This week, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted its 31st annual Georgia Quail Hunt in Albany as 22 business leaders representing state recruitment and expansion prospects joined economic development officials to learn about the benefits of doing business in Georgia.

The hunt, sponsored by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Allies, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and Locate South Georgia, provides an opportunity for relationship development among statewide leaders and guests whose companies or clients are looking to move to or expand in Georgia.

Newly-elected Georgia Governor Brian Kemp was on hand for the event in his first appearance at the hunt.

The recruitment event utilizes various hunting preserves throughout Southwest Georgia and is based out of Albany.

“In Albany-Dougherty County, we believe collaboration is key. The Georgia Quail Hunt, hosted in Albany for more than 30 years, is a testament to that principle as an incredible collaboration between local, regional, state and corporate partners,” said Justin Strickland, president of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission.

“Having the opportunity to host this broad range of partners in Albany each year gives us the chance, not only to connect and network with one another, but to show off our skilled work force, infrastructure, low costs of doing business and other assets that make this an attractive location for industry locations and expansions."

Such collaboration is largely to credit for Georgia’s consistent recognition by industry experts as the nation’s top state for business.

“This event allows our guests to learn firsthand about the assets we have to offer in Georgia and the practices that have lead us to be known as the No.1 state for business,” said 2019 Georgia Quail Hunt Chairman Daryl Ingram, chief external officer and senior vice president of Electric Cities of Georgia.

“Georgia has the infrastructure in place to meet and exceed the needs of a company at any stage in its growth. The Georgia Quail Hunt provides us an opportunity to leverage our capabilities for the
economic advancement of our state at all levels.”

Event organizers say the hunt has been successful in recruiting businesses to Georgia.

“We are honored to continue the annual Georgia Quail Hunt. For over three decades, this event has created thousands of jobs and tens of billions in investment in Georgia’s economy,” said Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber. “Our focus is to offer more opportunities to showcase the incredible quality of life and impressive talent pool of Albany and Southwest Georgia to businesses all over the world.”

In addition to the Georgia Allies, the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and Locate South Georgia, corporate sponsors include Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, MillerCoors, PowerSports Plus, Glock,Trulock Choke Tubes and Taurus Holdings.