Georgia's Pro-Business Policies Deliver: CRH Invests $1.7M, Creating 300+ Jobs

Georgia just landed a major score. CRH, a global titan in building materials, is pouring $1.7 million into a new Finance & Accounting Shared Services Center in metro Atlanta, promising over 300 high-quality jobs. This isn’t just a corporate press release; it’s a loud signal that Georgia’s pro-business strategy is paying off. Governor Brian Kemp’s leadership has turned the state into a magnet for companies that value stability, talent, and growth.

The announcement comes at a time when businesses are rethinking where to plant their flags. With CRH choosing Roswell for its new hub, Georgia is proving it can compete on the global stage. The state’s low taxes, streamlined regulations, and skilled workforce are a beacon for firms like CRH, which could have set up shop anywhere. This move underscores a broader truth: when government gets out of the way, businesses thrive, and workers win.

CRH’s decision to anchor its Americas Materials Solutions finance operations in Atlanta is no accident. The company, employing nearly 80,000 people across 28 countries, sees Georgia as a launchpad for efficiency and growth. Its new center will streamline financial operations, leveraging metro Atlanta’s deep talent pool in finance and technology. By 2029, CRH expects to have 1,400 employees in Georgia, a testament to the state’s ability to attract and retain global players.

This isn’t just about jobs; it’s about the kind of jobs. These are high-skill, well-paying roles in finance and accounting, the kind that anchor families and fuel local economies. Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson hit the nail on the head: the city’s top-tier schools, safe neighborhoods, and tight-knit community make it a perfect fit for businesses and residents alike. CRH’s investment will ripple outward, boosting local businesses and raising median incomes, much like Amazon’s service centers have done elsewhere, increasing household earnings by 2.2% in host counties.

Some argue that heavy-handed government incentives or regulations are the key to luring businesses. They’re wrong. Georgia’s success stems from a lean, targeted approach. The state offers tax credits and workforce training programs that actually work, not bloated subsidies that burden taxpayers. Southern states like Georgia and Tennessee consistently outrank others in business incentives because they focus on measurable outcomes, not political photo ops.

Contrast this with places where red tape and high taxes choke growth. Companies flee urban centers with sky-high costs and overregulation, a trend amplified by remote work’s rise. Office occupancy in major U.S. cities is still 30–50% below pre-pandemic levels, as firms seek suburban or secondary cities like Roswell. Georgia’s model proves that less government meddling, not more, creates the conditions for economic dynamos like CRH to flourish.

CRH’s shared services center is part of a global trend transforming local job markets. The SSC market, valued at $51 billion in 2023, is growing at a blistering 16% annually. These hubs centralize functions like finance and IT, driving efficiency and creating high-skill jobs. In Georgia, CRH’s center will not only employ hundreds directly but also spark indirect growth in construction, hospitality, and small businesses, mirroring the broader impact of SSCs worldwide.

Yet, there’s a catch. Critics warn that automation and AI could trim long-term job growth in lower-skill roles. That’s why Georgia’s focus on education and workforce development is critical. The state’s universities and colleges churn out talent ready for the jobs of tomorrow, giving companies like CRH a competitive edge. This synergy between business and education is why metro Atlanta keeps winning, while other regions struggle to keep up.

CRH’s move also highlights the building materials sector’s complex dance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) demands. The industry, responsible for 37% of global carbon emissions, faces pressure to go green. CRH is stepping up, with sustainable products driving a chunk of its revenue, much like Saint-Gobain’s 73% sustainable sales in 2023. But let’s be real: heavy-handed ESG mandates often burden businesses without delivering results. Georgia’s balanced approach lets companies innovate without suffocating under regulatory overreach.

Still, the push for sustainability isn’t just window dressing. Firms with strong ESG metrics enjoy a 10–15% valuation premium, and green buildings command higher asset values. CRH’s investment in Georgia signals confidence in a market that rewards practical, market-driven solutions over ideological crusades. The state’s business-friendly policies ensure companies can meet ESG goals without sacrificing profitability or jobs.

CRH’s investment is a case study in what happens when policy prioritizes people over bureaucracy. Georgia’s low-tax, low-regulation environment, paired with strategic incentives, has made it the No. 1 state for business. Governor Kemp’s collaborative approach, backed by local leaders like Fulton County’s Robb Pitts and the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s Katie Kirkpatrick, creates a ecosystem where global giants and local communities both thrive.

This isn’t a one-off. The state’s ability to attract firms like CRH reflects a broader vision: economic growth that lifts everyone. As shared services centers and remote work reshape the global economy, Georgia is poised to lead, offering a model for other states to follow. The message is clear: trust in free markets, invest in talent, and let businesses do what they do best.