Arts as an economic engine

Best of Georgia Business Minds 2025

2025 was a busy year for Georgia business news. From manufacturing to economic development to healthcare, you tuned into nearly two dozen episodes covering the top trends and their impact on the state’s economy. As we mark the start of 2026, we pulled a couple of the top interviews from the year that was.

Made in Georgia: Rivian's Ride into Georgia

This summer, electric vehicle maker Rivian opened its East Coast Headquarters in Atlanta. A few months later, it also broke ground on a $5 billion manufacturing plant near Social Circle about 45 miles east of downtown Atlanta. Rivian CFO Claire McDonough talks about why Rivian is expanding in Georgia. Learn more about this topic: https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/feature/made-in-georgia/2025

Eliminating homelessness for youth, adults in Atlanta

On any given night in metro Atlanta, there could be close to 3,000 people experiencing homelessness. Author and journalist Brian Goldstone explains in his book, “There is no Place for Us,” that some of those experiencing homelessness are working. We also talk about the nonprofit group Covenant House and its goal to eliminate youth homelessness in the next decade.  Chapters 00:00 Ending Youth Homelessness: A Bold Vision 04:59 Understanding Housing Insecurity in Georgia 11:02 Covenant House Georgia: Services and Support 13:53 The Impact of Youth Homelessness on Communities 19:00 Business Community's Role in Ending Youth Homelessness 23:57 Optimism for the Future: A Collective Effort

Made In Georgia: The Evolution of Modern Manufacturing

Despite economic uncertainty and policy changes around tariffs, Georgia’s manufacturing sector continues to create jobs especially in automotive and aerospace which have announced expansion plans in the state. This episode takes you inside the Chronicle’s “Made in Georgia” live event for a discussion about what modern-day manufacturing looks like.  Learn more about this topic: https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/feature/made-in-georgia/2025

Arts as an economic engine

More than entertainment, arts organizations are an economic engine in Georgia. The nonprofit arts sector has an economic impact of about $1 billion. When you factor in for-profit businesses tied to the creative economy, the impact grows to as much as $30 billion or 4% of Georgia’s economy.