On Friday, January 22nd, Marion Phillips, research manager with Georgia Power Economic Development, joined MAX Minutes to provide her annual economic development update. During the session, Phillips discussed key business investments made within Georgia in recent years, significant achievements from the past year, why Georgia has been recognized as the Top State for Business by Area Development Magazine for the past 12 consecutive years. Her update also included a forward-looking analysis, identifying the state’s high-demand occupations and sectors that are expected to drive economic growth in the foreseeable future.
Special thanks to Phillips, who also serves as chair of the MAX Data Council and secretary for the MAX Board of Directors, for providing invaluable information for workforce development professionals we together work for Georgia’s continued prosperity.
Special thanks also to MAX board member and new lead for MAX Minutes, Chris Kidd, director of economic development with the University System of Georgia, for hosting the session.
Click here for the recording.
Click here for the presentation slides.
ABOUT GEORGIA’S NO. 1 RANKING
This prestigious ranking as the nation’s Top State for Business from Area Development Magazine is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process, where approximately 50 leading site consultants from across the nation assess states in 15 distinct categories. These categories include factors such as workforce development, infrastructure, business climate, and access to capital, among others. In the 2025 rankings, Georgia not only maintained its overall top position but also secured a place in the top five for 10 of the evaluated categories, underscoring the state’s broad-based strengths in supporting business growth and investment.
A key partner working with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and many other state, regional, and local partners in Georgia’s sustained success is Georgia Power. For 27 consecutive years, Georgia Power has been recognized by Site Selection Magazine as the nation’s Top Utility in Economic Development. This accolade reflects the utility’s ongoing commitment to supporting new and expanding businesses through dedicated economic development services.
ABOUT MAX MINUTES
Launched in 2014, the mission of MAX is to advance economic resilience in the Atlanta region by strengthening connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development.
Through our webinar series, MAX Minutes, MAX seeks to bring timely insights to providers, intermediaries, and other partners in workforce. MAX Minutes features talks by key experts in the Atlanta region and beyond on important workforce matters.