The Georgia Chamber of Commerce will continue a 51-year-old economic development

tradition by rolling out the red carpet today for 25 guests from all over the world and from

varied industries who may be interested in pursuing business opportunities in Georgia.

The 2010 Red Carpet Tour®, hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the

Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Allies, kicks off today, April 7, in

Atlanta and will conclude on Saturday, April 10.  During the Tour, guests will attend a

dinner hosted by Governor and Mrs. Sonny Perdue at the Governor’s Mansion, view the

first and third rounds of the time-honored Masters® Golf Tournament in Augusta, and

spend time exploring the Georgia Coast.

“The Red Carpet Tour® is a phenomenal opportunity for Georgia to showcase not only

our excellent economic landscape, but also for government and corporate leaders to

provide in-person testimonials about why Georgia is a great place for business,” said

George Israel, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber.

The event was started in 1959 by then-Chamber president John Dent, and has

generated more than $3.2 billion in new investments and created over 15,000 jobs

throughout the state.  Previous stops on the tour include Columbus, Savannah,

Valdosta, Albany, Gainesville, Athens, Rome and Dalton.

The 2010 Tour is chaired by Pat Wingo, Assistant Vice President – Regulatory and

External Affairs, AT&T Georgia.  The Brunswick program will be chaired by Mike

Hodges, President, Ameris Bank in Brunswick.  Tim McGill, External Manager, Georgia

Power Company, and Colette Hughes, Vice President and General Manager, ADP

Augusta Solution Center, will co-chair the Augusta program.