Loading...Georgia Chamber Hosts Largest Congressional Luncheon Ever
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More than 1,400 business and community leaders gathered at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry on Wednesday, August 11, 2004, for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Congressional Luncheon. The event set a new attendance record and it gave Georgia Congressional representatives Sanford Bishop, Max Burns, Johnny Isakson and Denise Majette a chance to speak to Georgians face to face.
The commanders from Georgia’s 13 military installations were invited to take part in the event, which saluted the strong relationship between the business community and the armed forces. Georgia Chamber President & CEO George Israel said the military has put Georgia to work over the years. “Besides the men and women who serve every day to protect our country, there are countless civilians employed on our bases,” Israel said. “And the combined payroll of more than $5 billion is an integral part of our economy.”
Georgia Chamber Chair Phil Jacobs opened the program and thanked the business community for its support. “Last year, I said I didn’t know how we would top our previous efforts, but thanks to you, we have set a new record for the largest Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon with more than 1,400 people,” Jacobs said.
In his welcome, State Senator Ross Tolleson, of Perry, thanked the group for visiting his hometown. Georgia Chamber President & CEO George Israel expressed his appreciation for the military, saying, “Georgia is a vital part of the nation’s defense complex. Each of the bases are an economic engine for the community in which they are located.”
Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-2nd District) spoke to the group about the role of Georgia’s military bases in defending the country. Bishop talked about how response levels have changed in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks. He said 13% of Georgians owe their employment directly to the military. Bishop told the crowd that the support offered by people at home was a help to troops around the world. “I commend the Georgia Chamber for hosting this event so we can thank those who keep us safe each day,” Bishop said.
In her remarks, Rep. Denise Majette (D-4th District) thanked the group and praised her colleagues for the work they do representing Georgians. Majette spoke of her own experiences with veterans. “As the daughter of a World War II vet and the niece of someone who served in Korea, I know the sacrifices our troops make.” Majette commented on the importance of the upcoming base realignment and talked about her efforts to help military families.
Rep. Johnny Isakson (R-6th District) paid tribute to the volunteers and professionals in the business community. Isakson talked about American soldiers who serve overseas and their commitment to protecting the nation. “The money put into Georgia’s economy by the military is wonderful, but the peace and security they provide, as the MasterCard commercial says, are priceless,” Isakson said. The Georgia Chamber, local chambers, community leaders and legislators are showing how important bases are to communities, he concluded.
During his comments, Rep. Max Burns (R-12th District) said Georgia has never been in better shape to host military operations. Burns talked about how the nation can better serve the needs of veterans, including the Veteran’s Administration and widow’s benefits. He discussed the Eisenhower Interstate System and its role in national security and a plan to build a new highway from Savannah to Knoxville, Tennessee. “I will pledge to work locally and nationally to ensure that the future is bright for the military and business alike,” Burns said.
Israel was proud to see such a large crowd gathered for the Luncheon. “Seeing this many people on hand is proof that the business community in Georgia is serious about growing and it shows how much we appreciate the state’s outstanding business environment,” Israel said.
Sponsors of the Congressional Luncheon included: (Gold) Delta Air Lines, The Telegraph (Macon), the Perry Area Chamber & Perry Convention and Visitors Bureau, (Silver) AGL Resources, ALLTEL, BellSouth, Butler Automotive Group, Cox Catering, Georgia’s Electric Membership Corporations, Georgia Power, Houston County Development Authority, Lockheed Martin, Mercer University, Miller Brewing Company, Northrop Grumman, Parrish Construction Group, Perdue Farms Inc., Stokes, Bush & Barnes, Synovus, Verizon Wireless, (Community Sponsors) CB&T Bank of Middle Georgia, Davis Oil Company, Gilmer Warehouse & Logistics, Graphic Packaging, Houston Healthcare, JMA Architecture, Perry Dental Associates and the Warner Robins Area Chamber.
