America's Top States for Business - Georgia

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Carlton A. on Florida:
"Florida has long been regarded as a place for tourists and retirees. However, because of it's location, univeristy system, void of income tax, well maintained and developed highway infrastructure, numerous international and regional airports, sea ports..."

Tracy F. on North Dakota:
"Leadership gurus around the globe say that today’s companies want a workforce whose actions speak louder than their words. Companies want to hire and promote people who get to the point, get the job done and get results...."

Claude L. on North Carolina:
"North Carolina is certainly among the top five states in business. All you have to do is ask people from Manteo to Murphy why they live, work, worship and play here...."

Betty K. on Texas:
"I think Texas is # 1. This is a great state to work and reside in. San Antonio has great medical facilities and research."

Joseph R. on Nevada:
"NEVADA! It is very hard to believe that you have ranked Nevada at #43! In Nevada there is no state income tax, no corporate tax, no inheritance tax, we have one of the best economies in the nation..."

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Georgia

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Farmer on tractor harvests peanuts in Sylvester, Georgia. / AP

Year of Statehood:	1788
Governor:	Sonny Perdue (R)
Population:	9,072,576
Gross State Product:	$40,103 (per capita)
Growth Rate:	4.6%
Unemployment Rate:	4.3%
Major Industries:	Textiles, Timber, Agriculture
Related Links:	- State Economic Development - Official State Website

Georgia scored 1185 out of 2021 points. In terms of individual categories, it ranked No.2 in Workforce and No.3 in Transportation. It also cracked the top ten in Cost of Living (9).

Its worst showings were in Quality of Life (36) and Education (28).

Georgia’s corporate claim to fame is Coca Cola, which was invented in Atlanta in 1886. Atlanta is also home to Home Depot and Delta Airlines.

Georgia is the nation’s number one producer of the three P's--peanuts, pecans and peaches. It also boasts the world's busiest airport, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

The cotton gin was invented in Georgia two centuries ago by Eli Whitney, who moved there from Massachusetts.

On The Road With Scott Cohn in Georgia

Rank	Category	Score
4	OVERALL	1185
21	Cost of Doing Business	254
2	Workforce	262
17	Economy	148
28	Education	118
36	Quality of Life	97
17	Technology & Innovation	106
3	Transportation	88
9	Cost of Living	41
19	Business Friendliness	31
11	Access to Capital	40