Gov. Perdue announced today that Georgia was recently recognized for its strength in economic development with a Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine. The editors of Area Development magazine award the Gold Shovel each year to the state that creates the most jobs and secures the highest amount of investment in new and expanded facilities. Editors approached all 50 states to request verifiable information about the top 10 job creation and investment projects for 2006. The magazine focused on projects that broke ground during the year.

"Winning an award like the Gold Shovel clearly demonstrates Georgia's economic development partners, both public and private, are working as a team with a common purpose," said Perdue. "Georgia has created the right environment for companies to grow and prosper now and into the future."

Five factors were considered for the award: job creation numbers, new jobs per capita, amount of investment, number of new facilities, and number of projects creating quality jobs. Runners-up received the Silver Shovel award.

Among the companies that broke ground in Georgia in 2006 were Kia, AirTran, Gulfstream and ADP. These four companies alone will create almost 7,900 jobs and invest around 2.8 billion in their new or expanded operations.

The magazine also cited Georgia's strengths in the automotive industry in its June/July issue. More than 385 auto and vehicle-related companies have a presence in Georgia, employing more than 55,400 people.

"When it comes to automotive manufacturing, assembly, and parts distribution, Georgia is a big-time player," wrote Area Development reporter Mike Crawford.

Founded in 1965, Area Development covers corporate site selection and relocation. For more information, go to www.areadevelopment.com.