Augusta's labor force can flex its muscles, thanks to some added credibility from Southern Business & Development magazine.

The Birmingham, Ala.-based publication ranked Augusta among the "Top Ten Places in the South with Plenty of Talented Labor" in its spring issue.

Publisher Mike Randle said manufacturers often ask where a strong labor force exists. With Fort Gordon nearby, there's an assurance of trained workers in Augusta, he said.

With this military training, "Augusta employers are in the catbird's seat when it comes to accessing talented workers," the article states.

The article also mentions well-known companies with labor forces in Augusta. Procter & Gamble, Kellogg's and Solo/Sweetheart Cup are all cited.

The recognition sweetens the deal when it comes to recruiting new business, said Walter Sprouse, the executive director of the Development Authority of Richmond County.

"As soon as the article came out, we immediately e-mailed the results of this top 10 to all of our contacts with all of our prospects," Mr. Sprouse said.

It has yielded results, said Mr. Sprouse, who has received word from two or three consultants that represent new companies.

Augusta also ranked in the "Ten New Supersites in the South" in Southern Business & Development for Augusta Corporate Park, a 1,700-acre site zoned for offices and heavy industrial.

Reach Tony Lombardo at (706) 823-3227 or tony.lombardo@augustachronicle.com.