The Georgia Creative Champion of 2023 has been awarded to Pat Wilson, the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Each year, the committee honors an individual who has significantly contributed to the forward motion of Georgia’s creative industries at the Georgia Entertainment 100 event hosted by Skillshot Media. 

“On behalf of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Pat’s efforts to recruit investment for new and expanding businesses in Georgia is known to all. The state continues to set records for job creation while investing in world-renowned workforce development programs,” said Georgia Entertainment’s President, Randy Davidson. “But tonight we want to acknowledge his contributions and hard work championing Georgia’s creative industries. Together with the talented team at the GDEcD, Georgia is not only the top state to do business but recognized around the world as an entertainment powerhouse.” 

As film, television, virtual reality, and many other creative art forms continue to evolve, Georgia’s entertainment industry is a booming environment, generating roughly $30 billion in yearly revenue and creating 150,000 jobs.

“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and Georgia’s position as a leader in the creative industries and global film production is the result of years of hard work from our dedicated team and many key partners,” explained Wilson. “I’m absolutely honored to receive this award on behalf of the team at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Our continued success in film, game development, and entertainment is vital to the overall health and diversity of our economy. Many thanks to our partners across our broad creative economy and in communities around the state who work every day to make us the best place to live, work, raise a family – and film a movie.”  

This year’s Georgia Entertainment 100 event connected north of 600 business leaders from across the globe, facilitating discussion on how to welcome new business to the Peach State as its creative industries thrive.