than 25 years in Georgia, we have found a strong sense of partnership among city, county and state leaders and their agencies that contributes to a productive and businessfriendly environment. Local and statewide leaders continue to demonstrate a keen interest in understanding our business objectives. They also encourage a proactive alliance that leads to mutually beneficial solutions. The Georgia Ports Authority certainly fits that description . The GPA helps to keep business moving throughout the Southeast and the world, reinforcing Georgia's position as a gateway to the businesses and citizens ofnations across the globe. At UPS, we're bullish about a future built on the untold possibilities ofglobal trade. When businesses are able to sell their goods and services freely across borders, the world truly becomes a more fascinating- and prosperous- place in which to live. That belief underpinned our recent decision to open a 1.2 million-square-foot Southeast regional hub in our hometown. The facility is part of a multi-year investment plan that includes additional facilities and aircraft that further modernize and expand our global network. It also supports the growth ofGeorgia companies - large and small- doing business in this region and across the globe. With 95 percent of consumers today living outside the US., it is important that Georgia companies expand their exporting capabilities to continue to grow. UPS and the Georgia Ports Authority are proud to be partners in that growth . 16 ' Presid ent '~ qualifiedgraduate with a goodjob benefits students, employers and our region." GEORGIA SOUTHERN OPPORTUNITY AHEAD by Jaimie Hebert As President ofthe new Georgia Southern University, I want to tell you how excited I am about the opportunities before us in Sava nnah and the Coastal Empire. Our unive1sity is building a new chapter upon th e traditions, excellence and impact of two dynamic institutions that have served Southeast Georgia for decades. As the fourth largest public university in Georgia, we believe our gro wth will be an asset to the region in the same way that Savannah's growth has been beneficial to the university and to all the communities along the I-16 corridor. We are thrilled to work with area businesses, industries and the Port of Savannah in order to provide the training, resea rch and skilled workers needed to continue this growth. While our new university now has three vibrant campuses in Savannah, Statesboro and Hinesville, Georgia Southern has been heavily invested in the Coastal Empire for years. Since 2013, the university has managed the H erty Advanced Materials Development Center in Savannah. The Center works with global corporations and numerous Fortune 500 companies on biomass conversion technologies, advanced non-woven materials, fibers, and pulp and paper operations. Combined with Georgia Southern's facu lty research, the Center will continue to drive innovation and growth for industries in Savannah and around the world. Georgia Southern is also working with the Port ofSavannah and its surrounding industries in conjunction with our Logistics and Intermodal Tran sportation programs. We offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral-/eve/ training from faculty who are industry experts in the fi eld. In this partnership, Savannah provides our students with the training they need to enter area businesses as leaders, and Georgia Southern serves as a resource to these businesses through its faculty, students and research . In addition to our work with local business and industry, Georgia Southern is comm itted to serving as a truly regional university, charged with a mission to provide relevant, high- quality programs to not on ly meet market demand, but also to meet Southeast Georgia's dire need for a trained workforce. We place student success as our benchmark, because a qualifiedgraduate with a goodjob benefits students, employers and our region. Additionally, our new university will expand our economic impact on Southeast Georgia, and will allow us to work as an intellectual catalyst to drive innovation and growth in ow regional businesses and industries. I'm so excited for the opportunities that lie ahead! We are creating a powerful new regional university that is building our best future - one that is inextricably linked with the future of Savannah, the state and the entire region. 19 C.IWRCl\ THE HOME DEPOT HOME STATE EMERGING TECHNOLOGY HUB by Mark Holifield When The Home Depot opened its first two stores nearly 40 years ago, our founders chose Georgia based on data that pointed to Atlanta as an idea/location for a new concept in home improvement retail. Since that time, we've learned that the state is ideal for just about any business to locate, and we've grown our presence accordingly. Although it's a pretty well-known fact that Atlanta is the hometown ofour Store Support Center- or HQ- few know the state is also home to more than 25,000 of our associates (employees), 90 stores, nine distribution centers, and a network of call centers, technology centers, and more. When it comes to Georgia, many think ofthe largest airport in the world with non-stop access to an endless list ofdestinations, but we at The Home Depot also think of the Port ofSavannah and its innovative operations and pro-business attitude. In fact, the Port of Savannah is one ofour four primary ports that make up our four- corner ocean container strategy, and it is the most teclmologically and operationally advanced ofthem all. We located one of our three primary Direct Fulfillment Centers in Lowst Grove, Georgia, because its ideal geographic location rounds out our ability to deliver online orders to 98 percent ofour US. wstomers in two business days or less, using economic ground delivery. Now, one of the most important developments is Georgia's growth as a technology hub, as well as the accompanying educational infrastructure and talent. That's especially important to our business as we blend the physical and digital worlds to provide an interconnected retail experience for our customers. We didn't choose Georgia for this expansive operational footprint because Atlanta is our hometown. We chose Georgia because it's strategically the right place to do business. 20 COCA-COLA AND GEORGIA A REFRESHING COMBINATION by Stuart Kronauge As an Atlanta native with more than 20 years with The Coca-Cola Company, I've always been proud of our company's deep roots in my hometown. Our story dates back to 1886 when Dr. John Pemberton, an Atlanta pharmacist, mixed up the very first Coca-Cola, initially served at Jacobs Pharmacy. Today, Coca-Cola is the world's largest beverage company, serving 1.9 billion drinks a day in more than 200 countries. In the United States alon e, we sell 800 different beverages, including 250 with no and low sugar. Despite this tremendous growth and change over the years, one constant on our journey has been ou r Atlanta headquarters. Georgia has been and continu es to be a great place to call home. Our investments in Georgia are substan tial and continue to expand. In addition to our North Avenue home office and the World ofCoca-Cola downtown, we have 38 facilities across the state,ji-om Valdosta to Aug11sta to Big Canoe. The Coca-Cola system including our bottling partners employs 11,200 people in Georgia with an annual payroll of $1 billion. Some 229,000 customers sta tewide serve Coca-Cola or one of our many other brands, which include Gold Peak tea, smartwater, POWERADE and Fairlife milk. If you factor all of th e money beverage companies invest in the state, the industry's annual econom ic impact is $13 billion. With recent changes in our bottling system, Coca-Cola is sharpening its focus on local markets, and that is certainly the case in our home state. In 2017, we completed a decade-long process of consolidating and then reselling our company-owned bottling operations (until recently known as Coca-Cola Reji-eshments). In this process of reji"anchising, as we ca ll it, we shifted some bottling territories and returned our entire local business to where it really belongs and where it does best: to 68 independen tly-own ed ji-anchise partner bottlers. Under this new structure, the entire state of Georgia is now served by Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED. A long-time institution ofthe Southeastern United Sta tes, Coca-Cola UNITED serves communities stretching from Northwest Florida to Alabama to Louisiana. Given their confidence in the future of Georgia, CocaCola UNITED is deeply committed to serving customers and people in the state. In addition to the 2,000 associates who joined UNITED through the acquisition of territories in Georgia, the company in2017 added approxima tely 200 new jobs, an increase of 10%. Th e company also invested $22.5million onfieet,facilities and production improvements. UNITED plans another $100 million in local capital investments in Georgia during the next few years. Along with our bottling partners, we believe our business is only as strong as the communities we serve. We also believe that businesses and nonprojits should work together to tackle society's many pressing challenges and help the weak and vulnerable. With that principle in mind, Coca-Cola has a long history of giving back to communities - not just in our home state but everywhere Coca-Cola is served. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has given back more than $820 million to en hance the sustainability oflocal communities worldwide. Here in Georgia, Th e Coca-Cola Foundation contributed more than $16 million to community organizations in 2016. These organizations support education, workforce empowermen t, the environment and disaster relief As an example, the Coca-Cola Foundation in 2017 gave a $1 million grant to the @Promise Youth Cen ter to reduce juvenile delinquency on Atlanta's Westside. Another $1 million grant was given to the Hollis Inn ovation Academy in an effort to turnaround the underperforming school and fai ling test scores. These donations along with our ongoing investmen ts throughout Georgia make our home state an even better place to do business. While we're proud of our long history as a Georgia company, we're even more excited about our prospects for gmwth - in the next 131 years and beyond. 23 (,HJHGI II I 1 r " () UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA ADVANCING GEORGIA'S ECONOMY by Jere Morehead l ~ I '- The deep connection between the University ofGeorgia and its home state is one of the defining characteristics ofour institution. Through longstanding programs, UGA leverages institutional resources to help communities promote economic development and prosperity. This comprehensive approach led to an estimated impact of$5.7 billion on Georgia in the last year alone. Our Small Business Development Center, with 17 offices across the state, is a great example of this approach. Over the past five years, the SBDC has helped Georgians start more than 1,600 new businesses and create more than 12,000 jobs. In Atlanta, our Office of Economic Development helps to strengthen UGA's partnerships with private businesses and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. On the coast, UGA's Marin e Extension Service and Carl Vinson Institute of Government are helping comm unities to create economic development plans to address serious environmental challenges, such as flooding and storm surges. In 2016, UGA launched the Georgia Informatics In stitutes and an undergraduate certificate program to help communities and businesses across the state capitalize on the data revolution, which is transforming the global economy. These efforts have advanced teaching and research related to informatics, analytics, and cybersecurity - critical to the growth ofadvanced manufacturing in Georgia. Students in the certificate program are ga ining the digital literacy, data managemen t, and information processing skills needed by Georgia's employers. As a part of these efforts, UGA recently introduced the CyberArch Program to help individuals, businesses, and local governm ents identify ways to saf eguard critical data and infiastructure. UGA's commitment to academics, research and outreach for the benefit of all Georgians is perhaps most visible in its support of agriculture and forest resources. Poultry, peanuts, soybeans, onions, pecans, cotton, and wood products are just a f ew of the many exports whose industries are supported by UGA's statewide mission. Furthermore, they exemplify the strong partnerships that both UGA and the Georgia Ports Authority have with Georgia farmers and related busin esses that grow the state economy. Th ese are just a few of the examples of UGA's unwavering commitment to advancing Georgia's growing economy. I am certain : the future ofGeorgia and its flagship University go hand in hand. Th e University ofGeorgia is proud ofthe many partnerships that help to support all159 counties across our home state. 24 President "UGA leverages institutional resources to help communities promote economic development." BUD PETERSON President "We're both strengthening exisringindustriesand crearing new ones." Ill!t I\ GEORGIA TECH DRIVING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES bv !iud Pt? l l!l son In the su mm er of 2017, we made our ninth annual tour of Georgia, traveling almost 1,000 miles through 44 co unties and visiting 12 cities throughout our state. We bega n our state tour in Brunswick, where we vis ited the Colon el's Island Ro/ Ro (Roll-on/ R oll- off) terminal, one of four Port of Brunswick termina ls operated by th e Georgia Ports A uth ority (GPA), a key contributor to th e state's economy. Colonel's Island is one of the nation 's busiest Ro/ Ro terminals and is very impressive. When we visited with Georgia Ports Authority General Manager ofOperations Bill Dawson and GPA Manager of Governm ental Affairs L ee Beck mann, we had our photo made in front ofone of th e many mass ive ca rgo ships. I co uldn't help but think how important our tran sportation and logistics industry is here in Georgia. The Industrial and Systems Engineering program at Georgia Tech has been ranked No.1 in the cou ntry for the past 23 years, and our Supply Chain Et Logistics In stitute (SCL) has developed a very strong partnership with the GPA. Th e GPA has representatives on the Georgia Tech Coastal Georgia Board and the SCL Industry Advisory Board. In 2015, the SCL opened a location on the Georgia Tech-Sava nnah ca mpus to better support the training, research, and employment needs of compan ies along the Georgia coast. The SCL recently conducted a Port Logistics Workshop in partnership with the GPA and provided a keynote speaker. Th e SCL and GPA are currently in discussion about how to expand our collaborative efforts. As is th e case for most such partnerships, collaboration is the key to success, and Georg ia Tec h is honored to work together with the GPA, Governor Nathan Deal's office, and business and governm ent throughout th e state in logistics, transpo rtation , manufacturing, and education to strength en ou r state's economy and create jobs. Toge th er, w e're both streng th ening existing indus tries and creating n ew on es. This fall, the National Science Fou ndation (NSF) awarded nearly $20 million to a consortium of universities led by Georgia Tech to establish a new engineering research center (ERC) in the emerging field ofcell manufacwring. The University System of Georgia is included in the consortium, as is the Technical College System of Georgia, which is partnering on the workforce component of the award. Togethe1; working closely with industry and ou r clinical partners, we will develop transformative tools and techn ologies for the consistent, scalable, and low-cost production of high-quality living therapeutic cells, which could revolutionize the treatment of cance1; heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and other disorders by enabling broad use of potentially curative therapies that utilize living cells. Technology Square on the Georgia Tech campus is another great example of the power of partnerships. Our new high-performance computing center, CODA, is being developed by Portman and Associates with an expected completion in ea rly 2019. It will help take innovation and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tech Square to a whole new level. These are just a few of the ways in which Georgia Tech is partnering with industry here in Georgia and around the world. Others include our ongoing work in num erous sophis ticated manufacturing and logistics endeavors through the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Instiwte, our Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2), and our Scheller College of Business, to nam e a few. Georgia Tech Professional Education partners in workforce development and training for working professionals throughout the state. Through programs such as th e G. Wayn e Clough Georgia Tech Promise and Georgia Tech Sc holars programs, we are working to ensure that a Georgia Tech education is within reach of every Georgia residen t. Together, with partners such as the Georgia Ports Authority, we're growing our economy, creating jobs, and educating the workforce of tomorrow that will ensure that Georgia's fuwre is bright. 27 GEORGIA (I ORC I >I PORT OF SAVANNAH VITAL LINK IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN area - Alabama, Georgia. Florida, North Ca rolina and South Carolina. On the port side, our 36 weekly containership services, supported by the la rgest single-operator terminal in the nation at 1,200 acres, provi d e faster, easier connections to global markets. These factors have drawn commerce to the Port of Savannah. Simply put. businesses can get imports and export s to their customers more quickly by using Georgia 's deepwater port s. This realization among the logistics managers of major U.S. retail o utlets led these companies to establ ish distribution centers in Georgia - chiefly in the Savannah and Atlanta metro areas. FACTORS IN SAVANNAH 'S SUCCESS AS A LOGISTICS HUB Several factors have led to the success of Savannah 's logistics hub. The first is location. The Port of Savannah is 100 miles closer to the city of Atlanta. Ga., than any other port in the nation. This metro area of more than 4 mi llion residents constitutes an important retail market. Further, as a longtime rail hub. Atlanta remains an important logistical center for reaching the hinterlands and for bringing agricultural and other exports to the coast. Besides its proximity to Atlanta. the Port of Savannah enjoys superior connections via road and rail. Interstates 95 and 16 converge at a point approximately five miles from the port. No other port on the U.S. East Coast offers such direct interstate connections. What's more, because the riverside port is actually located west of the ci t y of Savannah. trucks are not encumbered by city traffic. Additionally, the Port of Savannah is served by two Class I railroads: Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation. Savannah has the fastest westward transit times in the South Atlantic region, including service to a five-state BENEFITS OF A SINGLE-OPERATOR TERMINAL At 1.200 acres. Garden City Terminal is the largest singleoperator terminal in the nation. The termina l's size lends itself to several advantages. First, truck drivers d ropping off a box and picking another up have a single check-in process, instead of the two check-ins necessary when moving between leased term inals. Second. because all containers are stacked on a single term inal, it is easier and fast er to load cargo onto la rge vessels that might be picking up boxes for m ultiple shipping lines. And finally, Savannah's 9,700 feet of contiguous docking space featu res nine first -come, firstserved container berths. That means more scheduling flexibility for shipping lines. SAVANNAH HAS THE RIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GROWTH In addition to the four Super Post-Panamax ship-toshore cranes the Port of Savannah is commissioning in 2018, the GPA has purchased another six ship -to-s hore cranes, which are set to arrive in 2020. GPA's current fleet 31 GEORGIA: #I ST\TE I'< THE :-..ATIO'J TO DO Ill'S! NESS stands at 30 ship-to-shore cranes and 146 rubber-tired gantry cranes - more than any other single-operator terminal in the U.S. Also aiding faster cargo movement is th e Jimmy Deloach Parkway extension, which provides a direct link between Interstate 95 and the Port of Savannah. The infrastructure upgrade with the greatest impact, however, is the Savannah Harbor Expans ion Project. The project will increase harbor depth from 42 feet to 47 feet at low tide, yielding a high-tide depth of 54 feet. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers economic im pact study found the Savannah Harbor deepening will return $7.30 for every dollar spent on construction. The Corps estimates the net benefit of transportation savings for shippers and consumers at $282 mil lion per year. The expected total sav ings to the nation over the course of 50 years is $14.1 billion . EAST COAST MARKET SHARE TREND In East Coast containerized trade the Port of Savannah is second only to the Port of New York/New Jersey. Commerce has chosen Savannah to serve the Southeast because of several factors. Th ese include the port's location as the most westerly of East Coast ports, as well as its superior connections via ra il and interstate to populat ion centers such as Atlanta, Charlotte and Memphis. Better accommodating 10,000-foot long unit trains at Garden City Terminal will incentivize rail carriers to expand the service area best served by the Port of Savannah. The $128 million expansion is partially funded by a $44 million Build America Bureau FASTLANE Grant administered by the Maritime Administration. Construction is slated to be completed by the end of 2020. The im provement will add 97,000 feet of new track at Garden City Terminal, expanding the number of work ing tracks from eight to 18. This will allow GPA to bring all rail switching onto the terminal, improving vehicle traffic flow around the port. Combining two on-dock rail terminals into one, the new infrastructure will increase on-terminal ra il lift capacity to 1 mil lio n containers per year. The expansion wil l al low GPA to shift more cargo from trucks to trains, reducing highway traffic congestion. The rail yard wil l be served by both Norfolk Southern and CSX. UNIQUE ADVANTAGES AT GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY'S OCEAN TERMINAL Even as more freight is shipped via containers, GPA's 200-acre Ocean Terminal facility continues to serve as a gateway for breakbu lk commodities. Port users also cite the ease of doing business through a single-operator terminal, and superior customer serv ice. Comb in ed with the space to grow and an infrastructure plan to increase container capacity to 6.5 million TEUs per year, these factors mean Savannah is well positioned to take advantage of new market opportunities. MEGA RAIL MOVING FORWARD The Port of Savannah is moving ahead w ith construction on a massive new rail expansion project. The Mason Mega Rail Terminal w ill not only expand the Port of Savannah's on -dock rail capacity by 100 percent, but position Savannah to rapidly increase service to an arc of inl and markets from Memphis to Chicago. The GPA owns a 100-ton gantry c rane and has partnered with Stevens Towing to offer a 500-ton floating barge crane moored on term inal. These cranes, along with local vendors, al low the GPA to move any size project. In 2016, the terminal handled a 300-ton p lus transformer destined for a local power plant. The transformer, along with the 16-axle railcar, we ighed more than a million pounds It was the second heaviest lift ever at Ocean Terminal. Only a four-hour drive from major markets such as At lanta, Orlando and Charlotte, an experienced staff, f lex ib le services and rapid market access make Ocean Terminal a perfect hub for breakbulk cargo. 32 on-termr.na/rail at h's t ofSava nna the por c,., Terminal Garden ''J meanscargo rea. ches inland destinations more quickly. Savannah's Ocean Terminal handles ro/1-onjroll-offcargo including vehicles and heavy machinery, as well as breakbulk goods such as rubber, steel and forest products. \I \i \ ( { {) BRUNSWICK AIMS TO BECOME NO. 1 U.S. AUTOPORT The Port of Brunswick specializes in non-containerized freight, from forest products at Mayor's Point to bulk commodities at East River Terminal and vehicles at Colonel's Island. The Georgia Ports Authority has embarked on an aggressive growth plan at the Port of Brunswick. The Authority has expanded the Roll-on/Roll-off terminal at Colonel's Island from 60,000 spaces for auto processing in 2016 to 90,000 spaces today - for a total capacity of 800,000 cars per year "In Brunswick, we are implementing an infrastructure investment philosophy we've used at Savannah's container operation for years now," said GPA Board Chairman Jimmy Allgood. "That philosophy is to build in new capacity ahead of demand. Investing for the future has enabled the GPA to take on new customers and handle greater than expected container growth without congestion or capacity worries. We anticipate the same benefits for the auto trade in Brunswick." Plans call for further expansion that will allow the GPA to move, process and store 1.4 million vehicles annually. "Growing our infrastructure wi ll allow GPA to better serve the needs of auto processors and manufacturers as they rely more heavily on our terminal to meet customer demand," said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. "This investment puts the Colonel's Island facility on track to become the nation's No. 1 auto port." Served by nine ocean carriers, Colonel's Island Terminal offers three modern Ro/Ro berths and three on-terminal auto processors, handling cargo for more than 30 auto and heavy equipment manufacturers. Immediate access to 1-95 means key cities and manufacturing points throughout the Eastern U.S. may be reached within a one- to two -day drive from Brunswick. Additionally, the port provides Class 1 rail service via both Norfolk Southern Railroad and CSX Transportation, linking customers to major population centers. 34 --~ GEORGIA PORTS r " \ .!.. INLAND TERMINALS MAGNETS FOR INDUSTRY The Georgia Ports Authority is constantly exploring ways to keep cargo moving as efficiently as possible As the westernmost major port on the U.S. East Coast. Savannah offers more weekly vessel calls than an y other eastern port. for shorter distances and staged at the intermodal yard, I where they are loaded onto trains moving hundreds of contain ers in a single trip. Additionally, by staging cargo closer to population centers, rail-served inland terminals aid the fast delivery required by e-commerce reta ilers. The Port of Savannah is perfectly situated to expand its services to Mid-American Arc cities including Atlanta, Memphis, St. Louis, Chicago and the Ohio Valley. To keep ahead of the growth curve, GPA is expanding intermodal rail service to accommodate an expanding customer base through a series of on- and off-term inal infrastructure improvements. As magnets for industry, inland terminals offer important opportunity for economic development. Manufacturers have already started re locating near the ARP site to take advantage of the inland terminal's future benefits. The ARP is the second in a planned series of inland terminals across the state in GPA's Network Georgia initiative. Set to open in 2018, the Appalachian Regional Port (ARP) is a jo int effort of Gov. Nathan Deal's office, the State of Georgia, Murray County, GPA and CSX Transportation . This transportation asset will provide a powerful new gateway to the Port of Savannah, the largest single terminal container port in the Western Hemisphere. Occupying 42 acres near Chatsworth, the ARP will provide a direct, 388-mile rail route to Garden City Terminal. It will create and expand international markets for regional businesses, offering an alternative to an alltruck dray to the deepwater port for target markets in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. The inl and port is set to open with a capacity of 50,000 containers per year. A 10-year development plan will then double that capacity. Each container moved by rai l to the ARP will offset 355 miles on Georgia highways, for an expected 8 million miles saved in the first year. The inl and ports model means exports can be trucked Cordele lntermodal Services (CIS) - an inland terminal in Cordele, Ga. - has been operating as a GPA affiliate since 2013. The Cordele In land Port, through CIS, offers a direct 200-mile rail route from south central Georgia to the Georgia Ports Authority's Garden City Terminal. Located in a regional center for agriculture - including the production and export of cotton, peanuts, and wood products - the CIS makes those commodities more competitive in the global market, while reducing carbon emissions. CIS is on 40 acres in the Crisp County Industrial Park, with an option to expand on 1,200 adjacent acres, less than one mile from Interstate 75, Georgia Highway 300, and Georgia Highway 280. These inland ports extend the port gates to communities across Georgia, making the sites more attractive to developers by providing economical links to Georgia's global ocean carrier network. 36 I R( I\ FINDING THE RIGHT LOCATION IN GEORGIA The GPA's Commercial Corridors Tool is a valuable resource for manufacturing and logistics companies seeking to locate or expand in Georgia. The Web -based tool works on all platforms. including mobile devices. Users may search for available land or buildings by any of several criteria, such as: Property type For lease or sale Size Interstate or highway corridor Location Distance to port or rail facilities Tax credit tier Users may also toggle between aerial phot os and maps showing buildings and land. Those who are considering Georgia locations can bookmark for later review sites on four main corridors: 1-95, 1-16. Savannah River Parkway or Highway 341. Check out the Commercial Corridors Tool at: gaports .com/siteselection. 37 LO '{,lA: I~ I 11 I .J ( [ (I l ';, SS INFRASTRUCTURE THE BACKBONE OF SAVANNAH ECONOMY Port ofSavannah, skilled workforce draws businesses to city Savannah was built on business. From the invention of the cotton gin that led to Savannah becoming known as the "Wall Street of the South," to the first steam ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, Savannah has long been recognized as a location for business. Today, Savannah businesses are thriving on a global scale. With a skilled workforce. an unsurpassed infrastructure. Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development Certified property and a community committed to your success, Savannah has everything to propel your business. The backbone of Savannah is our infrastructure. "Every global market is accessible via the Savannah port," said Tollison. Bob Jepson, former chairman of the Georgia Ports Authority added, "In the logistics game time is money. And the Georgia Ports. and the Savannah ports particularly are just a time-saving marvel." Two-Class I railroads and direct access to 1-16 and 1-95 make Savannah one of the most connected cities in America. Seventy percent of the United States' population is accessible within 20-24 hours from the Savannah market - by air, road or rail. "Hands down, we have some of the greatest infrastructure, if not the greatest infrastructure in the Southeastern part of the United States," said Savannah Economic Development Authority President and CEO Trip Tollison. Savannah is home to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. which offers more than 40 daily flights to more than 20 U.S. cities with multiple direct flights- including New York City and Atlanta, the world's busiest airport. That infrastructure includes the fastest growing and fourth busiest port in the country. 39 Savannah is home to the production of goo<4 rangingfro m heavy equipment to power turbines and luxury }er., Another reason for economic success in the Savannah region is our highly skilled workforce. More than 900,000 people live within an hour of Savannah with an available workforce of 430,000. More than 60,000 students are enrolled in 19 area colleges and universities, including Georgia Southern University, with a degree in manufacturing engineering; Savannah Technical College, with customized industry programs and the Savannah College of Art and Design, the world -renowned university for creative careers. In addition, local military installations discharge more than 350 skilled "heroes for hire" every month. Our extensive workforce is supported by Georgia's Quick Start, consistently ranked No. 1 in national workforce training programs. "We consistently receive rave reviews [about Quick Start] fro m companies that have come here. It's a way for them to get their workforce ready in record time," said Steve Green, SEDA Chairman of the Board of Directors. Savannah is attracting businesses from all sectors of the economy: aerospace, advanced manufacturing, logistics, warehouse distribution and more. SEDA is changing the landscape of Savannah with the development of the Savannah Manufacturing Center, a new industrial park within minutes of the crossroads of 1-16 and 1-95. "We are creating a world-class industrial park, solely focused on advanced manufacturing," said Tollison . The Savannah economy also inc lu des entertainment production. In 2016, more than $61 million dollars was directly spent in the Savannah area by entertainment productions. This is due to the aggressive incentives offered by the State of Georgia and the additional Sava nnah incentives offered by SEDA. "No other film production center has seen more growth in film & television infrastructure than Georgia over the past several years," said Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Film Office. "The film industry is responsible for more than 92,000 jobs in Georgia and local investment is wha t helps create these jobs. Our growing list of soundstages that are locating or expanding here establish permanent jobs for costume and set designers, electricians, camera operators, actors and other industry skilled professionals. Each announcement for a new production service company shows the commitment and dedication to Georgia's film industry." In early 2017, SEDA also created the Creative Technologies Incentives, which is designed to help grow and attract creative technology jobs and investment in Chatham County. And in November 2017, SEDA and SCAD announced a groundbreaking partnership designed to help SCAD alumni develop commercially viable digital products and advance Savannah's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Green added, "You have a very pro-business community in Savannah, wonderful quality of life, and a development authority that will be w ith you when you first come and throughout your growth." 41 (I Okt RAIL ADVANTAGES Fewer rail miles equal significant savings - less transit and storage costs. a shorter supply chain and overall reduced inventory costs. Georgia's rail system plays a vital role in linking Georgia shippers with national and global markets. Historically, Atlanta has been a major nexus for rail traffic traveling on Class I railroads (large, primarily long-haul regional rail systems) between Gulf ports and the Northeast. as well as between Florida and the Midwest. Additionally, Georgia's 29 Class Ill railroads (short line railroads, smaller local, switching, and terminal railroads) provide extended freight rail service throughout Georgia. The following data on Georgia's freight railroads is from the 2015 Georgia State Rail Plan. except where noted. The Port of Savannah offers the fastest rail transit times in the South Atlantic region. Terminal investments - new cranes. roads and rail expansion, and deeper water - together increase the port's capacity and improve efficiency, further establishing Savannah as the gateway for trade to the Southeast United States. Compared to other states. Georgia has the largest railroad network in the Southeast consisting of 4,643 route miles of rail and ranks 7th in the nation for total rail miles. The majority of rail mileage in Georgia is owned by the two Class I carriers: CSX Transportation (CSX T) and Norfolk Southern Ra ilway (NS). These railroads own 3.631 route miles in Georgia Short line railroads and the State of Georgia own the remaining 1,012 route miles in Georgia. Savannah's Garden City Term inal offers shippers direct access to rail ramps on-terminal. eliminating costly drays to distribution centers or other destinations. With guaranteed on-dock intermodal connections, landing cargo in Savannah allows for greater reliability, more daily departures, faster train turn-over and on-time service. The Port of Savannah offers Class I rail service via both CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern to and from major population centers in the U.S. Southeast, Gulf and Midwest. Rail service via Savannah delivers the fastest westward transit times in the South Atlantic region. including Alabama. Georgia. Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. Rail service is essential to Georgia's economy. Rail service. freight and passenger. generates more than 6,000 direct jobs. In addition to the direct employment benefits. the availability of rail transport provides cost and logistical advantages to Georgia firms that enable the state to compete effectively in the global marketplace. Access to rail service is especially important for rural areas to cost effectively connect manufacturing. agriculture. and local industries to the national and global marketplace. Georgia's shortline railroads support industries across the state including the textile industries of North Georgia. as well as the lumber, manufacturing, and agribusiness industries of Central and South Georgia. The shortlines have a direct impact on rural economies by attracting local industries, jobs. and economic development 42 operating approximately 20.000 route miles in 22 states and the District of columbia, Norfolk southern serves every major container port in the eastern United scates, and provides efficient connections co other rail carriers. CS)( Corporation provides rail, intermodal and transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia, and connects co more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports. (,EORC.(l\ f\ opportunities through providing shipping efficiencies throughout Georgia. Compared to other states, Georgia ranks 9th in rail carloads originating; 4th in rail carloads terminating; 6th in rail employment; and lOth in the number of rail retirees. Georgia's Class I and Class Ill railroads provide vital connectivity to the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick. At the Port of Savannah's Garden City Terminal (the largest single container terminal in North America), CSXT provides access to the Chatham lntermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF); and NS serves two different terminals at the Port of Savannah - the Garden City and Ocean Terminals. Both CSXT and NS serve the Port of Brunswick's Colonel's Island Terminal, via the Golden Isles Terminal Railroad, a Genesee and Wyoming subsidiary. In addition, short lines' interchanges with these Class I railroads, allow local industries the opportunity to access both the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick. According to the Association of American Railroads, Georgia 's freight railroads carried approximately 187.4 million tons of freight which originated or terminated within Georgia, or traveled through the state in 2014. It would have taken approximately 10.4 million additional trucks to handle that volume of freight. Nationally, Georgia ranks high in the movement of commodities originating in the state: stone, clay and glass materials (2nd); pulp and paper (3rd); and intermodal (5th). For commodities terminating in the state, Georgia ranks as follows: stone, clay and glass materials (2nd); pulp and paper (3rd); intermodal (4th); food products (4th); farm products (5th); and coal (8th). Railroads are also up to three times more fuel efficient than trucks and every tonmile of freight moved by rail instead of truck reduces environmental damages and costs by 84 percent. The diversion of freight traffic to rail reduces truck traffic on state highways, which contributes to highway safety and congestion mitigation. 44 hen Your Ship Comes In, Our Experience Counts For more than a century, Cooper/T. Smith has been dedicated to providing highly experienced, first-class services while holding down your cost of doing business. Our customers know our obsession with paying attention to detail, coupled with years of experience, will save them money. And at Cooper/T. Smith, that's the bottom line. ~ Coo~r/T. Smith Corporation Innovative Solutions Since 1905 Stevedoring Logistics Tugboats Midstream Transfers Terminal Operations Restaurants Forest Products www.coopertsmith.com J(l GEORGIA INVESTING $108 FOR FREIGHT MOBILITY The state of Georgia is investing $10 billion over 10 years into freight mobil it y. The plan will create dedicated truck lanes, alleviate traffic and improve safety across the state. Within five years, the state will deliver the Brampton Road Connector, linking the Port of Savannah's Garden Ci ty Terminal to 1-516, and extend the Jimmy Deloach Parkway from 1-95 to 1-16. This will form a complete ca rgo beltway for motor carriers between the Port of Savannah and the interstate system. Savannah projects also include widening Interstate 16 and improvements at the intersection of 1-16 and 1-95, expected to yield a 30 percent reduction in traffic delays. Dedicated truck lanes in Macon will cut delays by 40 percent, while express lanes on 1-285 and GA 400 in Metro Atlanta are expected to produce an impressive 70 p ercent reduction in traffic delays. The improvements are funded through the Transportation Funding Act, passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2015. The act provides funding to repair, improve and expand the state's transportation network through routine and capital improvement projects. Efforts include 11 new megaprojects designed to enhance mobility and safety, fuel economic growth, and improve Georgians' quality of life through improved travel times and trip reliability. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, benefits upon the completion and opening of all 11 projects are as follows: 331 new lane miles added $2 billion in estimated growth in Georgia's Gross State Product 13,000 additional long-term permanent jobs $1 billion of additional persona l income for residents throughout the state 5% reduction in delay for auto and truck traffic statewide 47 GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Commissioner t'Georgia has become a magnetfor some ofthe world's top companies." \ l'i ~ I \ f( n ns INTEGRATED APPROACH KEY TO GEORGIA'S SUCCESS by Pat Wilson It's an exciting timefor economicdevelopment in Georgia. For the fifth year in a row, Georgia has been named the No. 1 state for business. Not only is this ranking a testament to Governor Deal's leadership, but to our statewide economic development partners, our communities and the citizens of Georgia. Our integra ted approach to economic development is key to creating jobs and investment opportunities. Our team not only supports traditional economic development, but we also focus on workforce, international trade, centers of innovation, film, arts and tourism. Our success is attributed to our established and longstanding relationships here and around the world. It's because of the collaboration that is so prevalent across the board at the state and local levels that we've maintained our ranking as the No. 1 state in the nation in which to business. It's the resources that are in place to support workforce development and the implementation of programs that not only impact job seekers, but the companies that locate or expand here. I cou ldn't be more proud of the strong partnerships with the University System of Georgia and Technical College System of Georgia that help us to address the most important issue that companies fac e today, which is workforce. Companies in Georgia are in fact working directly with our educational institutions through the Governor's High Demand Career Initiative to create curriwlum and programs that address their needs. Home to 17 Fortune 500 headquarters, Georgia has become a magnet for some of the world's top companies. Our accessibility and connectivity make it easy for companies to connect with clients, custom ers and employees around the world. Our small businesses and existing industries are the backbone of our state - it's a win-win for us when they expand th eir footprints . It's not just what is happening in Georgia, but the efforts of our international representatives in 11 strategic markets around th e world. Having a presence in these critical markets is essential to our success, and has helped us to establish and maintain a vast international network in Georgia as well. And, our most recent trade numbers reinforce the state's leading role as a front-runner in the global economy and international trade. In 2016, total trade between Georgia and the world exceeded $121.7 billion and exports surpassed $35.5 billion. With 95 percent of Georgia counties active in international trade, companies are finding success in every comer ofour state. Our status as a leader in the global marketplace is elevated because of our world-renowned tourism destination s, access to cultural diversity and the vibrant arts opportunities in our communities. People who call Georgia home have access to all ofthis and much more. Again, Governor Dea l, our statewide partn ers, our community leaders, the Georgia Ports Authority, to our utility partners, to our elected officials and our sister state agencies - we are all ambassadors for economic developm ent. As we continue our efforts to create job and investment opportunities here in Georgia, it's important that we continue on with our culture ofcollaboration for which we are known. We look forward to maintaining our No. 1 state for business ranking for years to come. AboutGDEcD The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sa les and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, aligning workforce educa tion and training with in-demand jobs, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic developm ent. 51 GEORGIA TAX CREDITS ENCOURAGING JOB CREATION Georgia's innovative business incentives add savings to the already low cost of doing business in the state. Robust tax credit programs can reduce (or even eliminate) a company's state corporate income tax for several years. Additional incentive programs include Georgia Quick Start. ranked the No. 1 workforce training program in the country year after year (most recently in Area Development. 2017). If you are interested in expanding or locating a business in Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Deve lopment (GDEcD) is ready to help. The depa rt ment coordinates a va riety of services including site locat ion , employee training, export assistance, as well as tax credits and other incent ives suitable for your industry or business. Teams of statewid e project managers are organized by industries so they can bring specialized knowledge to companies within their sectors. The Existing Ind ustry and Regional Recruitment team meet with Georgia's existing companies on site to better understand their needs and match them with resources and programs to help them grow. GEORGIA'S COMPETITIVE TAX CLIMATE Georgia's tax climate provides a cost advantage before any tax credits are earned. Georgia has a businessfriendly approach to the corporate tax structure - from not altering the low 6 percent corporate income tax rate since 1969, to adopting a single-factor gross receipts apportionment formula in 2005. SINGLE-FACTOR APPORTIONMENT To many companies, Georgia's single -factor apportionment formula means savings of hundreds of thousands to even millions of dollars over the long term. With this formula, Georgia companies pay the state's 6 percent corporate income tax on only a portion of their taxable income. That portion is determined by the pe rce ntage of the company's sales that are within Georgia Most states still use a traditional apportionment formula in which a company's in -state property and payroll factor into the calculation of a company's corporate income tax. Single-factor apportionment significantly reduces the effective rate of Georgia income taxation for compa nies with substantial sales to customers outside Georgia. In addition, Georgia does not use the so-ca lled "throwback rule" that many states use to tax income from sales of goods or services to out-of-state customers. Example: For the 2017 tax year, assume you have the following total overall taxable income and gross receipt sales in Georgia (as compared to tota l gross rece ipts) Taxable Income: $10 mil lion Percent of Gross Receipts in Georgia : 5% In 2017, on ly $500,000 of your income would be subject to Georgia's 6% corporate income tax . making corporate income tax liab ility $30,000 [ ( $10 m il lion x 5%) x 6%]. 52 GIOHGIA- '1\ I TilE \riO TUDOBLSI l''i 2017 GDEcD JOB TAX CREDIT TIER MAP Tier 1 (71 counties) Tier 2 (35 counties) Tier 3 (35 counties) Tier 4 (18 counties) JOB TAX CREDIT New and expanding companies may earn Job Tax Credits for creating new jobs in Georgia. These credits can effectively eliminate a company's corporate income tax liability and in certain areas, can also reduce the company's payroll withholding obligations The requirements and benefits depend on where the new jobs are located, with lower qualification requirements and higher benefits in Georgia's less developed areas. Each year, alll59 Georgia counties are assigned to one of four "tiers" based on the unemployment rate, per capita income and poverty rate. Once a company has qualified to earn Job Tax Credits, it can earn a tax credit for each net new job it creates (and maintains) during the next five years. Each of those jobs can earn an annual credit for five years after it is created. TIER JOB TAX CREDIT$ (For 5 Years) $4,ooo MINIMUM NEW JOBS $3,ooo USE OF CREDITS.. $1,7so CARRY FORWARD $1 , 2 5 0 . 2 3 4 100%of tax 2 11ab11ity excess to wtthold1ng 10 Years up to $3,500 10 100% of tax liability 10 Years 15 50% of tax liability 10 Years 25 50% of tax liability 10 Years 53 VALUE OF THE JOB TAX CREDIT The value of the tax credit ranges from $750 to $4,000 each year for fi ve years (dependin g on the tier and whether the county is a member of a Joint Development Authority) for each new job created over a five-year period. Credits may be taken against 100 percent of state corporate income tax liability in Tier 1 and 2 counties, or against 50 percent of state corporate income tax liability in Tier 3 and 4 counties. Claimed but unused credits may be carried forward for 10 years from the close of the taxable year in which qualified jobs were established. Additionally, in Tier 1 counties. excess Job Tax Credits may be credited to Georgia payroll withholding taxes (with a limitation of $3,500 per job, per year). PORT TAX CREDIT BONUS The port tax credit bonus rewards new or expanding Georgia companies that increase trade through a Georgia port by at least 10% over the previous or base year. To qualify: o Companies must meet the requirements of the Job Tax Credit OR Investment Tax Credit programs. Base year port traffic must be at least 75 net tons; or five containers; or 10 TEUs ( Twenty-foot Equi valent Units). If base yea r traffic is lower, then these minimums automatically become the base upon which traffic increases are calculated. Port Tax Credit Bonus ca lculated according to program: o Job Tax Credit Port bonus adds $1,250 (per job), which can be taken for five years to reduce or eliminate Georgia corporate income tax liability. Example: Suppose a company creates 50 jobs in a Tier 1 county and increases its port traffi c by at least 10% over t he prev ious year. That activity would yield more than $1.3M in tax c redits spread over five years : Investment Tax Credit Adjusts calculation, so that investment tax credit amount is based on the equivalent of a Tier 1 location. (5% of qua lified investment expenses and 8% for recycling, pollution control and defense conversion.) Example: Suppose a company invests $100M in a manufacturing plant and $25M in recycling equipment in a Tier 4 county - and increases its port traffic by at least 10% over the previous year. That activity would reduce ' the company's income tax by $7M: [$100,000,000 X 5%] + [$25,000,000 X 8% ] = $7,0 0 0 ,0 0 0 The port tax credit bonus may offset up to HALF the company's corporate income tax liability. Unused credits may be carried forward for 10 years - but the increase in port traffic must remain above the qualifying threshold, and the company must continue to meet the requirements for the Job Tax Credit or the Investment Tax Credit. Exclusive to Geo rgia, the Centers of In novat ion prov id e the technica l industry expe rtise. col laborat ive research and partnerships to help the state's strategic industries connect, compete and grow globally. As a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. the six individual centers operate statewide with a focus on: Aerospace, Agribusiness. Energy Technology, Information Technology, Logistics and Manufacturing. Georgia businesses receive: Focused, deep technical industry expertise Identification of new markets and business opportunities New product commercialization and development assistance Access to ground-breaking research and collaborations Business, academic and government partnerships $4,000 job tax credit + $1,250 port tax credit bonus $5,250 total credit per job 50 jobs x $5,250 =$262,500 x 5 years =$1,312,500 54 GEORl.IA: \I 11 JOBl~ CENTERS OF INNOVATION ACCELERATE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AEROSPACE The Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace provides the technical industry expertise. collaborative research and partnerships to help the state's aerospace industry connect, compete and grow. The Center advances recognition of Georgia's strength in the global aerospace industry, and contributes to the entrepreneurial and educational ecosystems required for its continued growth. AGRIBUSINESS From small-town startups to Fortune 500 enterprises, the Center of Innovation for Agribusiness accelerates the growth and development of Georgia's number one industry by providing focused industry expertise. product commercialization assistance and access to ground-breaking research. With focus areas in emerging and novel crops, food business development, and precision agriculture. the Center supports Georgia's agriculture industry and enables companies to access high-growth opportunities for increased success. ENERGY TECHNOLOGY Georgia energy firms can accelerate the development of new energy solutions with assistance from the Georgia Center of Innovation for Energy Technology. The Center accelerates the development of new products, ideas and business models in the Energy Ecosystem to help the state maintain a leadership position in the fie lds of energy generation, transmission. distribution. storage and consumption. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY The Center of Innovation for Information Technology is the state's key resource for helping Georgia's information technology companies grow and compete globally. This Center assists with business and technology development assistance and access to topnotch research at Georgia un iversities. LOGISTICS The Center of Innovation for Logistics helps companies take advantage of the state's world-class logistics industry, so that they can improve supply chain efficiencies, support growth, and increase global competitiveness. The Center connects companies to the technical industry expertise. collaborative research, and partnerships that cargo-owning companies need. MANUFACTURING The Center of Innovation for Manufacturing helps Georgia manufacturers tap new markets and accelerate their products for development through providing technical expertise. cutting-edge research connections. and strategic partnerships. 55 HIRING ASSISTANCE TRAINING AND EDUCATION The Georgia Department of Labor (G DOL ) assists employers wi th recruiting qualified employees by posting notices of their job openings, collecting and screening applications and resumes, referring qualified applicants to the employer for employment interviews, providing office space for interviews, and hosting job fairs and/or individual recruitments. The department's Business Services Unit will plan and execute customized recruiting for new companies. The GDOL also works with private employment agencies that list job openings with the state. QUICK START EMPLOYEE TRAINING As the No. 1 workforce training program in the country, Quick Start develops and delivers fully customized, strategic workforce solutions for qualified compani es investing in Georgia. Quick Start helps companies assess, select and train the right people at the right time for success. Services are provided free of charge as a discretionary incentive for job creation for clients opening or expanding manufacturing operations, distribution centers, headquarters operations and customer contact centers in a broad range of industries. Services include: Strategic workforce consultation: Quick Start's training professionals work with company subject-matter experts to guarantee training meets business goals. Pre-employment assessment: Helps companies assess candidates according to their own defined criteria and preview their skills. Customized post-employment and job-specific training: From fundamental knowledge to supervised on-the-job training on a company's own technology and processes, Quick Start prepares employees for maximum effectiveness and efficiency. Leadership and productivity enhancement training: Businesses maintain competitiveness and emphasize continuous improvement for all team members with Quick Start's guidance. GeorgiaQuickStart.org 56 fORGIA I I rI f l I 0 r'l l s ~ RETRAINING TAX CREDIT Part of a company's direct investment in training fulltime employees can be claimed as a tax credit. The credit is available to all Georgia businesses that file a Georgia income tax return. Training programs must: Be approved by the Technical College System of Georgia Train in quality and productivity enhancements or certain software technologies The retraining tax credit value is calc ulated at 50 percent of the employer's direct costs. up to $500 per employee per approved retraining program per year. The total amount of credit for one employee cannot exceed $1,250 per year. Retraining tax credits can be: Used to offset up to 50 percent of a company's state corporate income tax liability Carried forward for 10 years if they are not used during a tax year Combined with other tax credits Retraining Tax Credits are subject to program requirements as outlined in O.C.G.A. 48-7-40.5. For a detailed guide on these credits. visit t c s g . e d u / e c o n o m i c _ d e v e l o p m e n t .php. HOPE SCHOLARSHIP AND GRANT PROGRAMS HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) is Georgia's unique scholarship and grant program that rewards students with financial assistance in degree, diploma and certificate programs at elig ible Georgia public and private colleges and universities, and public technical colleges. The HOPE Scholarship is available to eligible Georgia students who meet academic requirements, and covers a substantial percentage of tuition costs for degree programs in Georgia's public colleges and universities. The HOPE Grant provides tuition assistance to eligible Georgia residents seeking a technical degree or certificate at one of Georgia's technical colleges. Eligibility is not dependent upon high school GPA and is open to students enrolled in a technical college who have not already earned a bachelor's degree. These programs can be advantageous to relocating families with children, and for companies training employees through local technical colleges. GAfutures.org 57 t. OH(,J \ GEORGIA'S COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Each year, more than 90,000 degrees are earned through Georgia's public and private colleges and universities. These institutions connect employers with their students and graduates through career services centers, which facilitate internships and co-ops, as well as provide employers with recruiting opportunities. Employers can contact individual colleges and universities. the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Independent College Association to learn more. The HOPE Career Grant is a state-funded grant that provides financial support for Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) students in majors that prepare students for high-demand careers. The HOPE Career Grant supplements the HOPE Grant, resulting in free tuition, as well as some of the cost of books and fees. There are more than 125 different TCSG majors to choose from in the 17 HOPE Career Grant program areas. 58 The capacity and expertise to meet your needs. Food Grade, Hazmat, Dedicated Third-party Warehouse/Distribution * Cross Dock/Order Fulfillment Re-label!Re-Pack * Cloud-based Inventory * Low-Cost, Efficient Traffic Management Intermodal Transportation Services * Professional Customer Service ~ OVlTSOvtR.C6 LO<:::i ls n c s To learn more, contact Outsource Logistics by phone at (912) 748-4004 or (229) 292-1528, on email at sales@outsourcelogistics.com,or visit us at www.outsourcelogistics.com. r GEORGIA: ffl STATE Jr-{ THE NATION TO DO Bl Sl'-IESS ATLANTA A CENTER OF GLOBAL TRADE One of the strengths of metro Atlanta is its solid transportation infrastructure. including three interstate highways, world-class airport, freight train capabi lities, and connect ions to the state's deepwater ports. Combined, these assets have helped metro Atlanta grow into one of the top three logistics distribution centers in the U.S., an achievement that supports sustained growth for companies throughout the region. INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS Eighty percent of the U.S. market is reachable within two del ivery days by truck via metro Atlanta's three interstate highways: Interstate 75 - the major link between the Southeast and the Great Lakes. which runs 1,785 miles. serving Miami. Tampa, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Lexington, Cincinnati, Toledo, Detroit and other major cities. Interstate 85 - the major travel corridor between the Deep South and the Mid -Atlantic. which runs 666 miles, serving Montgomery, Charlotte. Greensboro. Research Triangle, Richmond and others. Interstate 20 - the major east-west highway, which runs 1,535 miles f rom Texas to South Carolina, serving Dallas, Shreveport, Birmingham. Columbia and others. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Hartsfield -Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's most-traveled airport based on passenger volume. It serves more than 100 mill ion passengers annually and nea rly 250,000 passengers per day. Because of its prime location, 80 percent of the U.S. is within a two-hour flight. Hartsfield offers nonstop flights to more than 150 dest inations and over 70 international destinations in 45 countries. In fact, it is the No. 1 U.S. airport for total nonstop markets served (domestic and international). Ongoing investment is maintaining Hartsfield-Jackson as a world leader. AT L Next is a $6 billion plan that is expanding one concourse by five gates, adding a new concourse with 10 gates and adding a sixth runway. It will also include a 400-room InterContinental Hotel. RAIL AND PORTS Over 5,000 railroad miles run throughout in Georgia, making the state the largest intermodal hub in the region. CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern each operate more than 80 freight tra ins in and o ut of Atlanta daily, and overnight freight service is available from the two nearby ports. The Port of Savannah, the largest single container te rminal in the nation, is approximately 250 miles from Atlanta. The Port of Brunswick is approximately 300 miles from Atlanta. It is the No. 1 port in the U.S. for new automobile imports. LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN ADVANTAGES Because of metro Atlanta's exceptional transportation infrastructure and prime location, the region has quite naturally evolved into a supply chain and logistics hub. In a recent study by Deloitte LLP, At lanta ranked as the No. 2 metro area in the nation for digital supply chain. behind only New York-New Jersey, and is one of the most important global logistics centers in the U.S. 61 GEORGI\ :s \'11.1'\ Ill l'\ ., 0 Ill> ll ~I"JChday. Companies operating in the area are expectce to benefit from the Appalachian Regional Port, a CPA-operated rail terminal set to open in Chatsworth, Ga., in 2018. (,LORGIA: 1 SIAn; I'\ 1HI' N\THll\ "0 llO B\ :-:t:\1-.SS NORTHEAST GEORGIA FEATURES DIVERSE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNIT IES Spread amid the splendid scenery of the foothills of the ~lue Ridge Mountains, the 13 counties at the northeast edge of the state of Georgia can also tout a tall range of business opportunities, workplace advantages, and lifestyle attractions. The region is "extremely diverse" in its economic makeup, and has seen "steady growth" in several important sectors. including advanced manufacturing, agribusiness and agritourism, logistics and transportation, and the film and television industry, said Heather J. Feldman, the executive director of the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission, which provides planning, technical, and development assistance to the counties, and their 38 municipalities. Its many other attributes include a significant stretch on the South's automobile alley, the Interstate 85 corridor that connects the Mercedes plant in Alabama, the Kia plant in Georgia, and the BMW plant in South Carolina. Several automotive companies. including ZF Industries. a global leader in drivet ra in and chassis technology, and IMS Gear, a specialist in transmission technology, have built factories in Northeast Georgia to join this network. Gainesville-Hall County is home to more than 300 manufacturing and processing concerns, and 49 locations of international companies representing 19 countries . From 2012 to 2017, 137 new and expanded in dustry locations generated nearly 6 .300 new jobs. retained over 1.100 jobs and invested more than $1 billion in fixed capital. Firms expanding their North American business in the county include King's Hawaiian , SKF, Jinsung TEC, Lowers Risk Group, Kubota, Tatsumi, Elrin gKiinger, Wrigley, First Fresh Foods, Milliken & Co., Performance Foodservice and The Louver Shop. In Rabun County, Gap Partners, Inc. provides precision sheet metal fabricated products and complex assemblies that are consistently produced to stringent customer quality requirements through state-of-the-art engineering design and manufacturing technology. Several Fortune 500 companies such as Stanley, Black & Decker, Siemens. and Caterpillar depend on the products Gap Partners creates. The 92.000 square-foot Raybun Gap facility employs more than 80 fu ll-time workers. Companies operating in the area are expected to benefit from the Appalachian Regional Port, a GPA-operated rail term inal set to open in Chatsworth, Ga ., in 2018. The inland port model means exports can be trucked for shorter distances and staged at the intermodal yard. where they are loaded onto trains moving hundreds of containers in a single trip. Additionally, by staging cargo closer to population centers. rail-served inland terminals aid the fast delivery required by ecommerce retailers. Interstate 985, a spur of 1-85, runs up to the city of Gainesville, the county seat of Hall County, and a nationally recognized hub for development. The area is among the 50 fastest growing metropolitan districts in the country, and, according to Forbes Magazine, is one of the "best small places for businesses and careers" for the past four years. Other counties in the region continue to see steady growth, with BTD Manufacturing and SleeveCo planning expansions in Dawson County. Germany-based LINDE + WIEMANN GmbH KG, a manufacturer of comp lex steel systems for the global automotive industry, is in the process of building a 60.000 square-foot assembly plant and 3,500 square-foot distribution offices to Hart County. The company will employ 200 full-time workers. Meanwhile, Amazon, Williams -Sonoma. Hubbell Inc. and Benore Logistics delivered $140 mil lio n in new investment and almost 1,100 new jobs in 2016 in booming Jackson County. With the array of businesses and growth in the region. it will undoubtedly continue to help drive the state's economy for years to come. 65 ll ' I\ GEORGIA IS AGRICULT URr Agriculture IS Georgia's No.1 industry, contributing $74.9 billion annually to the state's economy. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service and the Center of Agribusiness and Economic Development at the University of Georgia, the 2015 Farm Gate Value for the state of Georgia was $13.8 billion. The state is home to more than 42,000 farms averaging 228 acres each in size, totaling 9.6 million acres. Food and fiber production and directlyrelated processing provided nearl y 410,800 jobs across the state in 2015. Gerald Long, president of Georgia Farm Bureau, said farmers rely on Georgia's ports to take advantage of overseas markets. and the positive impact of those additional buyers on the business of farming. "Every year, the ports along Georgia's coast play a vital role in the state's number one 1ndustry: agriculture," Long said . "Today, one in seven Georg ians work in agriculture, forestry or related fields ." He said the farming industry accounts for more than 10 percent of Georgia 's $719.8 billion economy. "Our capacity to distribute the state's abundance to other sectors that support agriculture, including food processing, storage and transportation is immense." Georgia's natural environment warrants a diversified agriculture industry. From the cotton fields of the southern coastal plains to the booming poultry industry in the northern mountain region. Georgia's farmers find success on the farm. Georgia ranks No.1 nationally in the production of broilers (chickens for meat), blueberries. peanuts. pecans and spring season onions. Other top commodities include eggs, cotton and peaches. The magnitude of Georgia's poultry-egg industry goes unmatched by ot her U.S. states. As Geo rgia's most valuable agricultural sector. the poultry-egg industry has three-quarters of the state's 159 counties participating in production . Poultry-egg production and processing contributed $25.9 billion to the state in 2015 and accounted for 104,000 jobs. 66 sccause pecans are the ~n/.Y native tree nuts grown in the country, the u.s. produces 80 rercent ofthe world.'s 1"-cans, with GeorgJa UeinK the top producer. (itOrgia has been the top ;>Can-producing state :nee the 1800s. Georgia recans accou nt for . approximately one-thrrd ~ru.s. production. Georgia is the leading peanut-producing \: 'I'\ f '.1 I' 'l\1 ( \ fU )I) II S!'\1 's FOREST PRODUCTS: A RENEWABLE RESOURCE FOR ALL GEORGIANS 1,000 logging contractors and employees of more than 200 wood product manufacturing facilities and 1,200 secondary manufacturers. In 2015, the forestry industry contributed $753 million to the state budget. The overall annual impact from the forest industry is $32.2 billion, and $4.6 billion in economic benefit is generated from forestry-related outdoor recreation. Georgia is widely recognized as a global leader in exporting wood products. In fact, wood pulp, paper/ paperboard and logs/lumber are consistently ranked highly in the top 10 export commodities from the state's ports in Savannah and Brunswick. Georgia also leads the na_tion in the export of pulp, paper and paperboard mill products, wood fuel, and wood pellets. The Georgia forestry industry provides 145,000 jobs and $8.5 billion in wages and salaries each year. The forest industry has played an integral role in Georgia's economy, environment and culture for several generations Thanks to healthy domestic and international markets for forest products, Georgia is consistently ranked as one of the top forestry states in the nation. Georgia's forests have the capacity to meet increased demands for goods and services now and in the future. Georgia leads the nation in volume of timber harvested while overall tree volume in the state has been increasing since 1953. As result of healthy markets, Georgia's forests grow 19 million tons more wood each year than is harvested, and growth of timber exceeds removals by 38 percent annually. Forests account for more than two-thirds of the land area in the state, and Georgia leads the nation in privately-owned, commercially-available timberland with 22 million acres. Trees have long been harvested and used for products including lumber, poles, posts, panels, pulp and paper and specialty chemicals. With today's scientific and technological advancements, wood fiber is used in more than 5,000 products and common consumer items such as toothpaste, cosmetic make-up and parmesan cheese. Forestry is the second largest industry in Georgia, providing 133,256 direct and indirect jobs including The opportunity for economic growth in the forest industry promises to expand as the demand for renewable products continue to grow On the cellular level, scientists have discovered nanocellulose, which is a derivative of wood with eight times the tensile strength of steel. It is being tested in several innovative products such as body armor and cell phone screens. Also, architects are exploring the potential of cross laminated timber (CLT), a structural wood panel that is typically made up of several layers of glued dimensional lumber. The large-scale, prefabricated panels with steel-like strength unlock the potential to use wood in mid - and high-rise structures . 70 GEORGIA PORTS GAPORTS.COM