The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced today that the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development (GOWD) has been repositioned under the umbrella of GDEcD as the new Workforce Division. This streamlined structure is intended to ensure that the state’s workforce development efforts are aligned with the economic realities of the marketplace and what businesses need to succeed in Georgia.
“I am excited that the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development is now part of GDEcD – their resources and knowledgeable staff will only enhance our economic development portfolio,” said Chris Carr, Commissioner GDEcD. “By aligning these entities, the state gains an enhanced ability to attract new business and to ensure that existing industry continues to thrive in a business-friendly climate.”
As GDEcD works to bring new investment opportunities to our state and to support existing industry, a critical component of this mission is meeting the workforce needs of Georgia companies. The Workforce Division, formally GOWD, adds a workforce development team to Georgia’s economic development assets providing additional resources to new and existing companies in Georgia.
“This move to a streamlined structure highlights Governor Deal’s understanding that workforce issues are paramount to economic development in the state,” said Ben Hames, Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner, Workforce Division. “We are looking forward to having a seat at the table where we believe we will be able to contribute to the great work already being done by GDEcD to keep Georgia the No. 1 place in the nation to do business.”
Earlier this year, Governor Deal announced the creation of the Governor’s High Demand Career Initiative to bring together the leadership of GDEcD, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia and key business leaders across the state. With decision makers from each of these entities at one table, GDEcD will get a clear picture of what Georgia businesses need and pair them with existing assets and/or collectively tackle any gaps. The new Workforce Division will take the lead on this initiative in order to make sure the state’s economic development infrastructure is meeting the workforce needs of Georgia businesses. Governor Deal will kick off the initiative with a series of meetings in Atlanta, Dalton and Statesboro over the next two months. The first meeting will take place in Atlanta at the Georgia Tech Research Institute on April 15 from 8:30am – 11:30am. To learn more – visit http://www.georgia.org/competitive-advantages/workforce/high-demand-career-initiative-hdci/.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects. Visit http://www.georgia.org and www.workforce.georgia.gov.
