The rural economy – and its struggles – has been a theme in Georgia politics for a few years now. Brian Kemp largely won the primary and governor’s race promising to focus more on rural issues. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce has been focused on the issue for a few years as well. The most recent piece of this puzzle was the Rural Prosperity North Georgia Forum – an outgrowth of a very popular event held annually in Tifton in the other end of the state.
The event was held this week in Dahlonega and featured leaders from the legislature, as well as prominent businesses and other stakeholders in the North Georgia region. Speakers and sessions focused on cultivating a workforce, economic development successes, opioid abuse resources, innovations in rural technology, a legislative outlook and much more.
“The Rural Prosperity North Georgia Forum was an opportunity for attendees to hear from speakers about the tough issues that face our rural communities. At the Georgia Chamber, we believe in a rural renaissance,” said Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber. “We appreciate the commitment to rural Georgia by Governor Kemp, Speaker Ralston, the Georgia House and Lt Governor Duncan and his senate colleagues. At the end of the day, it’s about helping Georgians and growing opportunities for businesses in every corner of our state.”
Among the presenting sponsors was the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC), the trade association that represents 44 different state utilities. Georgia EMC represents these utilities to the legislature but is also one of the critical community and economic development tools used in some of these smaller communities served by smaller utilities.
Dennis Chastain
“It was a great honor and privilege to be a part of the Forum and participate with community leaders and elected officials to discuss and learn more about issues and challenges facing rural communities in North Georgia,” noted Georgia EMC President/CEO Dennis Chastain who serves as Chairman of the Georgia Chamber’s Rural Prosperity Council.
“Critical issues like expanding broadband services, developing affordable housing, workforce development and healthcare are important to the future economic vitality of this region,” Chastain said. “Georgia EMC and the 41 local EMCs across the state are huge supporters of our rural communities and have a vested interest in helping promote economic development across all regions of Georgia.”
The event was held at the always-improving University of North Georgia in Dahlonega. Besides the critical information for rural communities across north Georgia, the event was another chance to showcase the resources of UNG to some of the movers and shakers from across the region.
“The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber and Visitors Bureau was excited to be a part of the Georgia Chamber’s Rural Prosperity North Georgia Forum. The program was focused on the unique challenges and issues that rural communities in North Georgia face and how to improve the overall prosperity not just for Lumpkin County, but the entire North Georgia Region,” said Robb Nichols, President of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber and Visitors Bureau. “The Georgia Chamber is a leader for Economic Development in Georgia, and this initiative brings needed attention and energy to the rural communities in Georgia.
For more information about the Georgia Chamber’s rural initiatives
