METRO ATLANTA: An Executive Profile

METRO ATLANTA: An Executive Profile

Metro Atlanta is an ideal destination for business professionals and families. Its thriving economy and business friendly atmosphere encourages companies to grow and locate here. Each year over 70,000 newcomers many young professionals and recent college graduates migrate to the Atlanta region. The area is home to nearly 5.5 million people and 150,000 businesses. Metro Atlanta s diverse economy, global access, abundant talent, low costs of business and living, and vibrant quality of life are reasons businesses and executives choose metro Atlanta. photos: Georgia Department of Economic Development

Demographics The Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is the business capital of the southeastern U.S. and a global business hub. The Southeast s population exceeds 77 million and employment is greater than 37 million. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the Southeast measured $2.9 trillion in 2008, 22 percent of the U.S. If the Southeast were a country it would have the 7th highest GDP in the world, larger than the GDP of all but six countries: China, France, Germany, Japan, the U.S. and the United Kingdom. Metro Atlanta is the 2nd fastest growing metro in the U.S. and has the 10th largest GDP in the U.S. Demographic snapshot Atlanta MSA City of Atlanta Estimated Population (2009) 5,475,210 540,921 Projected Population (2015) 6,033,060 602,248 % of population 25 and over with a Bachelor s degree (2009) 34% 43% % of population foreign-born (2009) 13% 7% Labor Force (2009) 2,914,885 294,746 Median Household Income (2009) $59,882 $47,464 Median Age (2009) 34.8 35.4 World Ranking of Global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Billions of U.S. Dollars, 2008 Rank Location GDP 1 U.S.A. $13,200 2 Japan $4,844 3 China $4,222 7 Southeast U.S.A. $2,900 8 Italy $2,399 30 State of Georgia, U.S.A $372 31 Denmark $370 39 Metro Atlanta, GA, U.S.A. $270 40 Portugal $256 Metropolitan Area > 8,376 square miles > 21,694 square kilometers > 28 counties Tennessee Alabama ATLANTA Georgia South Carolina Florida North Carolina Port of Savannah ATLANTIC OCEAN 1837 A site for the southern terminus of the state-owned Western & Atlantic Railroad, Atlanta began as a town called Terminus. 1845 Following incorporation as Marthasville, the town s charter was amended to Atlanta. 1864 Atlanta, a strategic transportation center during the Civil War, was reduced to ashes after General Sherman s victory in the Battle of Atlanta. 1888 Coca-Cola was incorporated in Atlanta and now is one of the top 100 companies in revenue in the United States. 1929 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta on January 15. 1925 Mayor Walter A. Sims signs a lease on an abandoned auto racetrack and commits the City to developing it into an airfield which is to become Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Atlanta has the lowest relative business costs among the nation s top 10 largest metro areas. (KPMG, Competitive Alternatives: Guide to International Business Location, 2010) photos: Georgia Department of Economic Development 1960s Atlanta was the cradle of the U.S. Civil Rights movement and home to the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1970 Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) begins engineering a rapid rail system. 1978 Another home-grown success story The Home Depot started in Atlanta. 1975 R.E. Ted Turner s Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) went on the air. Today, the award-winning cable stations CNN, TNT, The Weather Channel and The Cartoon Network are based in Atlanta. 1980s Georgia-Pacific moved its headquarters to Atlanta, and this trend of national headquarters relocations to metro Atlanta has continued.

Government > Atlanta is the capital city of Georgia. The Capitol Dome brightens Atlanta s skyline and is layered in 43 ounces of pure gold that was mined in Dahlonega, Georgia, the site of America s first Gold Rush. > The City of Atlanta is governed by a strong mayor and a 15-member city council that is managed by the council president. > The 28 counties that make up metro Atlanta are individually governed by boards of commissioners, city councils, and mayors. > Atlanta s symbol is the Phoenix, a legendary bird of Egyptian mythology, that rose from its own ashes after the civil war with renewed strength and beauty. The seal of the city bears the Phoenix and the Latin term, Resurgens which means rising again. 250 200 150 100 50 0 Taxes > Georgia s corporate income tax is 6 percent (single factor sales tax apportionment). > State sales tax base rate is 4 percent. Localities have the option to add up to 3 percent (with the exception of the City of Atlanta with 4%). > Personal Income Tax Single Taxpayer = $230.00 + 6 percent of amount over $7,000 Married filing Separate = $170.00 + 6 percent of amount over $5,000 National Average Married filing Joint = $340.00 + 6 percent of amount over $10,000 > Property taxes are assessed locally by each county and city. The state millage rate in each county is 0.25 mills per $1000 of assessed value. Quality of Life Atlanta, GA Denver, CO Chicago, IL Boston, MA Washington, DC NYC, NY Metro Atlanta provides exceptional quality of life while maintaining affordability. Residents enjoy access to arts, culture, sports and nightlife. Metro Atlanta experiences all four seasons with cool winters, warm summers and abundant rainfall. Cost of Living Index: Select U.S. Metros 250 200 150 Metro Atlanta Maintains a Low Cost of Living 100 National Average 50 0 Atlanta, GA Denver, CO Chicago, IL Boston, MA Washington, DC NYC, NY 1991 United Parcel Service (UPS) relocates headquarters to metro Atlanta. 1996 Atlanta hosted the Centennial Olympic Games, the first time the Summer Games were held in the eastern U.S. 2000s Metro Atlanta added over 1 million people from 2000-2009. 2009 NCR and First Data relocated their headquarters to Atlanta, increasing the area s FORTUNE 500 headquarters to 12. 2010 GE Digital Energy, Smart Grid Technology Center of Excellence established in metro Atlanta. Center will provide energy solutions through R&D.

Atlanta is the best city for new college grads. (CareerBuilder LLC, 2010) photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development

Education Pre-K thru 12 Over 850,000 students are served through metro Atlanta s 38 public school systems that include over 800 elementary, middle and high schools. Metro Atlanta is also home to more than 200 private elementary and secondary schools. > Metro Atlanta has several international schools that teach in languages other than English including: German, Arabic, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese. > English-as-a-Second Language courses are available in every public school district. > Several schools also provide programming in International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP). > Georgia offers free Pre-K classes for 4-year-old children throughout the state. Post-secondary 57 colleges and universities enroll more than 220,000 students in metro Atlanta. Georgia residents have access to the HOPE scholarship program which provides free full tuition at Georgia colleges and universities. > Combined, metro Atlanta s two largest public universities, Georgia State University (GSU) and the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) enroll more than 44,000 students each year and are nationally recognized for excellence in their programs. Other large public institutions include Kennesaw State University, Southern Polytechnic State University, Clayton State University and the University of West Georgia. > The nation s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are located in the Atlanta University Center (AUC). The AUC is comprised of Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College and Spelman College. Combined these institutions enroll more than 13,000 students annually. > Metro Atlanta is also home to Emory University with graduate programs in medicine, law, engineering and business that consistently rank among the nation s top programs. Other top private schools include Agnes Scott College, Mercer University and Oglethorpe University. Combined these schools enroll over 15,000 students annually. Technical Atlanta s eight technical colleges enroll over 48,000 students a year and offer studies in more than 50 disciplines. They are a vital workforce training and retooling resource for the local business communities. > Atlanta Technical College was recently selected as the top community college in the nation. > Full tuition assistance through the HOPE grant is available to Georgia residents attending technical colleges in Georgia.

FORTUNE 500 Headquarters FORTUNE 1000 Headquarters ASBURY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Business and Industry Metro Atlanta has been recognized as an international gateway and the economic engine of the southeast. FDI magazine has ranked Atlanta the Most Business Friendly North American Major City of the Future and among the Best North American Cities of the Future for Economic Potential. Metro Atlanta has grown into a leading global logistics hub and center for supply chain management software. Atlanta is ranked 5th nationally in transportation and logistics employment. Seventy percent of the top 20 supply chain software providers have operations here. More than 300 bioscience companies have operations in metro Atlanta. With strengths in vaccine development, infectious disease and medical devices, Atlanta is often referred to as the nation s leader in Healthcare IT. Atlanta is home to the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Cancer Society and the Arthritis Foundation. Research facilities at Emory University, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Morehouse School of Medicine, University of Georgia and Georgia Health Sciences University are abundant and continue to grow. Metro Atlanta is home to technology leaders AT&T Mobility, NCR, Equifax, IBM Internet Security Systems, Siemens One, GE Technology Infrastructure, Cox Enterprises, Sony Ericsson, and Manhattan Associates. Atlanta is a high-technology center with strengths in transaction processing, digital content and distribution, software publishing, wireless, and internet security. Atlanta has been named the nation s 2nd Most Wired City and the Most Favorable U.S. City for Data Centers. Among U.S. metros, Atlanta s high-tech economy is ranked in the top ten for data processing, computer systems design, as well as architectural and engineering industries. Metro Atlanta is home to the headquarters of 27 FORTUNE 1000 companies including United Parcel Service, The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, The Southern Company, NCR and First Data. Atlanta is also home to the Sixth District Federal Reserve Bank. Internationally recognized nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity, CARE USA, American Cancer Society, and the Arthritis Foundation are headquartered here. ATLANTA

photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development Atlanta s airport ranks 2nd in the US for non-stop service to international destinations. (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, 2009) photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development photo courtesy of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Transportation Air Service The world s most-traveled airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), has 5 runways that serve more than 88 million passengers a year. > Located in the southeastern region of the United States, more than 80% of U.S. consumers can be reached from Atlanta in two flight hours or two truckload delivery days. ATLANTA Direct flights to over 156 domestic destinations and more than 80 international destinations in 50 countries. Metro Atlanta is served by 20 general aviation airports that provide ample facilities for private and corporate aircraft. Highways Three major highways (I-75, I-85, I-20) converge near the central business district. The perimeter highway (I-285) circles the city in a 62.7-mile loop. Georgia 400 is a sixlane highway providing yet another route to the city via north metro Atlanta. Atlanta s major highways contain High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes which decrease drive times during peak hours. Rail Abundant rail service makes Atlanta one of the largest inland ports in the world. > CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern each operate more than 100 freight trains in and out of Atlanta daily. > Overnight piggy-back freight service is available from the ports of Savannah and Brunswick, GA, Jacksonville, FL, New Orleans, LA and Charleston, SC. Mass Transit > Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), with bus and rail services that cover nearly 1,600 miles, has the capacity to transport nearly one million passengers daily. Cobb County Transit (CCT) & Gwinnett County Transit connect into MARTA at various points. > AMTRAK has overnight service to Washington, D.C. through Charlotte, NC and daytime service to New Orleans, LA through Birmingham, AL. > Greyhound has more than 70 buses arriving and departing daily.

photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development Outside magazine named Atlanta 3rd best city in America for cultural vibrancy, economic well-being, and overall quality of life. (Outside magazine, August 2009) photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development

Major Tourist Attractions > Atlanta Botanical Gardens Maintains plant collections for the purpose of display, education, research, conservation, and enjoyment. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org > The Carter Presidential Center The Carter Center is committed to advancing human rights and alleviating unnecessary human suffering. www.cartercenter.org > CNN Center Journey into the heart of CNN Worldwide for an exciting glimpse of news and broadcasting in action. www.cnn.com/studiotour/ > Stone Mountain Park Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park features a wide variety of fun family activities and things to do. www.stonemountainpark.com > Martin Luther King Jr. Center and National Historic Site The King Center is the official, living memorial dedicated to the advancement of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., leader of America s greatest nonviolent movement for justice, equality and peace. www.thekingcenter.org > Underground Atlanta Historic Underground Atlanta offers unique shopping, dining, history and entertainment to Atlantans and our visitors. www.underground-atlanta.com > Woodruff Arts Center Located in midtown, the Center offers Atlantans a bold variety of performing and visual arts both traditional and avant-garde. The Woodruff Arts Center includes the Alliance Theatre, High Museum of Art, Young Audiences, 14th Street Playhouse and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. www.woodruffcenter.org > The World of Coca-Cola Visit The World of Coca-Cola Atlanta and trace the history of the world s most popular soft drink. www.worldofcoca-cola.com > Zoo Atlanta A private nonprofit wildlife park and zoological trust. www.zooatlanta.org > Georgia Aquarium The world s largest aquarium with over 8 million gallons of water, right in the heart of downtown. www.georgiaaquarium.com > The Fox Theatre The historic Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta s premiere venues for live entertainment. www.foxtheatre.org Major Festivals > Atlanta Dogwood Festival > Atlanta Film Festival 365 > Atlanta Pride Festival and Parade > DragonCon > Festival Peachtree Latino > Georgia Renaissance Festival > National Black Arts Festival > Taste of Atlanta > 4th of July at Lenox Square and Centennial Olympic Park

photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development photo: D.J. Shockley, Courtesy of University of Georgia Sports Atlanta is among the top 10 Best Sports Cities. (Sporting News magazine, October 11, 2010) photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development photo: Jarrett Jack, Courtesy of Georgia Tech Sports Information

Sports Atlanta is home to six professional sports franchises: Team League Venue Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball (MLB) Turner Field Atlanta Hawks National Basketball Philips Arena Association (NBA) Atlanta Dream Womens National Basketball Philips Arena Association (WNBA) Atlanta Falcons National Football League (NFL) Georgia Dome Atlanta Thrashers National Hockey League (NHL) Philips Arena Georgia Force Arena Football The Arena at Gwinnett Center Atlanta has and continues to host major sporting events: > NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Atlanta Motor Speedway > PGA Tour Championship East Lake Golf Course > Chick-fil-A Bowl and Parade College Football > Final Four NCAA Men s Division I Basketball Tournament > SEC Championship College Football > Peachtree Road Race 10K road race Recreation Metro Atlantans have ample opportunities for both indoor and outdoor recreation: > More than 100 public, private and semi-private golf courses; over 300 golf days per year. > Several lakes Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona being the largest for fishing, swimming, and boating. > There is an abundance of recreation leagues and clubs for popular sports, such as tennis, baseball, soccer, football, basketball, cycling and running. The Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA), the second largest local tennis association in the nation with more than 80,000 members playing on over 200 public tennis courts. The Atlanta Track Club (ATC), the second largest running organization in the United States, serves runners and walkers of all ages and paces. Healthcare Metro Atlanta provides access to one of the most qualified, affordable, and efficient healthcare systems in the country. Metro Atlanta s healthcare community includes more than 90 hospitals and psychiatric care centers, over 13,000 licensed physicians and over 100,000 healthcare practitioners.

SOURCES Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau, City of Atlanta, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), International Monetary Fund, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Georgia Department of Labor, Woods & Poole Economics. Note: Southeastern U.S. as defined by BEA. History: Atlanta History Center, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, City of Atlanta, U.S. Census Bureau, FORTUNE magazine. Government: State of Georgia, City of Atlanta. Taxes: Georgia Department of Revenue. Education: Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education, Georgia Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia. Business and Industry: FDI magazine, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Georgia Department of Labor, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Power, Georgia Bio, Forbes magazine, The Milken Institute, Jones Lang LaSalle, FORTUNE magazine. Transportation: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia Power, Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Ports Authority, MARTA, AMTRAK, Greyhound. Quality of Life: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) Cost of Living Index, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Atlanta Sports Council, Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Healthcare: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor, BusinessWise. The Metro Atlanta Chamber Economic Development Division serves as an advocate and project manager on behalf of relocating or existing companies. All assistance is confidential and at no cost. EconomicDevelopment.MetroAtlantaChamber.com +1.404.880.9000