September 2026 Features

• Shan Cooper and Doug Hertz Named 2027 Georgia Trustees

  September 30, 2026

  The Georgia Historical Society announced today that Shan Cooper, trailblazing businesswoman and civic leader, and Doug Hertz, leading businessman and philanthropist, have been named the 2027 Georgia Trustees. It is the highest honor the State of Georgia can confer.

• From Foster Care to a Future in Aviation: Marcus' Story

  September 29, 2026

  Marcus entered Georgia’s foster care system without knowing what his future would hold. After aging out, he struggled to find the right direction in college. Then he discovered aviation maintenance.

• In Georgia’s Race for Governor, Focus Shifts to Farms

  September 28, 2026

  Pledging to fight for farmers, Republican Rick Jackson unveiled his plan to support Georgia’s agricultural industry as the sector gets squeezed by rising prices for diesel, fertilizer and other essentials. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms fired back, with her campaign saying that she had already met with farmers and unveiled her own plan.

• Georgia Power Furthers Partnership with Statewide Nonprofit to Make Georgia State Parks More Accessible and Enjoyable

  September 28, 2026

  Georgia Power, the state’s leading electric utility serving customers in all but four Georgia counties, is proud to continue its longstanding partnership with Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites (Friends) – a nonprofit organization with a mission to serve, support, and celebrate Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites.

• Georgia Remains No. 1 for Business

  September 24, 2026

  Governor Brian Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, announced that the state has again secured the No. 1 state for business ranking by Area Development magazine for an unprecedented 13th year in a row, demonstrating an unmatched consistency in creating a successful, business-friendly environment.

• CGTC to Unveil Naming of Dr. Sonny Perdue Administration Building October 8th

  September 23, 2026

  Central Georgia Technical College will host a ceremony Thursday, October 8th, at 2 p.m. to honor Houston County native Sonny Perdue with the naming of its administration building on the Warner Robins Campus. The building’s new name will honor Dr. George Ervin “Sonny” Perdue, III for his distinguished record of public service and steadfast support of higher education in Georgia.

• TCSG Foundation Raises More Than $700,000 at Inaugural Pathways to Graduation Gala

  September 23, 2026

  The Technical College System of Georgia Foundation raised more than $700,000 at its inaugural Pathways to Graduation Gala, bringing together business, education, and community leaders in support of students across Georgia’s 22 technical colleges.

• New goBeyondProfit Research: Generosity Is the Human Edge 
Companies Need as AI Reshapes the Workplace

  September 22, 2026

  AI is reshaping the workplace, and executives and employees are asking the same question: will it come at the cost of human connection? New data shows they share this concern about AI’s impact on company culture.

• 2026 Georgia Manufacturing Summit Brings Nearly 300 Industry Leaders Together for Education, Connections and Business

  September 21, 2026

  Nearly 300 manufacturing leaders, suppliers and industry professionals came together September 15 for the 2026 Georgia Manufacturing Summit, hosted by the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

• Bridging Industry, Acquisition: Inside Robins Air Force Base Small Business Office, Contracting Partnership

  September 18, 2026

  Positioned strategically outside the gates of Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, the Small Business Office serves a dual mission: guiding local companies into government contracting while ensuring base acquisition teams maximize small business opportunities.

• Georgia Hospitals Generate $145 Billion in Statewide Economic Impact

  September 18, 2026

  The Georgia Hospital Association released its latest economic impact report, showing that Georgia hospitals generate $145 billion in economic activity across the state. The report, compiled using independent third-party modeling and based on 2024 data, reflects an $8 billion, or 5.8%, increase over the previous year.

• Georgia Sets New Records for Labor Force and Employment as Unemployment Falls to 3.2%

  September 18, 2026

  The Georgia Department of Labor announced today that Georgia reached new all-time highs in both its labor force (5,490,319) and employment (5,314,822) in August, and that the state's unemployment rate declined to 3.2%.

• Former Southern Co. CEO Tom Fanning Named Sole Finalist for USG Chancellor

  September 17, 2026

  Following a comprehensive national search, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia voted today to name TomFanning as the sole finalist for chancellor of the University System of Georgia.

• Georgia Power’s Robins Battery Storage Achieves Commercial Operation Helping to Ensure Reliable Energy in Georgia

  September 16, 2026

  Georgia Power leaders recently joined state and local officials and leaders from Robins Air Force Base to celebrate the commercial operation of the Robins Battery Facility, a 128-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system located near Warner Robins. The facility can deliver stored energy to the grid for up to four hours, enhancing grid reliability and flexibility.

• The Coca-Cola System: A 140-Year Legacy that Continues to Deliver for America

  September 16, 2026

  For 140 years, as consumer tastes have evolved, The Coca-Cola Company has expanded from one iconic beverage into a portfolio of approximately 200 brands across sparkling soft drinks, waters and hydration, coffee and tea, juices, dairy and plant-based drinks for every taste, occasion and generation.

• Georgia Digital Infrastructure Alliance Launches Statewide Campaign Highlighting Benefits of Responsible Data Center Development

  September 15, 2026

  The Georgia Chamber’s Georgia Digital Infrastructure Alliance announced the launch of a six-figure statewide advertising campaign aimed at educating Georgians about the benefits that responsible data center development can bring to communities across the state.

• Growth in Income and Sales Taxes Boosts State Coffers in August

  September 14, 2026

  Georgia collected nearly $2.5 billion in net tax revenue in August, a 3.5% increase from August 2025, extending the overall year-over-year gains recorded in July.

• Georgia Awarded $500 Million in Water Infrastructure Grants

  September 11, 2026

  Governor Brian Kemp announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the state $499,385,000 to help communities impacted by Hurricane Helene strengthen the resilience of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and respond to water-related emergencies.

• Jason Shepherd: I Read the Deal. Georgia Should Back the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Rail Merger

  September 11, 2026

  As an attorney, I always read the fine print before signing off.  And as a political practitioner, I know how often promises pass through Washington without making it home to Georgia.  So, when Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern agreed to merge into America’s first coast-to-coast railroad, my instinct was one that I’ve drilled into my students at Kennesaw State: read the deal before you decide.

• Georgia Chamber of Commerce Endorses Rick Jackson for Georgia Governor

  September 10, 2026

  The Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Free Enterprise Fund announced today its endorsement of Rick Jackson for the next Governor of Georgia, citing his extensive business experience, understanding of Georgia’s economy, and commitment to maintaining the state’s strong economic momentum.

• Mayors Across Georgia Sharpen Leadership Skills at Mayors Leadership Academy

  September 09, 2026

  More than 50 mayors gathered on the University of Georgia’s campus last month for the second offering of the immersive Mayors Leadership Academy, presented by the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, operated in partnership between GMA and UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

• Governor Kemp Announces Another Record-Breaking Year for Economic Development Investments

  September 08, 2026

  Governor Brian Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, announced a new record in Fiscal Year 2026 with roughly $35.2 billion in project investments.

• Georgia DOT Earns Top Honors in 2026 America’s Transportation Awards

  September 02, 2026

  The Georgia Department of Transportation won two awards in the 2026 America's Transportation Awards during the Southern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials annual conference.

• Georgia Ports Generates $181B in Economic Impact Annually, Supports 605,000 Jobs

  September 01, 2026

  Georgia’s ports support 605,616 full- and part-time jobs at Peach State businesses, yielding $44 billion in annual income, according to the latest study from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.