Georgia Wins Silver Shovel Award for Innovation in Economic Development

ATLANTA—Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Georgia won a 2010 Silver Shovel award from Area Development magazine.  Georgia was recognized by the highly regarded economic development publication for the state’s work to attract new business opportunities.  The Silver Shovel recognizes states that lead the nation in generating large investments and job creation.  Georgia was one of 11 states recognized by the publication.  The state has now been recognized as a leader in economic development by Area Development in three of the past four years, winning the Gold Shovel award in 2007 and a Silver Shovel award in 2009. 

  “This is a significant recognition of the many resources and initiatives Georgia has in place to attract new businesses and grow existing ones,” said Governor Perdue.  “Global businesses often have their pick of where to locate when deciding to expand or locate new business ventures, this award helps cement our reputation as a great place to grow a business and jobs.”

Area Development highlighted two Georgia projects from 2009, including NCR, which had a combined $30 million investment between the company’s Duluth headquarters location and Columbus manufacturing facility.  NCR expects to create nearly 4,000 jobs between both locations.  Dendreon was also recognized for the company’s $70 million investment to locate a biotech manufacturing facility in Union City, where the company plans to manufacture PROVENGE® for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

“In these trying economic times, economic development agencies are working harder than ever to grow their states’ businesses,” said Geraldine Gambale, editor of Area Development. “Every year there are a few standouts, and these 11 states deserve special recognition for their efforts.”

Georgia won the Silver Shovel award in the category for states that have a population between five and 10 million.  In 2009, Georgia received the Silver Shovel in recognition of projects including Kia Motors, EFACEC, Sewon and Kumho.

To read the full Area Development report and awards recognition, visit www.areadevelopment.com/awards. 

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