Release Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2000

NEW STATISTICAL BOOK LOOKS AT BUSINESS IN GEORGIA BY THE NUMBERS

ATHENS, Ga. — The most extensive book of business statistics published in Georgia is now available for 2000, accompanied for the first time by a special CD-ROM.

The Georgia Statistical Abstract, published every two years by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business, contains economic and demographic information ranging from consumer prices to crop yields.

"The new CD-ROM format gives users the option of a having an electronic version of the abstract, with downloadable Excel and text files for all of the tables, which they can manipulate to suit their needs," said editor Lorena Akioka. "The CD-ROM also includes files for the Selig Center's most-requested data series on buying power. The buying power series, spanning 1990 to 2001, provides disposable income data broken down by racial and ethnic groups for all 50 states and every county in Georgia."

The indexed volume provides statistical information for every county and metropolitan area in Georgia. Wherever useful, the abstract also lists figures for neighboring states and the nation for comparison.

"The book is useful to anyone who needs economic and demographic data about Georgia," Akioka said. "We think it is particularly useful to business owners, business analysts, researchers, media, students, libraries and chambers of commerce."

In addition to several sections on the state's economic resources, the reference book includes chapters on law enforcement, natural resources and transportation. And many pages of statistics come from unpublished sources "because more and more government agencies are not widely distributing the data they collect," Akioka said.

The cost for the book and CD-ROM is $50, plus local sales tax. To order, call 706-542-4085 or send payment to the Selig Center for Economic Growth, UGA Terry College of Business, Brooks Hall, Athens, Ga., 30602. An order form is also available online at www.selig.uga.edu.

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