Immediate Action for A Strong Economic Recovery By Chris Clark, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber of Commerce
In 2008, I was called to Governor Perdue’s office, given the responsibility of Commissioner for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and immediately challenged to build a budget that would cut spending by 40%. Like all agency heads during the early days of the Great Recession, we worked hard to steward the public dollars while protecting employees, citizens, and in our case, Georgia’s incredible environment. And not only did we survive, we also laid a foundation for the future.
A few years later, working closely with Governor Deal and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Chamber spent a year making recommendations to cut taxes and regulations that would spur the economic recovery. This action led to Georgia being named the best place to do business for seven consecutive years.
Today, Governor Kemp, agency heads and the general assembly must compress that 4-year timeframe into a few months. They must cut state spending when people need government most, while simultaneously finding ways to ignite private sector job creation and unlock the power of free enterprise. It is an unenviable position that can result in unintended consequences. Some will seek to grow the economy through renewed focus on innovation, creativity, and small business start-ups. Others will seek to burden companies with higher taxes or more regulations. But, in the end, the clear and objective perspectives of our leaders will be what guide us through recovery.
The general assembly has taken important steps in recent years to expand Georgia’s tax base which will pay dividends in the long term. Now, we should focus on improving the growth opportunities for companies and getting people back to work. So, what should we do to unleash the power of Georgia ingenuity and improve the resiliency of Georgia corporations?
The Georgia Chamber is proud to stand in support of effective legislation that will foster a recoverable economic environment leading to a stronger and more resilient future. Priorities for the remaining 2020 Legislative Session include:
Legal Liability Protections – The state must enact strong and sure safe harbors related to COVID-19 that protect businesses from frivolous lawsuits which result in the single greatest deterrent to our recovering business climate. Our healthcare systems have been strained and the idea of “global pandemic” is now a full-on reality. Add these factors to being recently named the 9th worst state in the nation for judicial liability, and we must move quickly to create immediate liability protections.
Hate Crimes Legislation – As Georgia marches to a brighter, more equal future, positive change through effective hate crimes legislation is, without a doubt one, of the most critically needed steps. Our state must take a stand against racial inequality and walk toward inclusion, change and a better Georgia. Visit passhatecrimesga.com to learn more.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection – As innovation accelerates, it offers opportunities as well as significant risks to an economy that shifts to deeper digital integration. Legislation is needed to protect businesses from hackers, strengthen our infrastructure to reach that last-mile, and protect our rural businesses from isolation and assured demise. Licensure Flexibility – Recognizing licensed healthcare professionals across state lines, especially in today’s post-COVID economy, is critical to our system’s ability to serve and preserve the well-being of all Georgians. Allowing flexibility to employ licensed professionals from other states in critical-need areas will expedite economic recovery and get more Georgians back to work.
Preservation of Entertainment Tax Credits – As one of Georgia’s most rapidly growing industries, the film and entertainment sector employs tens of thousands of citizens locally and generates $9.5 billion in economic impact. For job creation, retention and stability, the preservation of these tax credits is an absolute must for the thousands of small businesses and contractors that support this industry around the state.
Reconstitution of the Freight & Logistics Commission and Private Financing of Infrastructure Committee – Deemed one of the most essential services during our global pandemic, the freight & logistics industry has proven to be one of the most critical needs in our state and one of the most important components to supply chain, manufacturing, agriculture and other key industries. The reconstitution of this commission to lead and manage the growth of this vital sector will be imperative to the state’s collective economic recover. Roads must be maintained, new roads built, public transit infused with new ideas and workable plans derived and implemented. Continued focus on private financing of infrastructure to examine where and how these projects get done is paramount to our collective future.
As the session reconvenes, we look for our leaders to consider these key priorities and how each one builds on the other to create a more resilient economy with solid and learned foundations that guide us to a brighter future.
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Granite Headstones
Elberton Georgia has been producing granite headstones since 1900, and 2/3 of all the granite headstones made in America, come from Elberton.
Blue Bird Vision Electric School Bus
The Blue Bird electric school bus first appeared at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and was reintroduced to the market in 2018. There are more than 4,000 Blue Bird electric school buses in the United States today. An ideal EV use case application, electric school buses provide sustainable transportation, reduce emissions, and showcase cutting-edge engineering. Blue Bird's electric school bus is a powerful statement about Fort Valley and Peach County’s contribution to a sustainable future and their enduring legacy of manufacturing excellence. Blue Bird was founded in Fort Valley in 1927 and has remained a Georgia business for almost 100 years.
BellaTori 4-4-0 Train
This miniature train takes children (parents, too) on imaginative rides all around. And those rides are taken all over the world. The BellaTori train is manufactured in Statham, Georgia, and shipped worldwide. BellaTori is locally owned, and customizes and manufactures model trains to their customer's requirements.
2027 Kia Telluride
The all-new 2027 Kia Telluride is more than just an SUV. It’s a Georgia milestone on wheels. Assembled in West Point by thousands of hard-working Georgians, it’s not only the first hybrid vehicle ever produced in the state, but also the 5 millionth vehicle to roll off Kia Georgia’s assembly line. The 2027 Telluride builds on the legacy of one of America’s most awarded SUVs, combining innovation, quality, and pride in every detail. From the Kia Georgia plant floor to roads across America, Telluride shows what this state can do. Telluride: America’s Favorite SUV. Georgia’s Favorite Flex.
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
What makes Oyster truly unique is its commitment to preserving a rare American craft while drawing international attention to Georgia manufacturing. Anglers, collectors, and students travel from around the world to Blue Ridge to purchase rods and attend Oyster’s renowned rod-making classes. Every rod is handcrafted in Georgia, often requiring dozens of hours of detailed work, and the company has earned recognition from major publications and outdoor enthusiasts alike for its exceptional quality and artistry.
Elysian Parfum - Fairest of Them All
Crafted in Atlanta by the artisan team at Elysian Parfum, Fairest of Them All transforms the Snow White fairytale into an award-winning fragrance experience. This fruity-floral gourmand opens with bright red apple and pear before unfolding into rich caramel and coffee, settling into a soft, mysterious finish that evolves from innocent to dangerously enchanting. Made entirely in-house by a perfumer-owned family business, every bottle reflects Georgia creativity, craftsmanship, and imagination. After earning international recognition at London’s Niche Show, Fairest of Them All is turning Atlanta into a destination for world-class fragrance innovation, one bottle at a time.
OdoBan® Original Eucalyptus Concentrate
OdoBan® is a Georgia-made cleaning and odor-control staple from Clean Control. The concentrated Original Eucalyptus formula is a deodorizer, disinfectant, mildewstat, virucide and sanitizer that also works as a multi-purpose cleaner, air freshener and laundry refresher. One gallon makes up to 32 gallons of solution, giving homes, businesses and facilities a practical way to clean, deodorize and disinfect. From pet odors and laundry to public restrooms, offices, hotels, buses and restoration work, OdoBan shows how a Georgia product can solve everyday problems at serious scale.
Gulfstream G700
The Gulfstream G700 represents the pinnacle of business aviation excellence. The aircraft combines the industry’s most spacious cabin with record-setting performance and an award-winning interior, offering a maximum speed of Mach 0.935 and maximum range of 7,750 nm (14,535 km). The industry flagship continues to deliver key wins, recently completing its 100th customer delivery and 100th city-pair speed record. Produced at Gulfstream’s advanced manufacturing campus in Savannah, Georgia, the G700 has earned certification in more than 20 countries and is in service with customers around the world
Citrus Magic Spray Air Fresheners
Life shouldn't stink and neither should your air freshener. That is why we spread magic and brighten life’s moments with bold, citrus-powered scents that freshen your life without compromise. For 35 years, we’ve been turning lemons into Citrus-Based Spray Air Fresheners. A better-for-you spritz that instantly eliminates odors, is kids and pets safe with no yucky chemicals and keeps things fresh for up to 7 hours the wave our magic wands, we mean Sprays. Available at retailers nationwide, our Sprays vanish odors at the source because the compounds in citrus are chemically active against odor molecules. Experience the Magic.
Applejay from Ellijay
Applejay from Ellijay is more than a bottle—it is the Spirit of the Ellijays in a glass. Crafted in East Ellijay by House Of Applejay Distillery, this all-natural apple liqueur transforms apples into smooth mountain cocktails with a fresh Southern style. Inspired by centuries of historic liqueur making and reimagined in the North Georgia mountains, Applejay blends craftsmanship, culture, and mountain character into something uniquely Georgian.
People come for the mountains, the cocktails, the black bears, and the atmosphere—and leave with a bottle they cannot stop talking about.
Only in the Ellijays. Bear-approved.
Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food
At MANA Nutrition, one of the world’s most life-saving foods is manufactured right here in Georgia. Their Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) a shelf-stable blend of peanut butter, milk, and essential vitamins, is used globally to treat severe acute malnutrition in children. Made using nearly 2 million pounds of Georgia-grown peanuts each month, these small pouches help restore strength, health, and hope to vulnerable children around the world. From Fitzgerald and Pooler to global humanitarian crises, Georgia isn't just making a product; it's manufacturing magic.
Cleaver-Brooks CBEX-3W
The CBEX-3W is redefining boiler technology as the most efficient firetube boiler on the market. Designed and manufactured in Georgia, the CBEX delivers industry-leading efficiency, ultra-low emissions, and unmatched reliability while supporting sustainability goals through renewable fuel capabilities and 9 ppm NOx without SCR. Its advanced EX technology and 10:1 turndown capability provides lower fuel consumption, reduced operating costs, and the lowest total cost of ownership in real-world applications. From healthcare and manufacturing to refineries and utilities, the CBEX powers critical industries with innovation engineered for the future.
The Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich
Born in Georgia, craved worldwide. Eighty years ago, S. Truett Cathy opened a tiny diner in Hapeville, Georgia, eventually perfecting a culinary masterpiece: the original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich. Hand-breaded, pressure-cooked, and topped with two crucial pickles, this iconic recipe launched a brand now proudly celebrating its 80th anniversary. Today, Truett's Georgia-born creation is a global phenomenon, bringing our signature taste and hospitality to Europe, Asia, and beyond. It’s the "Coolest Thing Made in Georgia" because it took one man's perfect recipe from a small local grill and shared it with the entire world.
Stuckey's Pecan Log
The Stuckey’s Pecan Log Roll is a classic American treat made of fluffy nougat, rich caramel, and fresh Georgia pecans. Introduced in 1937, it remains the signature candy of the Stuckey’s brand and a favorite road trip snack for generations of travelers.
Stuckey’s was founded in Eastman, Georgia by W.S. “Sylvester” Stuckey, Sr. as a roadside pecan stand during the Great Depression. The business grew into an iconic chain of more than 350 stores nationwide. Today, the brand is owned by a partnership group including by his granddaughter, Stephanie Stuckey, continuing its legacy of Southern hospitality and pecan candy traditions.
scrubEx MV
Made in Georgia, the scrubEx® 2.0 Medium Volume Dispenser/Receiver helps hospitals manage one of healthcare's most essential resources: clean scrubs. Its patented design securely dispenses, tracks, and recovers scrubs while supporting efficiency, accountability, and infection-control efforts. Trusted by healthcare systems nationwide, scrubEx was even featured in HBO Max's Emmy-winning drama The Pitt after being recommended by a medical consultant and practicing ER physician for its real-world authenticity. From supporting frontline caregivers to appearing on one of television's most realistic hospital dramas, scrubEx proves that practical innovation can also be incredibly cool.
Claxton Fruit Cake
For more than 115 years, Claxton Fruit Cake has been a world-famous Georgia tradition, baked with pride in the "Fruit Cake Capital of the World." Our submission is a masterpiece of Southern baking, packed with premium fruits and nuts, carrying Georgia's rich heritage to millions of tables globally every holiday season.
What makes it the "Coolest Thing" is its unmatched legacy. From humble roots to international fame, including showcasing at the 1964 World's Fair, this iconic treat represents the ultimate story of Georgia craftsmanship, family tradition, and entrepreneurial spirit. It isn’t just a product; it’s a piece of Georgia history!
Sweet Grass Dairy Georgia Gouda
Georgia Gouda is handcrafted in Thomasville, GA using milk sourced from small, family-owned dairy farms across southwest Georgia. This a direct showcase of the state's agricultural heritage. Made a second-generation family business, this cheese competes on a global stage. Since its 2022 launch, Georgia Gouda has earned two World Cheese Awards, an American Cheese Society Award, and two Good Food Awards. It represents what Georgia agriculture can produce at the highest level: world-class, award-winning cheese made with regional ingredients, family tradition, and genuine craft.
Hot Hands
HotHands hand warmers are single-use, air-activated, disposable heat packs providing up to 10-18 hours of 130-140°F natural, odorless warmth. Kobayashi produces more than 150 million HotHands hand warmers annually at their manufacturing facility in Dalton, Georgia. HotHands is a leading brand, with reported annual revenue of USD 250 million in 2023. The brand maintains a dominant position in the North American market, which represents 40% of global revenue.
Carrier Vector 8700
The Carrier Vector 8700 is a trailer Refrigeration Unit that’s powered hybrid tech helping boost fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and enhance reliability. It’s the smart choice for businesses aiming to reduce environmental impact.
Anduril ALTIUS 600/700M
The Altius 600M/700M is one of the most advanced autonomous aircraft systems being built in Georgia today. Designed and manufactured in-state, it combines aerospace engineering, AI, robotics, and scalable manufacturing into a mission-ready platform that helps protect U.S. and allied forces. What makes it the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia is that it represents the next generation of American manufacturing: fast moving, high tech, and built with real world impact. Georgia isn’t just making products anymore, it’s building the future of defense technology.
TifTuf Drought Tolerant Bermudagrass
TifTuf Drought Tolerant Bermudagrass sets the standard for drought tolerance and water efficiency. Developed by the University of Georgia Turfgrass Research Team through extensive plant breeding, TifTuf delivers elite turf quality with world-class water savings. Backed by more than 25 years of university research and independent testing, TifTuf uses 38% less water than Tifway while providing exceptional wear tolerance, rapid establishment, early spring green-up, and extended fall color. Developed in Tifton for superior drought performance, TifTuf provides effective drought mitigation without sacrificing quality, making it ideal for home lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and commercial landscapes.
The Vanguard
The 53’’ Vanguard Unit is a Georgia-made, rapidly deployable disaster response platform built to support crews in the field after storms, outages, and emergencies. Believed to be the first disaster response unit in the country designed to operate on integrated solar and battery power, the Vanguard combines crew billeting, restroom, shower, HVAC, Wi-Fi, and power-ready infrastructure in one road-ready platform. It gives essential personnel a safe, climate-controlled place to sleep, clean up, communicate, and stay mission-ready near the worksite—showcasing Georgia innovation in manufacturing, resilience, and emergency logistics.
Lottery Scratch-Off Games
Scientific Games, the world’s largest lottery games company headquartered in Georgia, makes scratch-off games for lotteries in 50 countries. With $113.4 billion in annual retail sales, these colorful games are among the biggest consumer products on the planet, funding good-cause programs in communities across the globe, like Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship. Combining 50+ years of innovation with data science, security, engineering, advanced robotics, game programming, sustainable materials and state-of-the-art technologies, we create secure, responsible entertaining scratch-off experiences for millions of players. From vibrant designs to complex prize algorithms and precision production, the games showcase Georgia’s leadership in technology, manufacturing and entertainment.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is redefining the future of mobility. With its bold futuristic retro design, ultra-fast charging capability, advanced technology, and exceptional safety features, it has earned numerous accolades, including the 2026 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award and Top Safety Pick+ rating. Proudly assembled at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Ellabell, the IONIQ 5 is leading our production ramp-up as we work toward our goal of building 500,000 vehicles annually. The IONIQ 5 showcases the innovation, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking spirit that make Georgia a leader in advanced manufacturing.
E-Z-GO Liberty 4F
Designed and built in Augusta, the new 2027 E-Z-GO® Liberty 4F offers an unparalleled ride in the neighborhood or on the golf course. It’s powered by Samsung SDI lithium battery technology, with more efficiency and faster recharging than lead-acid batteries. The Liberty 4F’s compact design easily navigates narrow alleys and cart paths, and offers more legroom than prior models. A trunk, frunk, and underseat storage haul everything you need for a day’s fun -- and everybody gets their own cupholder within easy reach. An available infotainment system features a 10-inch touchscreen, soundbar, and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity.
Ecoatex Bio-Based Cellulose Coating
Ecoatex Bio-Based Cellulose Coating is a Georgia-made sustainable material formulation created from agricultural residues and plant biomass, including Georgia’s pecan and peanut shells. Ecoatex converts underutilized feedstocks such as nutshells, corn stover, and other plant waste into engineered cellulose materials and coating formulations for packaging, textiles, and industrial applications. The product helps manufacturers reduce fossil-based inputs, PFAS concerns, microplastics, and end-of-life waste while working within existing production infrastructure. It is a cool Georgia-made innovation because it turns local agricultural waste into high-performance materials for the future.
Head Ballons-Racing Hot Air Balloons
As one of five FAA approved balloon manufactures in the United States, HEAD Balloons hand crafts hot air balloons that travel all over the world. Each balloon is hand made in White County by a small team, creating products customized to fit the needs of each customer. HEAD Balloons was born out of a passion for ballooning as the owner Tarp Head has been a part of the Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race, the US’s only long-distance balloon race since its inception in 1974. He serves as the Balloonmeister for the race which draws approximately 30k people.
Blue Ops Variant 7
The Blue Ops Variant 7 is redefining maritime warfare and positioning Georgia at the forefront of next-generation defense manufacturing. This unmanned surface vessel (USV) delivers asymmetric capability, changing the battlefield forever and reshaping the future of maritime operations. With rapid speed-to-market, a resilient American supply chain, and manufacturing rooted in Valdosta, Blue Ops is creating high-value jobs while helping bring critical manufacturing back to the United States. The Variant 7 represents innovation, national security, and the future of maritime dominance built in Georgia.
Maule M-7-260 Seaplane
The Maule M-7 is the ultimate blend of power, durability, and versatility. Designed for backcountry adventures and everyday reliability, the M-7 delivers exceptional STOL performance, ample payload capacity, and rugged construction to tackle any terrain. Whether you’re flying into remote airstrips, hauling gear, or enjoying a weekend escape, the M-7 is built to take you further.
The 8-oz Coca-Cola glass bottle produced in Marietta, Georgia, to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary blends Georgia heritage with timeless American iconography. What began in an Atlanta pharmacy 140 years ago grew into a global symbol, aided by the invention of the contour bottle and a network of local bottlers that helped make Coca-Cola one of the world’s most beloved beverages. We are proud to celebrate America250 with a tangible artifact that reflects the state's industrial legacy, regional pride, and the enduring ability of an iconic brand to remain special, local, and unmistakably Georgian.
Callaway Blue Spring Water
Callaway Blue Spring Water deserves to be the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia because it’s more than a product, it’s Georgia in a bottle. Sourced from a natural Georgia spring, delivered with hometown service, and keeping thousands of homes and businesses hydrated every day, Callaway Blue combines craftsmanship, sustainability, and Southern hospitality. While others make products, Callaway Blue delivers a refreshing experience that proudly flows from Blue Spring to Georgia’s communities. That’s pretty cool.
BrightFarms Greenhouse-Grown Leafy Greens
BrightFarms, a Cox Farms brand within the Cox Enterprises family, is transforming the way we enjoy fresh produce. At its 480,000-square-foot greenhouse in Macon, powered by advanced hydroponic technology, BrightFarms cultivates crunchy, pesticide-free leafy greens year-round. Their leafy greens are grown responsibly, using less land, less water, and a smaller footprint per acre than traditional field-grown methods. Customers can enjoy crunchy, long-lasting greens and salad kits that arrive in stores as quickly as 24 hours after harvest. With community at its core, BrightFarms participates in the Georgia Grown program, supports the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank and creates local jobs.
