Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on March 2 honored companies for contributing to a record $39.4 billion in exports in 2014 and linked their international sales to the state’s ability to recruit foreign investment.
“It is because of companies and organizations like yours that Georgia can truly thrive in the international marketplace and continue and attract businesses from around the world to come to our state,” the governor said. He reiterated the state’s ranking for two straight years as the best place for business according to Site Selection magazine.
“When you do what you do best, we know you do it with Georgia on your minds,” he said before presenting GLOBE awards to 44 companies that entered at least one new export market in 2014.
On the sides of the venue, many representatives from the state’s overseas offices took meetings with attendees from Georgia’s global business community. Georgia has 12 offices in 11 countries, including China, Korea, Japan, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, China (2), Germany (for Europe), United Kingdom, and Israel.
“They are our ambassadors to those countries where they work and they are the ambassadors for people and businesses in those countries back here to the state of Georgia. We appreciate the relationships they have helped us create,” Mr. Deal said.
In addition to the governor and Chris Carr, commissioner of economic development, remarks were also provided by Mary Waters, the new deputy commissioner for international trade. She replaces Kathe Falls, who left late last year to become executive director for international commerce for Louisiana Economic Development.
