As you will see in this issue of our newsletter, this year's Manufacturing Appreciation Week was the most successful ever. More than 750 people joined in this sixth annual luncheon, tours of area schools and companies, and two days of networking among economic developers and businesses from across the state.

Our education system is burgeoning as well. As you've probably heard, 18 of our Technical Institutes have just become Technical Colleges. This is the first phase of some positive changes for our schools that are a part of Governor Barnes' Education Reform Act, which he signed into practice recently. It is part of an on-going effort here at the Department of Technical and Adult Education to present students with an attractive, viable education option that puts them directly on an employment track. Governor Barnes and Lieutenant Governor Taylor joined us in an exciting tour across the state in early July to initiate these changes.

Lastly, as you peruse this issue of our newsletter and learn about some of the projects in which Quick Start has been involved, I'd like you to keep in mind the many economic developers who serve as our partners. One such partner is Georgia Power, who played a key role in bringing $1.2 billion in new capital investment projects and 12,000 new jobs into Georgia in 1999. Site Selection Magazine ranked Georgia Power's Economic Development Group as one of the top ten best in the world in its June issue. Congratulations, Georgia Power!