The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Lee County Chamber of Commerce, the Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce, and the Terrell County Chamber of Commerce, hosted the inaugural “Hush Puppies & Politics” regional fish fry on Wednesday, bringing together elected officials, business leaders and community members to foster connections and promote regional collaboration and economic development. 

Presented by Georgia-Pacific Corrugated and the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, the event emphasized the importance of regionalism and building bridges between communities, businesses and elected officials. The evening’s featured guest was Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, who drew a packed house, including Georgia Rep. Gerald Greene and Georgia Sen. Freddie Powell Sims, Albany Mayor Bo Dorough and other city and county officials from the various partnering counties. Representatives from the offices of Congressman Sanford Bishop, Congressman Austin Scott and United States Sen. Jon Ossoff also attended. 

“Building strong relationships between our Albany Area neighboring business communities and elected officials is essential for crafting smart policies, amplifying our voice, driving economic development and achieving regional prosperity,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president & CEO of the Albany Area Chamber. “The overwhelmingly positive response to ‘Hush Puppies & Politics’ demonstrates that our communities believe that we are stronger together and reflects our shared commitment toward building a stronger region. 

“ ‘Hush Puppies & Politics’ represents a new era of building trust and alliances, and we are grateful to our chamber colleagues for their part in making the event incredible success for the Albany Area and Southwest Georgia,” Holmes said. 

"Our partnership with neighboring chambers shows the power of unity in achieving common goals,” said Lisa Davis, executive director of the Lee County Chamber of Commerce, whose sentiments were echoed by Karen Rackley, director of the Sylvester-Worth County Chamber, and Cheryl Cannon with the Terrell County Chamber. “ 'Hush Puppies & Politics' brought our communities closer together, strengthening the foundation for growth that benefits everyone." 

Harper delivered a powerful address on the foundational role of agriculture in every aspect of life. He shared his journey of growing up playing with toy tractors in the mud to now leading the pursuits of the state’s No.1 industry. 

“When people think of agriculture, they think of dirt, seeds and old-school farmers — but agriculture today is so much more,” said Harper, seventh-generation farmer and native of nearby Lax, Ga. “It involves scientists, chemists, botanists, dieticians, nutritionists, bankers, lawyers and countless other professionals. With agriculture being a necessity for our nation, it takes all these people to sustain the industry. 

The commissioner said that a nation that can sustain itself will not be dependent upon another nation for basic needs and likened food security with national security. Parker passionately invoked Thomas Jefferson's 240-year-old words, which still ring true today: "Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.” 

At the event, attendees enjoyed a lot of networking, a traditional South Georgia fish fry, Georgia Grown beverages and live music from local favorite Evan Barber. 

“Hush Puppies & Politics” is presented by Georgia-Pacific Corrugated and the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, and further sponsored by Flint Ag & Turf, Georgia Power, Still Pond Vineyards, Grow Southwest Georgia, Chas Cannon for State House, Dougherty County Government, Albany Area Primary Healthcare and the Artesian Alliance.