The report from Georgia State University's Economic Forecasting Center says Augusta is the only metro area to add jobs this year.

With 2,400 new positions, employment is up 1.8 percent over last year.

Director Rajeev Dhawan credits growth in the medical industry and construction at Plant Vogtel for Augusta’s success.

He says while other areas are also looking good the outlook for the entire state isn’t.

"Nice things are happening in Augusta, nice things are happening in Columbus, the KIA plant is coming, Savannah is doing very well…but compared to the Atlanta Metro Area, which is a 4 million plus area, these things don’t make that much of a difference."

Dhawan says employment in Georgia is down 1.5 percent from last year.

He says Augusta will continue to grow and along with Savannah and Athens help push the state into positive job growth starting next year.

Tags: economy, jobs, Georgia State University, unemployment, Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, job growth, economic forecast