by C.J. Gustafson
ComputerSchools.com Contributing Writer
June 13, 2005
In 1733, Georgia became the 13th American colony when General James Oglethorpe and his group of colonists landed along the Savannah River. They founded a city named Savannah, with the purpose of increasing trade and helping to protect South Carolina from the advancing Spanish. Developing a friendly relationship with the local Yamacraw Indians, Oglethorpe paved the way for peaceful expansion of the city. He also was responsible for the layout of the new settlement, making Savannah the first planned city in the U.S. The design incorporated wide streets and 24 squares with public parks and natural areas, of which 21 still exist.
Today, the city comprises 65.1 square miles and is home to nearly 132,000 people. It is a charming city with a large historical district, coastal estuaries and waterways, and plenty of southern hospitality and culture.
From Cotton to Computers
Although Savannah was occupied by the British during the Revolutionary War, it settled into cosmopolitan prosperity in the years that followed. The driving economic force of that time was the cotton industry fueled by fertile soil and the labor provided by African slaves. Other important industries sprang from the cotton industry, including banking and transportation. Savannah was, and still is, an important port for trade.
After the Civil War, cotton declined in prominence due to lack of labor and a boll weevil infestation that damaged many crops. Since that time, Savannah has become home to Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart military bases. Together, the two bases employee more than 42,000 people. It also is home to numerous businesses that employ individuals with computer training.
Services, health and manufacturing sectors are the top three industry sectors. According to the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, these three industries "account for a total of 50 percent of the employment in the Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is comprised of Chatham County and neighboring Effingham and Bryan counties." In the manufacturing field alone, there are over 250 companies that together employ over 15,000 workers. Gulfstream Aerospace, a manufacturer of business aircraft, is the areas largest private employer with over 4,300 staff.
Diverse Technology Base
These types of industries provide exciting employment opportunities for people with computer technology training. In addition to skilled networking and computer support staff, there is a need for computer-aided designers (CAD), computer engineers, programmers, security specialists, and others with technology training.
Savannah also has a healthy base of companies directly involved in technology and knowledge-based enterprises. As described by the Savannah Economic Development Authority, "We have a plethora of cool creative and technology companies; there are more than 300 small to large knowledge-based businesses already contributing to the economy of the coastal region. When you start or expand a creative or technical business in Savannah, you can be assured that the resources you need are here."
The city has several resources and organizations committed to supporting existing technology companies and encouraging new development. Savannah is home to one of Georgia's Advanced Technology Development Centers (ATDC), which "provides entrepreneurs with funding, business expertise, and other resources to bring new innovations to market." Coastal Business, Education and Technology (CBETA) and the Savannah IT Professionals Association are two more resources in the area related to technology development and employment.
The Creative Coast
In fact, the Savannah area has made technology business development a top priority, establishing an initiative known as The Creative Coast, which works to bring more high-wage, creative and technology businesses. That initiative grew into a division of the Savannah Economic Development Authority and has become a mindset for many of the business professionals and governmental agencies in the city.
Technology Training & Education
As part of the efforts to build on the existing technology base, Savannah colleges have developed numerous programs and degrees in computer science and related fields. Students can gain training in Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer Animation/Computer Graphics, Web Design and Development, Computer Programming and Security, Networking, Information Technology, and Computer Repair. Several degree programs also prepare students for Microsoft certification in a number of different areas.
Students can attend technical colleges or universities such as Armstrong Atlantic State University, Department of Computer Science, Savannah State University, Department of Engineering & Technology, and South University's Savannah campus.
Savannah is a coastal city that embodies much of what we think of as typical southern atmosphere. It has sultry summer weather, beautiful tree-lined avenues, historical architecture and landmarks, and warm hospitality. It also has cutting edge computer and information technology businesses, a strong base of secondary technology companies and several excellent educational facilities to help prepare students for careers in computer-related fields.
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