All across Georgia, collaboration between private and public organizations supports the health and strength of Georgia’s economy and the companies that fuel it.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Georgia Chamber of Commerce and dozens of other development agencies statewide assist communities in communicating with business leaders, educating a diverse workforce, and promoting the growth of their industries. In 2007, for example, a collaborative effort to help Georgia companies export their goods and services won the GDEcD’s trade division the prestigious presidential “E Star” award.

It’s all about connecting companies with what – and where – they need to be successful. Those connections might lead companies to work with state agencies – departments of Community Affairs, Natural Resources or Transportation, to name a few – or it might encourage partnerships between neighboring communities to assist industries using their regional strengths.

The focus of these partnerships is varied. Quick Start provides high-quality training services to new or expanding businesses. Georgia Allies focuses on business development. The non-profit Georgia Research Alliance combines research universities, businesses and state government to encourage investment in new technologies and businesses.

No matter what the need – from the anti-drug initiatives of Drugs Don’t Work in Georgia, to the educational focus of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education – Georgia’s public and private entities stand united on your behalf.