Third time at top of list makes Georgia best overall since 1999 Georgia has once again been selected as the No. 1 state in the U.S. for workforce training in Expansion Management magazine’s annual survey of site selection professionals.
“In a poll of more than 80 site location consultants, the State of Georgia was ranked No. 1 in the country for workforce training for its Quick Start program,” the magazine reported in its latest issue. The magazine also noted that for the past six years, Georgia has ranked either No. 1 or No.2. That consistent performance has made Georgia the overall top-ranked state in the country since the survey began in 1999.
Economic Development professionals from DeKalb Technical College recently attended the 2007 Certified Economic Development Trainer Conference held at Callaway Gardens and facilitated by Quick Start. (L-R) Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson; Loretta Hicks, Director of Business and Community Services for DeKalb Technical College; Kathy Fowler, Marketing Director; and Richard Smith, Vice President of Economic Development for DeKalb Technical College. Not pictured is Helen Mathis, Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
Gorton Wood, Expansion Management’s director of economic development, says that he is not surprised by Georgia’s ranking. He described the reputation of Georgia’s training program by saying: “You can’t talk about workforce training without talking about Quick Start.”
“Quick Start has proven itself time and again that it is one of Georgia’s best assets for economic development,” says Gov. Sonny Perdue. “The quality of our workforce attracts investment from around the globe, and Quick Start’s workforce training helps guarantee those companies’ success in Georgia.”
“It’s an honor that site location professionals recognize the value of Quick Start,” says Ron Jackson, Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education, of which Quick Start is a part. “It is the linchpin for our agency’s economic development efforts.” Expansion Management’s managing editor, Ken Krizner, attributes Georgia’s consistently high rankings to one thing: “Georgia has created an environment that is very attractive to expanding companies from anywhere in the world. Quick Start is an important part of that environment. Quick Start has the ability and the knowledge to train a work force that is ready to go from Day One.”
Jackie Rohosky, DTAE assistant commissioner who has led Quick Start for the past 15 years, adds, “Working together, Quick Start and Georgia’s technical colleges are able to provide businesses in Georgia with a state-of-the-art, total solution for workforce training.” “DeKalb Technical College enjoys a positive working relationship with businesses and industries within our four county service area,” says Vice President of Economic Development Richard Smith. “With the support of Quick Start, DeKalb Technical College is able to assist new and expanding companies that decide to build or expand in DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan counties,” he continues. “Developing a workforce in today’s environment takes a concerted effort with Quick Start, local Chambers and economic development professionals, communities, and educators all working with employers,” further explains Smith.
DeKalb Technical College President Robin Hoffman adds, “DeKalb Technical College is a part of the Technical College System of Georgia and as such has the opportunity to work with the professionals from Quick Start in providing superior training for a highly skilled workforce.”
For further information on economic development programs and offerings, call 404-297-9522, ext. 5000 or got to www.dekalbtech.edu/econdev.
For more information on this year’s rankings, go to www.expansionmanagement.com and scroll down to the 2007 WORK FORCE TRAINING article. For more information on Quick Start, go to www.georgiaquickstart.org.
