ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWSLETTER May 2014

Congratulations Graduates!

Whitfield County Leaders Graduate From The Georgia Academy For Economic Development

Graduates include Suzanne Harbin (Whitfield Family Connection), Summer Nix (Dalton Chamber of Commerce), Tate O'Gwin (O'Gwin Investment Planning, Inc), and Mitch Sanford (First Bank of Dalton).

12 different counties from Northwest Georgia were represented at the Multi-Day Training Program. Some of the curriculum included economic development, tourism, business recruitment and retention, and planning.

Georgia Named Most Competitive

Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Georgia was named the No.1 most competitive state in the nation by Site Selection magazine. The magazine releases its Top 10 Competitive States every year in May. The Top 10 Competitive States ranking is based on an index of 10 criteria, most of which are tied to new projects and expansions tracked by Site Selection's New Plant Database.

Site Selection's Top 10 Competitive States has given Georgia 426 points - 12 more than the 414 that won last year's first place. Last year, Georgia ranked as the nation's third most competitive state and has remained in the top 10 most competitive states since 2010.

You can read the full article at the attached link. http://siteselection.epubxp.com/i/308169

GEORGIA'S WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS GROWTH OUTRANKS THE NATION

Every day in the U.S., approximately 1,288 new businesses are started by women - a rate that has doubled since last year. Along with this stat, the recent American Express OPEN State of Women-Owned Business Report also dubbed Georgia the No. 1 state for women-owned business growth.

Women Business Enterprises are one of the fastest growing segments in Georgia, averaging 117% growth since 1997. Businesswomen in Georgia find great resources here, such as creating new media connections and find mentoring, training and networking opportunities.

Investor's Council Meeting

When: Thursday, June 12th

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce

Please join our staff for an Economic Development meeting! This will be an opportunity to see how your investments have been used for the betterment of our community.

Latest Economic Indicators for Whitfield County

Contact:

100 S. Hamilton Street, Dalton, GA 30720

www.locationdalton.com | 706.278.7373

Made possible by Grow Greater Dalton 2.0 Investors