Georgia officials want GE to consider the state, if the company decides to move its corporate headquarters from Connecticut.

CEO Jeffrey Immelt said in an email obtained by The Associated Press that he has assembled an "exploratory team" to review the company's options to relocate to another state with a "more pro-business environment."

He cited "significant and retroactive tax increases for businesses" passed Wednesday night despite lobbying by GE.

Governor Nathan Deal’s chief of staff, Chris Riley, tells the Atlanta Journal- Constitution that the Governor spoke with company officials and will also talk to Immelt this week.

Two GE business units have their headquarters in Georgia, and the company employs more than 5,300 people in the state.

Tags: GE, Gov. Nathan Deal