Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Clark speaks to Gilmer Chamber

Business

Gilmer Chamber of Commerce President Paige Green, presented Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Clark, as guest speaker at the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, held Thursday, May 12th 2011. Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Clark shared encouraging words with the local Gilmer County Chamber as he spoke during the Luncheon held May 12th. Mr. Clark told us the story of Kia coming to Georgia and highlighted how the willingness of communities working together creates growth. Kia recently announced plans to add approximately one thousand jobs in Georgia.

Mr. Clark discussed several economic issues Georgia businesses face today and will face in the future. Clark told us the Georgia Chamber of Commerce supports the upcoming Regional Transportation bill and stressed how important transportation is to successful growth of business in Georgia. He also stressed that local support of the bill is important for future growth opportunity.

Below are possible road projects in Gilmer discussed by Gilmer County Community Development Director-Jim Smith, Gilmer County Commissioners-J.C. Sanford, Danny Hall, and Will Beattie, City of Ellijay-Mayor Al Hoyle, and City of East Ellijay City Planner-Mack Wood. This “top ten” list was established:

1. Crossover Street (alleviate congestion at malfunction junction by Hardees)
2. North Bypass to alleviate traffic (trucks) through the square downtown.
3. Insert a 3rd lane into Highlands Crossing (service road in front of Wal-mart)
4. Change Hwy 5 south to 4-lane (alleviate traffic issues especially school traffic)
5. River Street Bridge
6. Lee Pritchett Connector
7. Southern Road Paving
8. John Teems Extension
9. Hwy 282 / Harold Pritchett Intersection
10. Outer laying County roads.

As he spoke to the group, Mr. Clark shared with us that the state chamber supports the immigration bill signed into law by Gov. Deal. He also said a political action campaign fund has been established to hold state and national respresentatives accountable. He let the group know next week there will be a survey sent through Paige Green in an effort to build a foundation to develop state and regional strategy plans.

Clark emphasized how important it is for the growth of community businesses “to work as partners” and told us, “We also need key leadership like we have in this room today.”

Back to Top