The Georgia Competitiveness Initiative (GCI)(http://www.georgiacompetitiveness.org/) is conducting summits in 12 regions of the State during the months of June, July and August in order to assist Governor Deal in the development of a long-term strategy for economic development. I attended the Region 3 (Atlanta) Summit on Monday, July 18, at the Georgia Tech Conference Center. The following is a summary of the summit:

- Tad Leithead, Chairman of the Atlanta Regional Commission, provided the welcome and introductory remarks. Tad noted in particular the recent decision by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding access to water from Lake Lanier; the important upcoming referendum on the transportation initiative; and the anticipated opening of the new international terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in April 2012. He also noted the continuing influx of people to the metro Atlanta region, presenting important opportunities and challenges regarding provision of places to live, work and shop.

- Tad was followed by Craig Lesser, representing the Governor’s Georgia Competitiveness Initiative Steering Committee. Craig challenged the group with the need for a single-minded, state-wide strategy. He confirmed that “nothing is off the table,” and that the Governor would be listening carefully to the results of these 12 regional meetings.

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