Georgia Ranks in Top 10 Pro-Business States for Five Years Running

ATLANTA, May 23, 2008 – Georgia, for five years running, has been ranked in the Top 10 Pro-Business States by Pollina Corporate Real Estate. In the consulting firm's 2008 report, Georgia ranked No. 7. 'It is a true honor to have our efforts to attract new and expanding businesses recognized,' said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). 'The support of Governor Sonny Perdue and the teamwork exhibited by all of GDEcD have made our success possible. We strive every day to make our state the best place to locate in the U.S. and internationally.' The report draws on 29 factors relating to states' efforts to be pro-business and is limited to factors that state government can control. 'For the fifth year in a row, Georgia has once again defended its position as one of the most business friendly states in the nation,' said Brent Pollina, VP of Pollina Corporate Real Estate. 'With a diverse economy, ranging from multinational headquarters into agribusiness, Georgia has aggressively pursued corporate relocations as well fostering the growth of existing companies.' Georgia's strengths included its Quick Start program for no-cost job training and its tax credit programs. Pollina executives also cited the performance of GDEcD and the presence of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport as an economic engine. A copy of the report can be obtained from the company by visiting www.pollina.com. 'Georgia has encouraged growth through the use of incentives and an aggressive and well trained economic development department,' Pollina said. 'Georgia's low corporate tax structure, excellent infrastructure, favorable employment climate, and right to work status have all helped Georgia keep a climate of consistent job growth in this competitive economy.' Pollina Corporate Real Estate, Inc. is a full service brokerage and consulting firm, representing corporations in real estate matters on a national and international basis. The firm has advised Fortune 500 clients and start-up ventures alike in commercial real estate matters since 1981. The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.