'Business to Business' Focuses on Impact of Dropout Rate

The Atlanta-based business monthly has taken a close look in its April edition at how the state's dropout rate affects economic development.  Dr. Steve Dolinger, the Partnership's president, is the primary source for the report.  Give it a read.

Business and the Georgia Partnership  -  The roots of the Georgia Partnership are in the business community as it was established in 1990 as a joint effort between the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Economic Developers Association in an effort to better focus on education issues.  Now, 18 years later, the Partnership is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization that still maintains a close and strong working relationship with the business community.

The Partnership is an affiliate member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and serves as its education advisor.  Dr. Steve Dolinger, the organization's president, is an advisory member of Governor Sonny Perdue's Alliance of Education Agency Heads that brings the leaders of seven state education agencies together to better pool expertise and resources.  Dolinger's primary responsibility is to team with a representative of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce to advise Alliance members on education issues from the business perspective.

In 2004, the Georgia Partnership and the Georgia Chamber joined to produce the "Economics of Education" briefing that raised awareness on the importance of public education when it comes to individual and collective prosperity.  The presentation was initially given in twelve cities across the state and over the past three years has been given more than 60 times.  Using a report authored by Georgia Southern University as the basis of the presentation, business audiences were presented dollars and cents facts and figures that showed them what they had to gain - and lose - when it came to things like graduation and dropout rates, post-secondary education participation numbers, early childhood education and teacher quality.

Several communities - Elbert and Troup Counties for example - not only listened intently but took the next step by formally energizing their business communities to get involved with their education systems.  The Partnership has worked closely with them in facilitating their efforts.  A replication manual was created after the Elbert County efforts and is available here to other communities interested in follwing their footsteps.  The How Tos of Community Planning brochure was created as a quick read of this process and is also available here on the Web site.

Now, three years later, the Georgia Partnership and the Georgia Chamber are once again taking to the road to provide an updated "Economics of Education" presentation.  The offer to work directly with community leaders remains on the table.  For more information about the program or to schedule an Economics of Education briefing, contact the Partnership.

Economics of Education Briefing

Current Briefing Schedule

Community Coaches Program

The "How To's" of Community Planning
Replication Manual
The 'How To's' of Community Planning Brochure  - First Edition
Planning Brochure - Second Edition (New)
Request a Briefing/Planning Support

Education IS Economics
An informative collection of articles from around the U.S. that emphasize how important education is to the economic vitality of our nation.

What are Other States Doing
New Hampshire  -  Recognizing that the state needs to do more to recruit and retain the valuable skills of young workers, Governor John Lynch has issued an executive order establishing the Task Force for Retention and Recruitment of a Young Workforce. (March 2008)

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