Much of our economic development news – really all – centers on new businesses being attracted to or expanding in the metro Atlanta area or across the state more broadly. Hyundai, Mercedes, U.S. Soccer – big wins for the state economy and the state’s economic development offices, both local and state. The key to all of that ultimately however, are people on the ground that can actually work at these places. Mercedes employs about 1,400 people at the headquarters in Sandy Springs. U.S. Soccer will have somewhere around 300.
Much of this talent is homegrown. In a state with approximately 11 million people, there are plenty of workers qualified for jobs at all levels. But attracting new talent and top workers from both Georgia and across the country is a critical goal for companies in the region, as well as the Chambers of Commerce that represent them. “Atlanta – Where You Belong” is the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s newest launch that aims to bring top-tier talent to the region. Competition for economic development – and the sometimes exorbitant incentives that go with them – is intense. The competition for talent is less direct but attracting and convincing the best workers to call a region home is all a part of the messy, omni-directional economy we have developed.
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