The Georgia Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, launched the Georgia Chamber SMART Plan, a new comprehensive health program that offers rate stability and potential savings for groups with 2 to 50 eligible employees.

For small business employers with at least two employees enrolled on their medical plan and no more than 50 total, this plan allows employers to share in the overall claims risk. By being part of a larger, self-funded pool, smaller employers receive financial protection backed by Anthem.

“This is an exciting new benefit to help Georgia’s small businesses in stabilizing premiums while getting the flexibility of plans offered by Anthem,” said Chris Clark, Georgia Chamber President & CEO. “Our friends at Anthem have been great partners throughout this process and I’d like to personally thank Jeff Fusile for his leadership in helping develop this Plan. I’d also like to commend Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens on his support of the SMART Plan and his drive to keep health insurance costs affordable for small businesses across our state.”

In addition to financial protection, this innovative alternative also offers:

* Competitive rates

* Predictable, fixed monthly payments

* Flexibility in choice of benefit plans

* Anthem’s broad Open Access POS network and Essential Rx

* Specialty products including dental, vision, life, optional life and disability plans, that are offered at discounted rates

The Georgia Chamber SMART Plan is now available for small businesses. For more information, visit staging.gachamber.com/Georgia-SMART or contact Lauren Meeks at lmeeks@gachamber.com or (404) 223-2490.

HURRICANE MICHAEL RECOVERY

We all know how disasters like Hurricane Michael can impact our communities and lives, and now that the worst is behind us, it's time for us to step in and assist those impacted. We've been monitoring the damage the storm left behind, and the impact it had on businesses and communities throughout the state. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is responding to the crisis by providing recovery resources and encouraging network support.

The Georgia Chamber has partnered with several local chambers throughout Region 10 to assist with the recent disaster. If you would like to support our friends in Region 10, there are a few options available.

The following is requested to assist those affected:

Bottled Water

Gatorade

Plastic Tarps

Gas Cards

Snacks (chips, granola bars, crackers, peanut butter, bananas, trail mix, etc.)

Gas Cards

Nonperishable items

Ice

Baby Wipes

Paper Products

Ziploc Bags

Bleach/Cleaning Supplies

Trash Bags

Health & Hygiene Products

Dog/Cat Food

Please drop off all donations to either of the following locations:

Pelham Chamber of Commerce
128 West Railroad St.
Pelham, GA 31779
Phone: 229-294-4924

Former Coke Plant
925 Pine Avenue
Albany, GA 31701
Phone: 229-404-8700

Ocilla-Irwin Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Ocilla-Irwin Industrial Development Authority
620 S. Irwin Ave 31774
Phone: (229) 468-9114

If you'd like to assist those in need beyond the state, please visit www.redcross.org for more information.

Over the last year, the Georgia Chamber has connected with candidates across the state to share our ‘8 for 18’ initiative in which we defined the pro-business platform. For more details on our ‘8 for 18’ initiative and where the candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State stand on the issues important to the business community visit: www.8for18.com today.

2018 Election support summary

The Georgia Chamber has adopted an official support position and would ask for a “yes” vote on the following constitutional amendments:
Amendment 1: The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act
Amendment 2: Statewide Business Court
Amendment 3: The Fair Forest Tax

The Georgia Chamber has endorsed in five statewide races and would ask for your support of:

Chris Carr for Attorney General
Gary Black for Agriculture Commissioner
Mark Butler for Labor Commissioner
Chuck Eaton for Public Service Commission District 3
Tricia Pridemore for Public Service Commission District 5

Earlier this year, the Georgia Chamber released our 2017/18 Legislative Scorecard.
Before you go to the polls, click here to see how your State Representative or Senator scored. 

The Georgia Chamber has endorsed in the following open State Senate and House seats:
Greg Dolezal for Senate District 27 covering portions of Forsyth county
Randy Robertson for Senate District 29 covering portions of Harris, Meriwether, Muscogee, and Troup county
Matt Reeves for Senate District 48 covering portions of Fulton and Gwinnett county
Matt Bentley for House District 40 covering portions of Fulton and Cobb county
Alex Kaufman for House District 51 covering portions of Fulton county
Ken Wright for House District 79 covering portions of Dekalb county
Paula Hastings for House District 102 covering portions of Gwinnett county
Donna Sheldon for House District 105 covering portions of Gwinnett county
Vance Smith for House District 133 covering portions of Harris, Muscogee, and Troup county
Noel Williams for House District 148 covering portions of Crisp, Houston, Pulaski, and Wilcox county
Steven Meeks for House District 178 covering portions of Appling, Brantley, Pierce, and Wayne county

Thank you to all of our members who have supported the Georgia Chamber Political Action Committee.

Your contributions to the Chamber PAC allowed us to support over 100 different candidates for office this cycle. We look forward to continuing to grow our PAC in 2019.

If you are interested in supporting the Chamber PAC or PAC events, please contact Chelsey Ruppersburg at cruppersburg@gachamber.com or visit https://staging.gachamber.com/georgia-chamber-political-action-committee/

If you have questions about the Georgia Chamber’s political engagement, please contact our Vice President of State and Political Affairs, Kyle Jackson at kjackson@gachamber.com

Thank you to our 2018 Election Cycle PAC Donors! 

The Council of State Chambers, (COSC) named the Georgia Chamber of Commerce the 2018 State Chamber of Year at its annual award ceremony held in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“I am proud to say for the second year the Georgia Chamber has been named Chamber of the Year by two accrediting organizations,” said Georgia Chamber President & CEO, Chris Clark. “Our success is the result of hard work and dedication of our investors, Governmental Affairs Council, Board Members, local chambers and staff who have been instrumental in our efforts to strengthen our organization and represent the state of Georgia as the largest business advocacy organization”

The State Chamber of the Year recognizes member-chambers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and measurable success over the course of the last year, legislative session, or election cycle in areas of achievement including, Public Policy, Political Engagement, Membership and Development, Best Communications Program, and Membership Services. The selection of the State Chamber of the Year is a thoroughly vetted, three-stage process consisting of application review, finalists interview, and awards ceremony in which finalists and recipients are selected by a panel of three experienced chamber professionals.

The Georgia Chamber was recognized for the success of their current 8 for 18 initiative, which serves as a statewide prosperity agenda and nonpartisan resource that seeks to inform elected officials, political candidates, and voters on a series of policy recommendations and issue areas that are critical to Georgia’s economic future. The Chamber has successfully used this 8 for 18 platform to showcase their top priorities for 2018, statewide endorsements, and candidate assessments taken by candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State.

The annual State Chamber of the Year award highlights innovative initiatives and best practices that advance state chamber’s mission and efforts to provide deserved recognition to state chambers and their leaders who have distinguished themselves by providing exceptional services and results for their members and communities.

For more information on the Georgia Chambers 8 for 18 initiative, visit www.8for18.com.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition (GSEC), a statewide advocacy group focused on ensuring the long-term viability and success of Georgia’s screen entertainment industry.

“The founding members of GSEC represent Georgia’s top industry and private sector leaders, coming together in a unique collaboration with Georgia’s deep crew base, united by their commitment to protect and promote the screen entertainment industry in our state,” said Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber. “With the incredible economic impact this industry has on our state, we’re proud to introduce GSEC as the unified, cohesive voice of the industry at the capitol.”

“Georgia’s screen entertainment industry has become one of the most competitive in the world, thanks in large part to the leadership of Governor Deal and the General Assembly,” said Frank Patterson, GSEC Chair and President of Pinewood Atlanta Studios. “GSEC’s ultimate goal is to serve as the expert resource for policymakers as they steward the state’s successful tax credit program and develop legislation that will impact this industry and our partners.”

GSEC will advocate for policies that strengthen infrastructure and support workforce development within the screen entertainment industry. GSEC will also serve as a voice and resource for the Georgia owned and operated local businesses who provide services and products to the industry.  “We’re proud to be part of the leadership shaping the future of this industry in Georgia,” said Steve Mensch, Vice-Chair of GSEC and President & General Manager of Studio Operations at Tyler Perry Studios. “The scale of private investment in production infrastructure in Georgia is indicative of the enormous potential for additional job creation and positive economic impact for all Georgians.”

GSEC seeks to educate policymakers and the general public about the tax credits that have made Georgia a very cost-effective and popular location for film, television, and digital media production.   Bolstered by the 2008 Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, Georgia earned the nation’s number one spot for feature film production and is currently number two in the world. The record 455 film and television productions shot in Georgia during FY 2018 represent a total economic impact of $9.5 billion, and $2.7 billion in direct spending.

The screen entertainment industry has contributed to the relocation or expansion of more than 300 new businesses within the state since 2010. Other media platforms such as eSports, video game development, digital animation, virtual reality/augmented reality, and mobile app development continue to round out and contribute to the overall success of Georgia’s screen entertainment industry.

On Tuesday, August 28^th, the Georgia Chamber and Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of their strategic partnership as their newest initiative to promote inclusive economic growth and development. As both organizations have a long-standing history of supporting businesses across the state, their alliance seeks to foster the relationships between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic businesses, elected officials, governmental agencies, and industry leaders.

“Today marks the beginning of a unique partnership that will increase economic opportunity and mobility throughout the Hispanic business community. With a growing Hispanic population, there has been a 73% increase in Hispanic-owned businesses. We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that our state provides the climate and resources necessary for minority businesses to expand their operations to build a competitive and highly skilled workforce,” said Chris Clark, Georgia Chamber President & CEO. “Hispanic entrepreneurship is extremely important to our state and our country. We are proud to partner with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber and look forward to working with them in our pursuit to support the growth and diversification of Georgia’s emerging industries and communities.”

“A diverse workforce is integral to a strong economy. We are excited to announce our partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. As the state’s advocate for Hispanic businesses, we are dedicated to working with stakeholders and community leaders for the implementation of policies that support the enterprises that drive our local economies,” said Georgia Hispanic Chamber President & CEO, Santiago Marquez. “Through our collaborative effort we will work to facilitate entrepreneurship, growth, and job creation to ensure that Georgia not only remains the best place to live but is also an ideal location for Hispanic-owned businesses to thrive! It is an honor and a privilege to be part of a partnership that is dedicated to improving the quality of life and business climate for Latino businesses and the communities they serve.”

Minority business development is a critical component of Georgia’s economy as Georgia is home to a diverse business community of large and small companies across various sectors, which employ and serve a multicultural demographic. Through their leadership, the Georgia Chamber and Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will actively promote the economic growth, development, and interests of minority-owned businesses statewide. To learn more about the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce visit https://ghcc.org/. Click here to learn more about the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Photos from the official signing ceremony can be accessed here.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Neisha McGee
External Affairs Manager
404-223-2493
gmcgee@gachamber.com

Alex Coffey

Marketing Manager

404-223-2263

acoffey@gachamber.com
Christina Tuck

Communications Manager
404-223-2272

ctuck@gachamber.com

About the Georgia Chamber of Commerce

As the state’s largest business organization, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce represents investors in every county of our state with a diverse cross-section of over 500 industry sectors. Our membership includes both small storefronts and large corporations-no matter the size or type of business, we provide proactive policy, aggressive advocacy and meaningful investor services that impact your bottom line. Our number one mission is keeping, growing and creating jobs to make Georgia a better state for business. We work to ensure economic competitiveness, innovative solutions to challenges that state faces, and a commitment to high quality of life.  The Georgia Chamber serves as a partner for local chambers across the state. While we have many of the same goals, the Georgia Chamber focuses on statewide issues that impact Georgia’s entire business community.

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On behalf of the Public Affairs Team at the Georgia Chamber, we would like to extend congratulations to those candidates who secured victory in yesterday’s Primary Runoff Election.

We would like to give special recognition to two Chamber-endorsed candidates, Paula Hastings (House District 102, Gwinnett county) and Donna Sheldon (House District 105, Gwinnett county) on their primary runoff victories. Both Paula and Donna face general opposition this November and we would ask for your continued support of their campaigns.

To view the full list of election results for the Republican Primary Runoffs for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State as well as the Democratic Primary Runoff for School Superintendent, visit www.sos.ga.gov.

As we move into the General Election, we encourage you to visit www.8for18.com to see how the candidates for statewide office plan to address the top priorities of business leaders in Georgia. The ‘8 for 18’ platform represents the key issues for business leaders of all sizes and industries and includes candidates’ plans to address a myriad of topics including healthcare access, workforce development, and rural prosperity.

Upcoming dates of importance:

October 9^th – General Election voter registration deadline

October 15^th – Early voting begins

November 2^nd – Last day of early voting

November 6^th – General Election day

We look forward to continuing to work with these candidates on the priorities of the business community.

David A. Raynor
Senior Vice President, Public Affairs
Georgia Chamber of Commerce

House Bill 793, sponsored by Representative Dominic LaRiccia (Douglas)extends Georgia’s existing tax exemption on construction materials for the expansion of the Georgia Aquarium and creation of a new museum in Cartersville.

How does House Bill 793 impact Georgia’s economy?

House Bill 793 helps facilitate a $100 million expansion of the Georgia Aquarium through a tax incentive related to construction materials for a new marine life predator exhibit currently under development.   Additionally, HB 793 provides similar benefits for a new $35 million automobile museum in Cartersville in support of its development.  Both projects will generate short and long term economic impact through jobs created in both attractions, the construction jobs related to each project as well as the ongoing operation of each.

How does House Bill 793 benefit Georgia businesses?

Tourism is one of Georgia’s largest employers and leading industries, and generates substantial growth and economic opportunities for businesses of all sizes throughout every industry sector. Georgia’s tourism industry supports more than 450,000 jobs and contributes approximately $60.8 billion to the state’s economy.

Morgan Law, Executive Director of Georgia Travel Association, discussed the economic impact of the legislation, “The Georgia Chamber and Georgia Travel Association commend the leadership of Representative LaRiccia, Senator Bruce Thompson, and the general assembly on their continued efforts to advance Georgia hospitality and tourism.”

To learn more about the Chamber’s continued efforts to keep Georgia the #1 state in which to do business, visit the Georgia Chamber website and view the Chamber’s  2018 Legislative Priorities and  Scorecard Legislation.  Visit www.gatravelassociation.com to learn more about the Georgia Travel Association.

Senate Bill 3, sponsored by Senator Lindsey Tippins (Marietta) aims to identify critical workforce needs of emerging industries by creating a career pathway for students to earn industry certification and credentials.

How does Senate Bill 3 impact Georgia’s economy?

Senate Bill 3 also referred to as the Creating Opportunities Needed Now to Expand Credentialed Training (CONNECT) Act, allows for the creation of work-based learning programs such as internships, apprenticeships, and cooperative education. As one of Georgia’s eighteen career pathways, the CONNECT Act will accommodate economic growth through the establishment of educational programs that allow areas of concentration in fields of study that are critical to Georgia’s emerging industries.

How does Senate Bill 3 benefit Georgia businesses?

This measure authorizes the Department of Education to incentivize improved credentialed programs through the disbursement of competitive state grants. The resources provided by this legislation will increase educational opportunity and address the demand for certification training. As an essential component of workforce development, the CONNECT Act will ensure the preparation of current and future workers for careers in a variety of technical and professional disciplines.

The embedding of skills-based learning into academic instruction are vital in our continued efforts to promote economic mobility. As we continue to lead the nation in workforce development, we must implement policies that link education and workforce in a seamless system. The Chamber applauds the hard work and leadership of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Senator Lindsey Tippins, and members of the general assembly in passing this legislative priority.

To learn more about the Chamber’s continued efforts to keep Georgia the #1 state in which to do business, visit the Georgia Chamber website and view the Chamber’s  2018 Legislative Priorities and  Scorecard Legislation.

House Bill 769, sponsored by Higher Education Chairman Rick Jasperse (Jasper) and Senator Dean Burke (Bainbridge) addresses several healthcare needs of Georgia’s less populated communities by implementing healthcare recommendations provided by the state House Rural Development Council.

How does House Bill 769 impact Georgia’s economy?

House Bill 769 provides funding for the creation of a “Rural Center for Health Care Innovation and Sustainability,” and incentivizes talent acquisition to increase the number of healthcare providers in remote areas. “The Rural Health System Innovation Center” included in the legislation will serve as a research hub to identify challenges and offer policy recommendations for affordable healthcare practices. House Bill 769 allows the purchase of failing or closed hospitals in adjoining counties with less than 50,000 residents to be established as micro-hospitals in rural areas that provide 24-hour emergency services 7 days a week.

How does House Bill 769 benefit Georgia businesses?

House Bill 769 will decrease hospital closures and encourage job creation and preservation in rural Georgia communities. This measure will equip hospitals with telepharmacy technology to provide 24-hour, in-house services, and authorize licensed pharmacists to practice remotely. The passage of this legislation will create opportunities for long-term economic prosperity by expanding access to broadband technologies and healthcare.

The Chamber commends the hard work and dedication of Representative Jasperse, Senator Burke, the House Rural Development Council, and members of the general assembly in their pursuit to enhance the quality of life and business climate statewide.

House Bill 769 will go into effect July 1, 2018. To learn more about the Chamber’s continued efforts to keep Georgia the #1 state in which to do business, visit the Georgia Chamber website and view the Chamber’s  2018 Legislative Priorities and  Scorecard Legislation.