James Nov-Dec 2023 web - Flipbook - Page 57
Relationships like those that
helped Georgia win the Hyundai
Metaplant are fostered throughout
decades. Since Georgia first established international representation
in Japan and Europe in 1973, we’ve
continued to pursue foreign investment in strategic markets and from
key industries. The establishment of
the state’s Korea office in 1985 laid
the groundwork for the future, including Kia’s assembly plant in West
Point, which opened in 2009. Since
then, more than $1.9 billion has been
invested in Kia Georgia, with more
than $200 million on the way, thanks
to the company’s all-electric 2024
EV9 three-row SUV that will begin
assembly here in 2024.
This fall, The Korea Society presented GDEcD its signature honor,
the Van Fleet Award, in recognition
of the state’s outstanding contributions to U.S.-Korea relations.
Georgia’s long-term commitment to
diplomatic, cultural, and business
engagement in Korea has supported
transformative growth over decades, providing economic benefits
for both countries.
Tourism generated an economic
impact of $73 billion and supported
more than 442,600 jobs in 2022. We
welcomed nearly 168 million domestic and international visitors in
2022— the largest number of visitors
our state has ever seen— which
resulted in a record $39.8 billion in
spending. With major events like
FIFA World Cup 2026™ heading our
way, U.S. Soccer’s new headquarters,
new and expanded state conference
facilities, famous film destinations,
National Championship winning
teams, and more— Georgia’s reputation as a travel destination is only
growing on the map.
Each of these assets builds on
each other, and one visit and positive experience in Georgia brings
another. During FY22, the Georgia
Film Office reported more than $4
billion in direct spending by film and
television productions. That’s not a
formula-based number, that’s hard
dollars spent in the state, support-
ing salaries and small businesses.
Private industry is developing more
stage and warehouse space to meet
increasing demand, and Georgia is
now second only to Los Angeles for
stage space in the nation. In creating the Film Office 50 years ago,
our state’s leaders envisioned what
might be possible.
Continued investment has made
this a thriving Georgia industry with
small businesses in communities
across the state realizing the return
on that investment.
Arts and culture are the heart
and soul of Georgia. They bring
visitors to our downtowns, deliver
quality of life, and create experiences that feed the soul and inspire the
mind. On top of that, our creative
communities generate roughly $29.2
billion in revenue and account for
about 149,000 jobs in the state. The
Georgia Council for the Arts last
year helped more organizations
than ever keep their doors open and
make investments that will help
them achieve long-term goals that
make a difference now and educate
the creative minds needed for the
jobs of tomorrow.
Our department nurtures partnerships that empower our communities to reach their individual goals
and encourage business success.
The Center of Innovation creates
new connections and provides expert insights into key industries. Our
award-winning International Trade
team works daily with small and medium-sized businesses to grow their
business by delivering Georgia-made
products to the world.
These are only a few examples of
how we do it.
During this transformational moment for Georgia, we’re utilizing the
investments that helped us arrive
here and preparing for the next 50
years. By harnessing our assets and
driving opportunities, generations of
Georgians will enjoy the fruits we are
planting now.
Pat Wilson has been Georgia’s Department of
Economic Development commissioner since 2014.
N OV EM B E R /D EC E M BER 2023
57