Making Georgia the best place to do business

MACON – Today, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Historical Society, unveiled the Georgia Chamber's historical marker, located outside the Macon City Auditorium. The first Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting took place on September 16, 1913, at Macon’s Hotel Dempsey—just steps away from the site of the historical marker—and the Georgia Chamber was officially incorporated in 1915. The historical marker is being unveiled as part of the Georgia Historical Society’s Georgia Business History Initiative.Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber said:“Generations of leaders helped transform Georgia from an agricultural hub into a global economic powerhouse. Agriculture remains our top industry, and today we’re also the number one state to do business, home to brands like Coca-Cola, YKK, and Blue Bird, as well as thousands of small businesses and innovators shaping what’s next. We thank the companies, large and small, that power our economy, and Georgia Historical Society President Todd Groce and his team for collecting and teaching this history. Our first board meeting was held on September 16, 1913, just steps from our marker. Since our 1915 incorporation, we’ve championed free enterprise and built partnerships that have moved Georgia forward — what we call ‘the Georgia Way.’ As we unveil this marker, we’re honoring our past and looking ahead. May it inspire future generations to build a Georgia where opportunity thrives, ideas are welcomed, and the free-market drives prosperity.”Walter M. “Sonny” Deriso, Jr., Chairman Emeritus, Georgia Chamber; Chairman Emeritus, Georgia Historical Society Board of Curators; and 2025 Georgia Trustee said:“For almost 115 years, the Georgia Chamber has been the voice of business in Georgia and throughout the nation. The remarkable history of this organization and its impact on the economic, cultural and social development of Georgia is being told through the Georgia Business History Initiative of the Georgia Historical Society and the dedication of an historical marker to commemorate the founding of the Georgia Chamber.”Dr. W. Todd Groce, Georgia Historical Society President and CEO said:“For over 100 years, the Georgia Chamber has led the way in creating the right climate for business to thrive in our state. It has been, and continues to be, essential to Georgia’s economic development and the wellbeing of all Georgians. Sharing the century-old story of this amazing organization and the pivotal role it has played in helping us reach this point will pave the way for the victories of tomorrow.”Jessica Walden, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce said:"We are honored to join the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Historical Society in unveiling this historical marker in the heart of Georgia. This marker celebrates the rich history of the Georgia Chamber and highlights the enduring impact of the business community's efforts to foster economic growth and development across the state. The site of the first Georgia Chamber Board of Directors meeting reminds us of the vision and dedication that has driven our mission forward. These contributions have allowed Georgia to maintain an unprecedented eleven-year streak as the Number One State To Do Business, and the business community strives to continue this success into the future. I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together and the strong foundation we have built for future generations. We look forward to continuing this legacy of excellence and collaboration for many years to come.”The text of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Historical Marker reads in full:“In 1911, over 2,500 Georgia leaders gathered in Barnesville, at what is now Gordon College, to address statewide economic prosperity. This meeting led to the establishment of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, later incorporated in 1915. The Chamber met at the Macon City Auditorium in 1915 to discuss the Georgia Motion Picture Show, highlighting the state’s resources. An advocate of transformative initiatives, the Chamber lobbied for a state Department of Transportation and published Georgia’s first economic development materials. The Georgia Chamber’s Red Carpet Tour (est. 1959) and annual Georgia Quail Hunt (est. 1988) enhanced the state’s business appeal and attracted investors. One of the largest in the nation, with over 180 local and binational chambers, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the only chamber to win the Chamber of the Year award from two organizations.""Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce" “2025.10 11-8” ###ABOUT THE GEORGIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCEFounded in 1911 and incorporated in 1915, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in Georgia, working to protect free enterprise and secure our long-term economic prosperity. The Georgia Chamber represents tens of thousands of members in every corner of the state, with offices in Atlanta, Brunswick, and Tifton. In 2025 the Georgia Chamber launched Georgia|2050, a strategic plan to ensure Georgia remains a beacon of economic opportunity for the next 25 years. For more information, visit gachamber.com. ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETYThe Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining, and teaching Georgia and American history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation. To learn more visit georgiahistory.com.

Click here to view a complete photo gallery from the 2025 Future of Energy and Sustainability event. ATLANTA – Today, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted the third annual Future of Energy and Sustainability event. The Future of Energy and Sustainability event is the premier statewide event showcasing the Georgia business community’s commitment to clean tech, innovation, resilience and cutting-edge business practices. Norfolk Southern and Oglethorpe Power delivered spotlight presentations. A full list of speakers, panels, and breakout sessions is available below.The 2025 Future of Energy and Sustainability event took place at the headquarters of the Coca-Cola Company, a global corporate leader in incorporating sustainability into its business practices.Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber said:“Today’s event brought together energy and clean tech leaders from across the state to build solutions and partnerships for Georgia’s long-term prosperity. I am heartened to see so many Georgia Chamber members investing now to ensure we can sustainably build on Georgia’s record-breaking economic success for generations to come.”Savannah Taylor, Research Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation said:“The Georgia Chamber Foundation is thrilled to host leaders in sustainable business practices for the third year in a row. This year, we dove into how Georgia’s businesses are strategizing sustainable investment for the future. Our leaders are optimistic for Georgia’s future, paving the way for sustainable energy, growing natural resources, and supporting expanding economic development.”Josh Raglin, Chief Sustainability Officer, Norfolk Southern said:“As one of the nation’s largest railroad networks, we strive for resilient, sustainable service for our customers and our communities. Our investment in low-carbon fuels, renewable energy, and our people are leading the way. I was honored to share our story on behalf of my co-workers and left inspired by so many of our corporate neighbors who are working to lessen environmental impacts while driving economic growth.”Annalisa Bloodworth, President & CEO, Oglethorpe Power said:“Georgia’s growing energy demand brings both opportunities and challenges, and Oglethorpe Power is working to generate more safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable power for our 38 member cooperatives and the millions of Georgians they serve. With valuable partners like the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and our state leaders, together with our members, we’re helping build a more sustainable energy future.”Spotlight Session Josh Raglin, Chief Sustainability Officer, Norfolk Southern  Jennifer Singh, Sustainability Catalyst, ATDC Georgia TechSpotlight Session   Annalisa M. Bloodworth, President & CEO, Oglethorpe PowerInnovations in Georgia Forestry  Katie Childers, Director of State and Local Government Affairs, Delta Air Lines    Matt Hestad, Senior Vice President, Georgia Forestry Association    John Mulcahy, Senior Vice President, Georgia Pacific, LLC   Moderator: Burt Fealing, Executive Vice President, Southwire Company, LLCThe Evolving Energy Grid  Keith Daniel, Senior Vice President, Transmission Policy, Georgia Transmission Corporation    Doug Lego, Senior Vice President of Transmission, MEAG Power    Aaron Mitchell, Vice President, Pricing and Planning, Georgia Power    Moderator: Anne Rogers, Global Sustainability Manager, Carbon and Climate, AGCO CorporationBreakout Session 1: Exploring Solar in Georgia   Ben Oberman, SVP, Strategic Partnerships and Customer Solutions, Silicon Ranch    Zac Powell, Chief Revenue Officer, Cherry Street Energy   Jeff Pratt, President, Green Power EMC   Moderator: Tyler Mauldin, Senior Project Manager, Energy Markets, Microsoft CorporationBreakout Session 2: Green Investments and Opportunities    Rex Hamre, Head of Sustainability Consulting North America, JLL   Maria Saab, Senior Manager, SE for AWS Public Policy, Amazon, Inc.    Shawn Young, Managing Director, Energy and Natural Resources Group, Regions Bank   Moderator: Peden Young, Global Impact and Sustainability, Chick-Fil-ARecasting Clean Tech Jobs   Glen Burks, Vice President Operations, Archer Aviation    Stuart Countess, President and CEO, KIA Georgia and 2025 Vice Chair, Georgia Chamber of Commerce   Moderator: Chris Clark, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber of CommerceSustainable Development   Mason Ailstock, CEO, The Rowen Foundation   James Marlow, President, Southface Institute    Moderator: Meredith Lindvall, AVP of Waste, Water and Nature-Biodiversity, Cox EnterprisesReception Sponsor RemarksLavonya Jones, Just Energy Director, Partnership for Southern Equity ### Founded in 1911 and incorporated in 1915, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in Georgia, working to protect free enterprise and secure our long-term economic prosperity. The Georgia Chamber represents tens of thousands of members in every corner of the state, with offices in Atlanta, Brunswick, and Tifton. In 2025 the Georgia Chamber launched Georgia|2050, a strategic plan to ensure Georgia remains a beacon of economic opportunity for the next 25 years. For more information visit gachamber.com.