InsiderAdvantage readers are likely familiar with Georgia Grown, the initiative from the Georgia Department of Agriculture that showcases Georgia farm and food products – from honey to onions to soups. For Georgia manufacturers, there is now Georgia Made – a chance to showcase all the products that may not be from the farm but are just as important to the Georgia economy and for Georgia jobs – several hundred thousand in the manufacturing sector.
Governor Brian Kemp and Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Pat Wilson debuted the Georgia Made program this week at the capitol.
“This event is an incredible opportunity to showcase all that Georgia has to offer,” said Kemp. “The world-class products manufactured by these Georgia Made companies are a large part of what solidifies Georgia’s position as the top state for business. These companies have created greater opportunities for hardworking Georgians in every corner of our state. Together, we will continue to let the world know that the Peach State is open for business.”
The program has some strict definitions of what is included in Georgia Made Certification – manufactured is defined as the production of tangible or intangible goods or products for use or sale using labor and or machines, tools, chemical and biological processing, or formulation.
“Manufactured” may refer to a wide range of human activity used to create the tangible or intangible goods, which includes product design, coding or engineering. Industrial production, where raw materials are transformed into finished goods for use or sale, is the most common Georgia Made item. Aerospace, automotive, defense, life sciences, manufacturing and technology are all industries that would commonly make the list in Georgia.
“Georgia Made is a mark of pride for our businesses, and it’s a promise from our state,” said GDEcD Commissioner Wilson. “We are team-focused, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development is proud that our whole-state and globally integrated approach to facilitating jobs and investment opportunities for existing industries has helped make our state number one for business for seven years running.”
The event at the capitol also launched the Georgia Made logo, the symbol that guarantees Georgia Made certification. The Georgia Department of Economic Development will issue certification on a product-by-product basis after a period of review. Eligible products must be at least 50 percent manufactured in the state and companies applying for certification will have to show proof of this qualification.
Certified goods will be registered in the database of Georgia Made companies and Georgia Made goods, receive usage of the Georgia Made logo for packaging and promotional materials. Logos are subject to the Georgia Made Licensing Agreement, which is executed prior to receiving the logo.
More information on the certification process for interested business owners can be found here and will be available in March.
