During the last eight years, we have seen Georgia evolve into the nation’s top state for business, which can be evidenced by our economic growth and our population boom.

We can attribute much of our state’s success to the leadership of Gov. Nathan Deal, a two-term governor whose vision for a better Georgia and whose administrative execution of the policies that support that vision have allowed for transformative investments in economic development, education, criminal justice reform, infrastructure and transportation.

On Tuesday, the Albany Area Chamber hosted and honored Gov. Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal during its inaugural Governor’s Dinner, attended by 300 members of the Albany area’s business and community leadership. The event marked the first time the 109-year-old regional chamber hosted a sitting governor for such an event.

Since taking office in 2011, Gov. Nathan Deal has led Georgia to become the No. 1 state in the nation for business for six years in a row — a first in Georgia history — and helped create more than 750,000 private-sector jobs.

Albany-Dougherty County and the Albany area have been beneficiaries of the pro-business policies of the last eight years, including increased investments and a renewed focus on creating a work force that meets the demands of business through efforts such as the High-Demand Career Initiative, which provides a pathway from school to industry in some of the state’s fastest-growing business sectors; increased investments in K-12 education, so that schools can do more with more and not more with less; Complete College Georgia, enabling more University System of Georgia students to graduate on time; and tax reform such as the elimination of manufacturers’ sales tax on energy, which lessens the burden on these job-creating industries.

The Albany Area Chamber has consistently advocated for these resources and is proud to have successfully worked with members of the Georgia General Assembly to achieve these outcomes.

Gov. Deal was instrumental in supporting Albany-Dougherty County in the aftermath of the tornadoes of 2017, and again this year, after October’s Hurricane Michael devastated much of Southwest Georgia. The governor’s special called session of the legislature has allowed for $270 million in immediate state relief to communities faced with steep recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Work remains, as it should and as it always will. As we transition to a new administration and an often-changing legislature, we are hopeful – and expectant – that Georgia will continue to prosper through effective leadership, pragmatic investments that yield long-term economic and societal gains, and the policies to support a competitive business climate and an educated and skilled work force.

We must continue to prioritize the commitments and investments that supported our businesses and our citizens.

The Albany Area Chamber will continue to work with members of the Georgia General Assembly and with the Governor’s Office for that which benefits our members, our region and our state.