It never gets old. We’re honored.
For 24 consecutive years, Georgia Power has been named a Top Utility in Economic Development by Site Selection Magazine. Out of approximately 3,300 utility providers across the US, Georgia Power was one of 20 to be recognized. Being recognized by Site Selection is always an honor, and one that we don't take for granted.
For almost a century, Georgia Power has been helping companies and communities navigate the journey from where they are to where they want to be. Our team continually takes on new challenges and creates new ways to help our state thrive. 2021 was no different.
Serving Georgia.
In 2021, our team found themselves stretched in responding to some of the highest numbers of projects seen in our history. A considerable number of these projects were megaprojects, roughly defined as those with 1000+ jobs and/or 1000+ acre needs.
Across all projects, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), sustainability, and speed-to-market emerged as significant driving forces for project location decisions. The Georgia Power Community & Economic Development (C&ED) team demonstrated its value by not only anticipating these location drivers but creating value-added services that prioritized them. Our efforts reaped results. In 2021, our team located 110 facilities. These locations created a record $6.9 billion in capital investment and 18,400 jobs.
Anticipating the needs of our clients and maximizing the latest technology to market and serve our communities is at the heart of what we do best. Last year, C&ED made strategic investments in engineering, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and research technology. While the engineering team invested in a new drone to meet its multi-year commitment to have all sites in the state filmed with exceptional drone footage, other team members worked on upgrades to the site selection tool and the development of the following self-service tools:
- Target Industries Tool with company and EMSI workforce data
- International Companies Profile
- U.S. City Comparison Tool
- Post-Secondary Environment Tool with enrollment and graduates’ data from IPEDS for colleges and universities across the country
- Labor Force Report
- Commuting Profile Tool to assist communities in accessing and navigating public data
The availability of a skilled workforce and talent pipeline remains a top factor for business locations and expansions. Keeping that front of mind, the Education and Workforce Development team launched a virtual reality career awareness program to spark the curiosity and interest of students in skilled trades such as electrical lineworkers; initiated the Educator Externship program which provides educators with a comprehensive understanding of the skills and competencies students will need to be successful in the utility industry; provided STEM enrichment to over 101,000 K-12 students through the Learning Power program; and assisted in the launch of the statewide Equity through Education initiative to support engagement in school districts, fund key programs, and facilitate partnerships to close gaps for minority students and drive inclusive economic growth.
The team also focused on supporting Georgia communities by co-hosting with the Georgia Conservancy a statewide virtual forum on the issues surrounding housing in Georgia’s communities; supporting rural growth through the launch of a two-year cohort program, CREATE, which focuses on expanding entrepreneurship in small towns; highlighting community leaders and partners in its “Hometown Heroes” marketing campaign; and sharing Atlanta’s unique DEI story and spotlighting diverse voices.
It takes a village - a large one.
We value the relationships with state, educational, and local partners that are essential to our continued success. Thank you to all of our partners who work with us daily to generate opportunities and power prosperity across Georgia.
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