ATLANTA—A working group of State Senators headed up by Senator Jim Butterworth and Senator Jack Hill met today at the State Capitol to begin evaluating Georgia’s current economic development strategy and look for ways to encourage business growth and job creation.
“As Lieutenant Governor, I am committed to making Georgia the most economically viable state to do business in,” said Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle. “I have asked this group to take an in-depth look at how we can recruit and retain employers by hearing from Georgia business leaders, our local community partners on the ground, national economic development experts and our Georgia Department of Economic Development. Especially in this changing economy, we must always be proactive in looking for ways to improve our efforts to create and protect jobs in this state.”
During this session, the group, which also includes Senators Buddy Carter, George Hooks and Jeff Mullis, heard from representatives of local development authorities to assess how the state might be able to assist in their efforts to attract employers to Georgia. Members also heard from the editor of Site Selection Magazine, a national publication focused on economic development, and numerous representatives of existing Georgia businesses. After hearing from experts, this group will recommend opportunities to improve Georgia’s economic development strategy.
“To emerge from these hard times as a leader among states, we must put policies in place that will strengthen every level of the economy, from the national stage to Georgia’s hometowns,” said Butterworth. “The invaluable input offered by local authorities will aid lawmakers in crafting effective legislation targeted at job growth and local business success.”
“Our state faces special challenges in order to strengthen our economy, bring jobs to Georgians, and solidifying our place among states that will emerge successfully from harder times,” said Sen. Jack Hill. “By supporting our existing industries and promoting expanded job growth, we will pave the way for the only avenue that will successfully carry us out of the recession.”
Sen. Jim Butterworth serves as chairman of the State and Local Governmental Operations Committee. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Jack Hill serves as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He represents the 4th Senate District which includes Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans and Treutlen counties and portions of Emanuel and Tattnall counties. He may be reached at 404.656.5038 or via e-mail at jack.hill@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
October 25, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
natalie.strong@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028