The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) has been designated as one of the top 10 economic development organizations in the nation, according to Site Selection Magazine.

The magazine, which reaches some 45,000 executives in the relocation business and is distributed nationally, recently released its fifth annual 'Best to Invest Top U.S. Groups' rankings for economic development activity in 2012.

In the rankings report, MAC was noted for economic development leadership and for its long track record of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. Georgia ranked among the top five for the magazine's annual Competitiveness Award.

"This ranking speaks to the growing strength of Atlanta's overall economy and all that our region has to offer businesses," said MAC President Sam A. Williams . "This report also speaks to the dedication and expertise of our MAC staff. Our industry cluster leaders and professional staff  have decades of experience and industry knowledge when it comes to recruiting and growing companies. We also have complimentary industry committees and councils focused on supporting and growing our key industries with the goal of creating jobs."

The Site Selection report marks the second time in six years that MAC has been ranked a top 10 economic development organization. All top groups demonstrated a resiliency to bounce back from previous economic setbacks, the magazine said. Metro Atlanta job growth has been steadily growing in the last two years with projections for additional job growth in 2013.

"MAC plays an essential role in creating job growth by attracting top companies to our region, helping existing companies expand and giving entrepreneurs and startups the necessary tools for success here in Atlanta," said Dave Stockert , CEO of Post Properties Inc. and Chair of MAC's Economic Development Committee. "MAC brings together the key leadership necessary to create catalysts for business partnerships and coalitions that can drive growth and prosperity."

Metro Atlanta also consistently ranks top in the nation for entrepreneurial activity, attracting top talent, world-class universities, number of Fortune 500 companies and low cost of doing business. In the past two years MAC has helped to recruit 150 new company operations to metro Atlanta.

 Economic development groups were ranked by Site Selection Magazine according to four objective categories: new jobs, new jobs per 10,000 residents, new investment amount and new investment per 10,000 residents. Then they were scrutinized for more subjective attributes, among them innovation, leadership and customer service.

The annual Competitiveness Award goes to the state with the most points earned in a 10-factor index based mainly on Site Selection publisher Conway Data Inc.'s New Plant Database of new and expanded facilities. For 2012 performance, Texasscored 414 points. Indiana (411), Georgia (409.5), Tennessee (403.5) and North Carolina (385) round out the top five.