"The 2012 TAG Report on the state of the technology industry in Georgia underscores the continuing shortage of skilled technologists needed to drive business success. Even with sustained high unemployment across the country, technology skills remain in high demand. We need to do more — and start doing it earlier — to raise awareness of technology as a career destination for young people. The technology field is broad spectrum and highly rewarding, both in terms of the professional challenges it offers and the financial compensation it delivers, which falls well above that of an average Georgia worker." - Tim Smith, President & COO, Thompson Technologies, Inc.

Georgia Companies in the Fortune 500

There were no changes in the rankings of Georgia's four largest companies in the Fortune 500 list for 2011. However, the restructuring in the Coca-Cola empire that shifted some bottling operations away from Coca-Cola Enterprises resulted in a new member of the Top 5. Aflac moved into the number five position as Coca-Cola Enterprises fell into the 11th spot in the list. There were no newcomers to this list in 2011, but a few others changed places in the state rankings. Aside from Aflac, Southern Company, Genuine Parts, First Data and AGCO rose higher in the list while SunTrust Banks fell one spot from eight to ninth.

Source: Fortune magazine