On Oct. 29, 2024, the Atlanta Business League hosted a timely panel discussion at The Gathering Spot, bringing together distinguished community and leaders, as well as technology experts, to discuss the transformative impact artificial intelligence (AI) is having on Georgia. Sponsored by Google, the event highlighted how businesses of all sizes can leverage AI to address various challenges, including pressing workforce shortages, contributing to a brighter future for the Peach State.
As Georgia continues establishing itself as a leading hub for business and technology, it faces a critical challenge: a substantial shortfall in available workers. Current data indicates that for every 100 job openings in Georgia, only 63 workers are available to fill them. This translates to a collective deficit of 106,000 workers across various sectors, a gap threatening the state’s economic growth and prosperity.
Providing answers on how AI could help to fill those gaps, the discussion featured prominent leaders, including:
- Larry Williams, President and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia
- Dar’Shun Kendrick, Georgia House of Representatives
- Charles Pierre, Principal Investigator, AIHUB@CAU, Clark Atlanta University
- Kimberly N. West, CEO, Magnum Opus Consulting
The experts detailed how AI can help mitigate these shortages. They discussed how automation through AI-powered tools can boost productivity and streamline operations for companies of all sizes across critical industries. They also addressed policymakers’ role in shaping AI’s innovation, emphasizing the importance of passing balanced legislation that creates sensible guardrails without stifling the innovation that many find invaluable.
“This event was so well received, that members have been asking for more on this important topic,” said Atlanta Business League President & CEO Leona Davenport. “Since its inception in 1933, the ABL has earned the support and respect of business and civic leadership for creating an environment that affords increased communications and partnering opportunities for and between minority and majority businesses. Events like these are what help our members thrive.”
The forum underscored the importance of AI as a critical tool for businesses, particularly small enterprises. The panel reassured that the immediate benefits of AI adoption are already making a significant difference in Georgia’s key industries, from healthcare to agriculture.
Georgia’s proactive approach, supported by its leading academic institutions and organizations like the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), positions the state as a frontrunner in AI implementation. Yet, as the panelists highlighted, ensuring equitable access and training to this revolutionary innovation is vital to ensure that all of Georgia’s workforce is prepared to take on a role that leverages AI.
The Atlanta Business League is committed to hosting dialogues like these to ensure everyone has a space to hear and discuss AI’s possibilities. As we look to overcome equity and diversity gaps in AI use, the Atlanta Business League is steadfast in its aim to create programs that will help give underserved communities in Atlanta the necessary hands-on experience with AI that they will need for the future.
For those interested in the intersection of technology and workforce development, the insights shared during this forum offer valuable perspectives on how AI reshapes the future of work in Georgia.
You can view the full presentation here.
About Atlanta Business League
Atlanta Business League provides economic empowerment and business development opportunities for minorities throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area with specific emphasis on the development of African-American businesses.
Since its inception in 1933, the Atlanta Business League has served as one voice for small businesses, using their collective power to influence the course of events politically and socially at all levels, including government, business, and civic communities. As challenges present themselves to the entrepreneur, the Atlanta Business League continues to meet them head-on.
