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Governor Deal Puts Georgia Back to Work This year three respected, independent media outlets including no less than CNBC named Georgia the No. 1 state in the nation in which to do business, fulfilling a goal I announced upon taking office in 2011. Some had imagined that my stated goal to make Georgia the most business-friendly state in the nation was aspirational – the kind of goal that you never reach but leaves you better off for trying – but I always believed we could reach the top if our state government would take our partnership with the private sector seriously. In that spirit of public-private partnership, we launched the Governor’s Competitiveness Initiative in 2011 and through close collaboration with business leaders we identified what were the most strategic steps we could take to boost our economic competitiveness. We took those steps and today the results are in; not only are we faring well in the rankings, but more than 12,600 new businesses have chosen to plant flags in our red clay. As you might imagine, these days people no longer ask if the goal was aspirational. They now ask me what we are doing to ensure Georgia remains No. 1 and the short answer to that question is that we will keep dancing with the one that brought us and continue listening to the private sector. The longer version of my answer is that the biggest opportunities for continued improvement lie in the area of workforce development and this year we launched the High Demand Career Initiative to ensure our education and training infrastructure is producing the trained and reliable workforce companies demand. Through this Initiative we are bringing together those involved in training Georgia’s future workforce -- the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia – to hear directly from the private sector about what specific needs they have from a workforce perspective today and five to 10 years down the road. What degree programs or certificates are businesses looking for on resumes? What skills and competencies are they demanding? Where are our education and training efforts delivering and where are they falling short?
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal. Since entering office, Governor Deal has lead workforce initiatives that have created nearly 300,000 new private sector jobs in Georgia.
In some instances we’ve been able to connect participating businesses with existing assets to meet their needs but in other instances, where we lack the programming or capacity to meet demand, we are aggressivelyimplementing changes. For example, when Georgia companies consistently reported a shortage in the computer programming and coding area, we took action to allow computer programming to count for a core requirement at the high school level and, in our technical schools, we are making this area of study tuition free. The workforce shortage in computer programming is not confined to Georgia. In fact, it is a national and even global issue, but what sets Georgia apart as unique is that we are moving aggressively to address the issue. It is my belief that this rare commitment to hear business and then to take action is what will ensure that we are delivering the workforce that Georgia companies demand, and it is this same commitment that will ensure Georgia remains the No. 1 state in the nation in which to do business.
MOORE’S WEALTH MANAGEMENT Wednesday, October 8 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center
OCTOBER 2014
“Protecting Your Future”
Moore’s Wealth Management adds 4th Fiduciary Advisor to their Practice A Publication of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
Planning for a healthy and prosperous retirement that might last 20, 25 or even 30 years into the future can be a daunting task. You want to make your financial resources last for the rest of your life -- no matter how long you live -- and you don’t want to be wiped out by down markets, poor tax planning,
interests above their own and declare any conflicts of interest that may arise. The “suitability standard” which Brokers, Registered Representatives
standard and continues to grow in the community due to its commitment to this principle. In August, Moore’s Wealth Management added it’s 4th Fiduciary Advisor
satisfaction, now ranking Moore’s Wealth Management as a National Top 5 Fiduciary Advisory Firm within Horter Investment Management.” Call to get more information on how Scott Moore and his team of Fiduciary Advisors can assist you in planning and preparing for retirement. They