PROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Georgia must create a stronger business environment that encourages new economic opportunities and better jobs. I believe that means fighting to help small and mid-size business grow so they can employ more people; fostering innovation to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit; and it means investing in our people and businesses across the state to support development and ensure stability.

It is our obligation to build a bright economic future for Georgia, and as Secretary of State I will work to secure that goal.

My economic development package includes a two pronged strategy to harness the office of Secretary of State to encourage economic growth, business development and job creation.

E-Government Business Initiative

Georgia must be seen as the state to do business in. That’s the goal of my E-Government Business Initiative - a plan to put the latest technology to work for Georgians. This initiative will making it easier for entrepreneurial Georgians to start and to operate a small business – and when business are growing, more jobs are created. By streamlining essential business functions, my plan will encourage more out-of-state investment in Georgian companies and make it easier for existing companies to expand. Most importantly, it will give folks in rural Georgia the same access the folks in Atlanta have. My E-Government Business Initiative will establish:

1. Electronic filing of documents;
2. A central location that includes all-electronic filing;
3. Full searchability of publicly filed documents; and
4. Accessible viewing and printing of publicly available corporate records.

Providing this type of online access to the services provided by the Secretary of State’s office will make starting and managing a business in Georgia simple, straightforward, and efficient. Importantly, it will provide business folks in rural Georgia access to the same services that those in urban areas have. And importantly, it will make information accessible will also provide greater transparency to make it easier for potential investors to learn about and invest in Georgia businesses.

Tax Incentives and Investment in Georgia Companies

Our economic future starts today by encouraging investment in Georgia’s small and mid-size businesses and their employees. I will work with the state legislature and the business community to propose legislation that (i) offers tax incentives to individuals and entities that invest in Georgia-based companies and (ii) permits pension funds to invest a portion of their funds in Georgia.