March 21, 2017
by Jere W. Morehead, President
With an estimated $5.25 billion impact on the state’s economy, the University of Georgia is more invested than ever before in helping businesses and communities succeed in our state. The University contributes to Georgia’s economic vitality in a number of ways, from translating faculty research into innovative products for the market to helping entrepreneurs start new businesses.
Many of the programs that positively impact our state’s economy are housed in UGA’s Public Service and Outreach (PSO) division. The Small Business Development Center, for example, operates 17 offices across the state and has helped Georgians start more than 1,400 new businesses and create nearly 12,000 jobs over the past five years alone. Downtown revitalization projects coordinated by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government are strengthening the downtown economies of cities around Georgia, such as Ringgold and Rossville.
Professional development programs through PSO also promote prosperity in our state. The Georgia Certified Economic Developer Program, for example, offers business training to economic development professionals that is tailored to meet the unique needs of their communities. The Georgia Center for Continuing Education provides a wide variety of classes in which employees can gain new skills and valuable knowledge to help their organizations excel in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.
At the University of Georgia, we know that the success of our institution and the success of our home state go hand in hand. As we look to the future, we are excited about the opportunity to continue promoting economic vitality in Georgia.