ATLANTA (WJBF) – For a remarkable 12 consecutive years, Georgia has been recognized as the “Best State to Do Business.” To maintain this impressive streak, state officials emphasize the necessity of ongoing investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and workforce development.

According to a recent state report, Georgia ranks 6th nationwide in trade, with over $200 billion in goods being transported to more than 200 countries. The Ports of Savannah and Brunswick, two of the most active gateways on the East Coast, play a pivotal role in facilitating this extensive trade activity.

Officials assert that expanding job training programs is crucial to keep pace with the state’s economic expansion.

Tavarez Holston, President of Georgia Piedmont Technical College, highlighted that employers are in search of workers equipped with specialized skills that align with industry needs.

“We must focus on training for these specific skills to ensure our workforce remains competitive,” Holston stated.

The University System of Georgia also reported record enrollment this year, up nearly 4 percent, with about 400,000 students enrolled across public colleges.

The state’s new Georgia MATCH program is designed to help high school students identify which colleges they qualify for based on their HOPE GPA. The initiative is part of Governor Brian Kemp’s “Top State for Talent” strategy, aimed at keeping more graduates and skilled workers in Georgia.

Holston said the state sees major workforce gaps in healthcare, logistics, and supply chain careers, fields where Georgia’s economy continues to expand.

The Technical College System of Georgia graduated nearly 50,000 students this year, the highest in its history and a 16 percent increase over last year.

Just last week, Kemp announced that healthcare logistics company BioTouch will invest $12 billion in Columbus, creating 480 new jobs.