Georgia’s State of Economic Development Presentation 2026

03/23/2026

Leaders from across Georgia’s business, government, and economic development sectors gathered on March 18, 2026, at the historic Georgia Freight Depot in downtown Atlanta for the annual State of Economic Development presentation. Co‑hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA), the sold‑out event offered a comprehensive look at the forces shaping the state's economic trajectory and the collaborative efforts driving future growth.

The program opened late that morning as attendees filled the venue for what has become one of the most anticipated statewide discussions on business climate and development. Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber, and Grant Cagle, Executive Director of GEDA, welcomed participants by emphasizing the importance of unified economic strategies that connect state leadership, local development authorities, and private-sector partners. Their remarks set the stage for a deep dive into Georgia’s economic momentum and the shared priorities that will guide the state into the next phase of competitiveness.

A video message from Governor Brian P. Kemp followed, underscoring Georgia’s continued distinction as a national leader for business. Gov. Kemp highlighted sustained investment in infrastructure, workforce development, and rural economic opportunities—areas he identified as critical to maintaining the state’s edge in site selection and job creation. His remarks reinforced Georgia’s commitment to long‑term business readiness and its proactive stance in attracting major industry projects.

The program then transitioned to the central address of the day: the State of Economic Development update delivered by Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Commissioner Wilson outlined Georgia’s recent economic performance, noting strong growth in major sectors including advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology, and international investment. He emphasized the value of sustained public‑private collaboration, strategic workforce initiatives, and aggressive recruitment efforts that have helped the state compete on both national and global stages.

Following this annual overview, the event featured a leadership panel titled “Georgia’s Competitive Edge: Leadership Perspectives on Economic Development.” Wilson was joined by Lauren Curry, Chief of Staff for the Office of the Governor, with Stuart Countess, President of Kia Georgia and Chair of the Georgia Chamber, moderating the discussion. The panel explored the current economic landscape and the strategic factors influencing Georgia’s competitiveness. They addressed emerging workforce needs, the importance of innovation ecosystems, and the evolving demands of corporate expansion projects. Collectively, the panelists highlighted Georgia’s strong business infrastructure but noted that continuous adaptation will be essential to uphold the state’s high national rankings.

At midday Georgia Chamber and GEDA Highlight Growth Strategy at 2026 State of Economic Development

Chris Clark returned to offer key takeaways from the morning’s presentations, providing a framework that attendees could use to guide the upcoming interactive discussions. He emphasized Georgia’s unique ability to leverage collaboration among state agencies, local leaders, and industry partners to address shared challenges such as workforce readiness and regional investment gaps.

During the luncheon, participants engaged in table‑based discussions on development priorities across communities of all sizes. Conversations centered on identifying new investment opportunities, strengthening local business ecosystems, and understanding the role of regional assets in attracting industry. These conversations served as a bridge to the afternoon session, which shifted focus from state‑level strategies to on‑the‑ground perspectives.

The final panel of the day, “Turning Opportunity Into Investment: Local Perspectives on Georgia’s Growth,” featured Jason Dunn, Executive Director of the Fitzgerald‑Ben Hill Economic Development Authority, and Niki Vanderslice, President and CEO of the Fayette County Development Authority. Moderated by Stacy Watson, Chairman of GEDA and Director of Economic & Industrial Development for the Georgia Ports Authority, the panel highlighted real‑world examples of how local communities are translating statewide momentum into tangible economic outcomes. Panelists discussed strategic planning, infrastructure readiness, community‑led workforce efforts, and the importance of leveraging Georgia’s port and logistics assets. Together, they illustrated how diverse regions—rural, suburban, and metro—are capitalizing on distinct advantages to secure investment and create jobs.

The event adjourned at 1:30 PM, concluding an impactful half‑day of insights and dialogue among the state’s leading economic development professionals. With record attendance and a sold‑out audience, the 2026 State of Economic Development event underscored the strong statewide commitment to shaping Georgia’s future growth. As economic conditions evolve, both the Georgia Chamber and GEDA reaffirmed their focus on collaboration, strategic planning, and innovation—principles that continue to position Georgia as a premier destination for business expansion and investment.