Our Region & Chapters

Alabama’s economy, also known as the Heart of Dixie, thrives across a wide range of industries.

With major automotive manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Hyundai, along with an extensive network of suppliers, Alabama is a hub for automotive production.

Home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and leading aerospace companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Airbus, Alabama continues to strengthen its footprint in the space industry. 

The state’s tech sector is also expanding rapidly, with companies like CGI, DST Health Solutions, and Intergraph.

Alabama is a leading producer of fertilizers, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other chemical products. The chemical industry is a key employer in the state. Wood is one of Alabama’s most lucrative exports, supported by its thriving forestry industry.

With a skilled workforce, excellent transportation infrastructure, low costs, and pro-business policies, Alabama offers compelling advantages that attract investment and help businesses thrive.

The economy of Arkansas, also known as the Natural State, is driven by several core industries.

It is home to leading aerospace companies such as Dassault Falcon Jet, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon. The aerospace sector contributes $2 billion to the state’s economy and employs over 10,000 people.

As a hub for innovation and technology, Arkansas hosts major corporations like Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt, and Acxiom. The software industry in the state generates $11 billion in revenue, with strong activity in data management, hardware, and telecommunications.

Arkansas ranks as the sixth-largest producer of natural gas, has the second-largest refining capacity, and the eighth-highest wind energy generation. The energy sector accounts for 9% of the state’s GDP and supports over 100,000 jobs.

Arkansas leads the nation in rice, poultry, and soybean production, and is also a top producer of cotton, corn, wheat, peanuts, and fruit. Agriculture employs 14% of the workforce and generates over $16 billion in revenue. With over 19 million acres of forest covering half the state, Arkansas is the ninth-largest timber producer in the U.S., with forestry generating $6 billion annually.

By leveraging its natural resources and strategic location, Arkansas offers key advantages that empower businesses in agriculture, aerospace, energy, and technology to thrive in the Natural State.

Florida’s sunny climate and natural beauty—earning it the nickname "Sunshine State"—form the foundation for several key industries.

Florida produces the majority of the nation's fruits, vegetables, tobacco, and more. This sector employs 2 million Floridians and contributes over $104 billion annually to the state’s economy.

Florida ranks second in the nation for the production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices and is home to over 46,000 healthcare facilities and research centers. As a major hub for aerospace, Florida's related activities generate an economic impact of $144 billion per year, with the Kennedy Space Center among its top employers.

Florida exports goods worth $55 billion, making it the 8th largest export state in the U.S. Its ports serve as vital gateways connecting North America with Latin America and the Caribbean.

With competitive advantages across these sectors, Florida leverages its climate, resources, and strategic location to build a strong, diversified economy.

Georgia is a land of opportunity, attracting businesses and talent from around the world. Known as The Peach State, it is home to some of the world’s most recognized companies, including Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, and UPS.

The state’s diverse economy is primarily driven by manufacturing, which accounts for 18% of Georgia’s GDP and provides jobs to over 400,000 people. Georgia's manufacturing sector spans aerospace, automotive, food processing, paper products, textiles, and chemicals.

The state is also a hub for automotive suppliers and hosts major car manufacturers such as Kia, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz.

Georgia is a national leader in the aerospace industry, with companies like Gulfstream Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, and Pratt & Whitney operating in the state. 

Additionally, Georgia is the largest U.S. producer of peanuts, pecans, and peaches, making agriculture and food processing key industries.

Georgia is also one of the world’s leading locations for film and television production, generating billions in revenue each year.

Lastly, Georgia serves as a major logistics and distribution hub, with access to key highways, rail lines, and ports. The Port of Savannah is the fourth-largest container port in the U.S., and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world.

Louisiana, also known as the Pelican State, leverages its strategic location and business advantages to drive key economic sectors forward.

With nearly 7% of its population employed in manufacturing, Louisiana produces chemicals, food products, paper goods, and more, making it a vital link in the global supply chain. The state’s location and access to major transportation networks make it an attractive hub for industry.

Louisiana’s aerospace legacy began with NASA’s early Apollo missions and has since evolved into a diverse, nationally influential sector. Today, companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and others are active in Louisiana, focusing on aircraft manufacturing, space exploration, and satellite production.

As a producer of oil, gas, and renewable energy—with extensive refineries along the Gulf Coast—the energy industry remains one of Louisiana’s economic cornerstones. 

With nearly 30,000 farms covering 8 million acres, Louisiana’s agricultural sector, led by cotton, soybeans, and catfish, contributes billions to the state’s economy.

Louisiana’s billion-dollar entertainment industry, bolstered by generous incentives, includes film production, digital media, live events, and music recording.

By capitalizing on its infrastructure, incentives, and natural advantages, Louisiana fosters growth across a range of thriving industries.

The economy of Mississippi, also known as the Magnolia State, is supported by a wide range of industries.

Manufacturing is a cornerstone of Mississippi’s economy, accounting for over 17% of the state’s GDP. Its prime location and strong transportation network have attracted companies producing everything from automobiles to aerospace components.

With more than 200 hospitals and clinics, the healthcare sector employs 15% of Mississippi’s residents. Major providers like UMMC and Baptist Memorial contribute over $20 billion annually to the state’s economy.

Mississippi’s low costs and business incentives have drawn IT companies specializing in software, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Research institutions like Mississippi State University (MSU) also drive technological innovation.

Thanks to its fertile soil and rich farmland, Mississippi’s agricultural sector thrives, producing cotton, soybeans, and catfish. Agriculture employs 29% of the workforce and is one of the state’s top export sectors.

Both traditional oil and gas producers and renewable energy providers are thriving in Mississippi. The state has long been a hub for fossil fuel refining and is now expanding into solar, wind, and energy storage.

Nicknamed the "Tar Heel State", North Carolina is home to over 10 million residents and several thriving industry hubs. 

With companies like GE Aviation, Honeywell, and Siemens, North Carolina leads in advanced manufacturing, especially aerospace components. The state's auto parts suppliers also bolster production. 

North Carolina's vibrant aerospace industry wields a $9.5 billion economic impact. Major players include GE Aviation, Honeywell, and Pratt & Whitney. 

North Carolina excels in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Key companies such as Novo Nordisk, Merck, and FUJIFILM Diosynth leverage the assets of Research Triangle Park. 

Home to tech giants like Google, Cisco, and SAS, North Carolina also draws IT firms to Research Triangle Park's resource-rich ecosystem. 

As a major East Coast finance hub, North Carolina houses banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and BB&T, plus a Federal Reserve branch. 

With a low 2.5% corporate tax rate and expertise across these sectors, North Carolina fosters prime conditions to spur business and industry innovation.

Oklahoma, nicknamed the Sooner State, leverages its central location and business advantages to drive key industries forward.

Oklahoma’s central position, low operating costs, skilled workforce, and strong supply chain have attracted major companies like GM, Ford, Toyota, Tesla, and others. The state also offers various incentive programs to further support the sector.

With over 120,000 employees, the aerospace and defense industry is Oklahoma’s largest and most diverse sector. The state hosts major maintenance and engineering facilities, extensive R&D activity, and robust education programs.

Many of the state’s universities and colleges focus on technical and related degrees—no surprise that major companies like Google, Dell, and AT&T operate here. With over 100,000 skilled professionals, Oklahoma is a leader in IT, banking, insurance, and telecommunications.

Oklahoma ranks among the top five producers of oil, natural gas, and wind energy, capitalizing on its abundant natural resources. 

The state also boasts a dynamic energy innovation ecosystem where research centers, universities, and startups collaborate on new technologies and solutions. 

Oklahoma is a top producer of wheat, cattle, poultry, and more, and supports a thriving biosciences sector with linked manufacturing and research. Agriculture contributes over $40 billion annually to the economy.

With strategic advantages across all these sectors, Oklahoma offers the infrastructure, talent, and environment that help businesses succeed.

Puerto Rico, known as the Island of Enchantment, has an economy driven by several core sectors.

In the 1940s, a major industrial sector emerged across Puerto Rico. Pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, leather goods, electronics, printing, and publishing are just some of the key manufacturing areas that contributed to this industrial rise. According to the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, the manufacturing sector currently provides around 75,600 jobs—about 8% of total employment on the island.

While agriculture plays a smaller role today, Puerto Rico still produces coffee, tobacco, and fruits. Though production has decreased over the years, the sector still generates nearly $1 billion in revenue annually.

Puerto Rico’s growing financial industry—including major banks—generates over $4 billion in annual revenue. 

With major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Merck operating locally, the biotech sector also contributes over $4 billion each year.

Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture made tourism account for over 6.5% of GDP before the pandemic.

With strengths across these sectors, Puerto Rico offers an attractive business environment despite ongoing economic challenges.

South Carolina, a gem in the Southeastern United States, offers an attractive opportunity for German companies looking to expand on American soil. With its diverse economic landscape, the state features several key industries that are ripe for investment and growth.

A standout sector is advanced manufacturing, where South Carolina shines as a leading hub. Renowned German companies can leverage the state's infrastructure and skilled workforce to establish a strong presence. Companies like BMW, Boeing, and Michelin have already recognized the state’s potential and successfully set up operations here.

In addition, the aerospace industry in South Carolina is a dynamic and lucrative sector for German businesses. With an impressive economic impact of $19 billion, the state is home to major players such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and GE Aviation. This sector not only offers numerous opportunities for collaboration but also provides access to a highly skilled aerospace workforce.

Agriculture is another promising area, as South Carolina ranks among the top producers of various raw materials. German agribusinesses can take advantage of the state’s fertile land to expand their operations and benefit from its rich resources and diverse agricultural output.

Moreover, South Carolina’s logistics and distribution sector—thanks to its strategic location and access to key transportation routes—serves as an ideal gateway for German companies looking to reach broader markets across the United States.

Tennessee, also known as the Volunteer State, boasts a diverse and thriving economy driven by key industries such as automotive manufacturing.

With major production facilities from GM, Nissan, and Volkswagen, along with a vast network of auto suppliers, Tennessee has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the automotive industry.

Tennessee is also home to a vibrant entertainment scene, supporting over 56,000 jobs across music, broadcasting, digital media, publishing, and film/TV production, with an economic impact of $10 billion.

The state’s robust agricultural sector contributes over $50 billion annually to the economy, with agricultural exports exceeding $750 million each year.

From world-renowned Tennessee whiskey to advanced kitchen appliances, products “Made in Tennessee” are globally recognized for their craftsmanship and quality.

Tennessee also leads in healthcare, with more than 900 healthcare companies headquartered in the state, including major players like HCA, Community Health, and LifePoint Health.

With competitive advantages across these core industries—supported by strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and business-friendly policies—it's easy to see why Tennessee continues to attract both domestic and international investment.

The Lone Star State, as Texas is known, boasts a vast landmass and an economy supported by a wide range of industries.

Texas is the nation’s largest producer of cattle, cotton, and sorghum, and also leads in rice, wheat, corn, peanuts, and more. Agriculture employs about 14% of the Texas workforce and generates over $100 billion annually. 

With world-renowned institutions like MD Anderson and groundbreaking R&D, the healthcare sector accounts for 12% of the state’s GDP and employs over 1.5 million Texans.

As the top U.S. producer of oil and natural gas—with extensive refineries and wind farms—the energy sector contributes 15% to Texas’ GDP and supports over 300,000 jobs.

Home to tech giants like Dell, IBM, and Texas Instruments, the state is a hub for hardware, software, telecommunications, and cloud computing companies, generating $140 billion in revenue. This has earned Austin the reputation as America’s new "Silicon Valley."

NASA’s Johnson Space Center is located in Houston, alongside major contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Boeing. The aerospace and defense industry contributes approximately $40 billion to the state’s economy.

With competitive advantages across these core sectors, Texas leverages its size, resources, and pro-business environment to deliver massive economic output.

As a U.S. territory in the Caribbean, the economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands relies heavily on tourism but also has strengths in other sectors.

A robust manufacturing industry dating back to the 1960s, a skilled local workforce, and tax incentives have attracted pharmaceutical, electronics, and rum manufacturers.

The U.S. Virgin Islands also have a growing financial services sector, with several major banks and financial institutions operating on the islands. These banks generate over $1 billion in annual revenue.

By leveraging a skilled labor pool and favorable tax climate, the islands have also attracted IT companies specializing in software, cybersecurity, and data services.

In recent years, the U.S. Virgin Islands have made significant investments in renewable energy. With abundant solar and wind resources, the territory aims to reach 60% renewable energy usage by 2025 through green energy initiatives.

Renowned for their beautiful beaches and historical landmarks, the islands rely heavily on tourism. According to the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority, tourism accounts for about 60% of the territory’s GDP and employs over 7,000 people.

Despite their small size, the U.S. Virgin Islands offer key advantages that support economic diversification and long-term growth potential.