This article is part of a continuing series of posts on the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s council groups. Learn more about the Chamber’s work by exploring these leadership councils and the impact they have on the metro region. The previous entry covered MAC’s Bioscience Leadership Council and new innovations in digital health, hospitals, vaccines and healthcare delivery.
This article is part of a continuing series of posts on the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s council groups. Learn more about the Chamber’s work by exploring these leadership councils and the impact they have on the metro region. The previous entry covered MAC’s Bioscience Leadership Council and new innovations in digital health, hospitals, vaccines and healthcare delivery.
Chaired by Mike Sivewright, market director, JLL, MAC’s Economic Development Leadership Council meets quarterly to bring thought leaders together and discuss growth opportunities in metro Atlanta. With partners across the region, the council provides updates on developments of regional impact across metro Atlanta as well as panels of businesses that have selected Atlanta for new or expanded operations.
The third quarter meeting provided MAC board members an opportunity to experience the growth of the Atlanta film industry. The discussion highlighted the growth of Pinewood Studios and the integral role the Georgia Film Academy plays in supporting workforce needs of the film and digital entertainment industries in Atlanta.
Dan Cathy, CEO, Chick-fil-A, shared his passion for the Georgia film industry, including the news that Georgia was named the number one filming location in the world and recently generated an economic impact of $9.5 billion. Pinewood President Frank Patterson addressed how recent tax credits and the title of the second largest purpose-built studio in the U.S. drive filmmakers to choose Pinewood Atlanta Studios for their productions, including Marvel Studios.
Executive director of the Georgia Film Academy Jeff Stepakoff addressed the work the academy is doing to meet workforce demands for the growing industry. By partnering with the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia, the academy has created accredited curriculum and professional training that will provide film students a path to employment in Georgia.
Accounting for two-thirds of Georgia’s GDP, 60 percent of the state’s jobs and 55 percent of our population, metro Atlanta is a magnet for recruiting talented people and fast-growing companies. The council’s areas of focus include bioscience and health IT, global commerce, IoT, supply chain and advanced manufacturing and technology.
The next Economic Development Council meeting will be held October 18 at the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
If you have any questions on how your organization can engage with MAC, please reach out to Jack Murphy.
