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Survey names Georgia best in workforce training
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Georgia has once again been selected as the No. 1 state in the nation for workforce training in "Expansion Management" magazine's annual survey of site selection professionals.

The magazine cited Georgia's Quick Start Program as the reason it garnered the top rank. The article also reported for the past six years Georgia has ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 and consistently placed well since the survey began in 1999.

Gorton Wood, "Expansion Management" director of economic development, said he was not surprised by Georgia's ranking. He described the reputation of Georgia's training program by saying: "You can't talk about workforce training without talking about Quick Start."

Gov. Sonny Perdue said the program is one of Georgia's best assets for economic development.

"The quality of our workforce attracts investment from around the globe," Perdue said, "and Quick Start's workforce training helps guarantee those companies' success in Georgia."

Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education Ron Jackson agreed with Perdue that the program is his agency's linchpin for economic development affairs and said the magazine's recognition was an honor.

Ken Krizner, managing editor of "Expansion Management," attributes Georgia's consistently high rankings to one thing.

"Georgia has created an environment that is very attractive to expanding companies from anywhere in the world - Quick Start is an important part of that environment," Krizner said. "Quick Start has the ability and the knowledge to train a work force that is ready to go from day one."

Jackie Rohosky, DTAE assistant commissioner who has led Quick Start for the past 15 years, added the program is a, "state-of-the-art, total solution for workforce training."

DeKalb Technical College Vice President of Economic Development Richard Smith said the school enjoys a positive working relationship with the industries and businesses in its four-county service area.

"With the support of Quick Start, DeKalb Technical College is able to assist new and expanding companies that decide to build or expand in DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton and Morgan counties," Smith said. "Developing a workforce in today's environment takes a concerted effort with Quick Start, local Chambers and economic development professionals, communities and educators, all working with employers.

DTC President Robin Hoffman added: "DeKalb Technical College is a part of the Technical System of Georgia and, as such, has the opportunity to work with the professionals from Quick Start in providing superior training for a highly skilled workforce."

For further information on economic development programs and offerings, call (404) 297-9522, ext. 5000 or go to www.dekalbtech.edu/econdev.

For more information on this year's rankings, go to www.expansionmanagement.com and scroll down to the 2007 Work Force Training article.

For more information on Quick Start, go to www.georgiaquickstart.org.