Georgia Chamber of Commerce Podcast

In this episode, Morgan Law sits down with Charlie Clark, state head of Georgia banking, to discuss why Synovus, now merged with Pinnacle Financial Partners, is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia. Plus, learn how companies can get involved in this year's competition and how Georgians can support the innovative products being made right here at home. 

In anticipation of the Georgia Chamber’s 2026 State of Energy event, Daniela Perry, Executive Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation, sat down with Aaron Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth for Georgia Power, to explore the evolving forces shaping Georgia’s energy future and what they mean for long-term economic competitiveness. 

Brandon Haddock, Director of Communications for Textron Specialized Vehicles, joins Paige Blakemore, Communications Coordinator at the Georgia Chamber, to discuss the innovation and manufacturing excellence behind one of Georgia's leading vehicle manufacturers.The conversation explores Textron Specialized Vehicles' presence in Georgia, the products and brands that have made the company a leader in the industry, and the role advanced manufacturing continues to play in the state's economy. Brandon also shares insights into the company's commitment to innovation and what it means to be recognized as part of the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia competition.

Trish Pagan, Vice President of Air Mobility and Maritime Missions and Marietta Site General Manager at Lockheed Martin, joins Morgan Law, Chief Experience Officer of the Georgia Chamber, to discuss the story behind the C-130J Super Hercules — the inaugural winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia competition.The conversation explores Lockheed Martin’s longstanding investment in Georgia, the talented workforce behind the C-130J, and why advanced manufacturing continues to play such a critical role in Georgia’s economy. Trish also reflects on what it meant for the C-130J to earn the title of Georgia’s “Coolest Thing Made” and why celebrating Georgia-made innovation matters as the competition enters its second year.

What are some of the best practices from chambers of commerce across the U.S.? How can chambers continue to earn the trust of their communities? The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) explores these questions every day in its work serving more than 9,000 leaders from 1,300 chambers nationwide.In the latest episode of the Georgia Chamber Podcast, ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly joins us to discuss the association’s work — including the launch of Horizon 2035, the Certified Chamber Executive Program, and more.Learn more about Horizon 2035, designed to help chamber leaders stay a step ahead by highlighting key future-facing trends, at: https://secure.acce.org/pages/horizon2035/To explore the Certified Chamber Executive Program and apply for the 2026 cohort, visit: https://secure.acce.org/pages/cce/Connect with Sheree Anne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shereeanne/ Follow the ACCE:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACCEHQInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/accehq/X (Twitter): https://x.com/accehqLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accehq/

Georgia Power is an essential partner in powering Georgia's sustained, record-breaking economic success. On the latest Georgia Chamber Podcast episode, we were joined by Arthur Tripp, the vice president of Economic Development for Georgia Power who shared why it is so important for an utility company to have an economic development team, how Georgia Power shapes our state's business-friendly environment, what strong corporate citizenship means for Georgia Power. Georgia Power is a Presenting sponsor of the Georgia Chamber's oversold 2025 Congressional Luncheon, we thank Georgia Power for being our partner for #GCCL25 and in our year-round advocacy. For more information about Georgia Power's economic development work: https://www.selectgeorgia.com/For more information about Arthur: https://www.georgiapower.com/news-hub/press-releases/arthur-tripp-named-vice-president-of-economic-development.html

On this episode we were joined by Elizabeth Reynolds, AT&T's Senior Director, Government Affairs. Elizabeth shares how AT&T is investing in Georgia’s future—through more than $16.9 billion in network upgrades from 2020 to 2024, efforts to close the digital divide, support for first responders through the FirstNet network, the importance of renewing this critical federal program and more.AT&T has been in Georgia for 146 years, and is a Presenting Sponsor of the oversold, 2025 Congressional Luncheon.  We thank AT&T for their longstanding support of the Georgia Chamber and the 2025 Congressional Luncheon. More info on AT&T's investment in Georgia: https://www.attconnects.com/how-att-is-investing-in-georgia/More info on AT&T and the FirstNet network:https://www.att.com/firstnetandfamily/ More info on AT&T's Connected Learning Center in Macon to help close the digital divide: https://www.attconnects.com/building-bright-futures-att-and-boys-girls-clubs-of-central-georgia-launch-new-connected-learning-center-in-macon/More info on the oversold 2025 Congressional Luncheon:https://www.gachamber.com/event/congressional-luncheon-2/ 

Christa Pitts, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of the Lumistella Company, the company behind the brand the Elf on the Shelf. In this episode, Christa talks about the founding of her company, her management style, what it takes to get elves on shelves before Christmas, and more! For comments, questions, and suggestions for Georgia Chamber podcasts, email us: [email protected] 

Sadie Funk, National Director at the Best Place for Working Parents joined the Georgia Chamber Podcast "Women Who Lead" series. Learn more about the national Best Place for Working Parents program at: bestplace4workingparents.com. To earn your designation as a Best Place for Working Parents in Georgia, visit: bestplace4workingparents.com/georgia. Follow Sadie on social media: linkedin.com/in/sadiefunk and the Best Place for Working Parents is at: linkedin.com/company/bestplace4workingparents/

Black-owned and Black-led businesses are a key part of Georgia's economy, and essential to our state's long-term economic prosperity. To celebrate the importance of Black businesses in Georgia, Tasha Allen, Vice President of Talent Management and Diversity for the Georgia Chamber sat down with Melvin Coleman, President and CEO of the Atlanta Black Chambers. In this episode of the Georgia Chamber Podcast, you can hear about the ABC's national award, how the ABC and Georgia Chamber work together, the ABC's leading role in creating opportunity in Atlanta's business community, a special ABC member shoutout and more! 

Welcome to episode twelve of the Session Series from the Georgia Chamber Podcast. The Georgia General Assembly completed its 40-day legislative session in the early morning hours of Friday, March 29th. In this episode, Kayla and Katie provide insight into the legislative movement that occurred on Sine Die. 

Welcome to the Georgia Chamber Podcast. In this episode, Jennifer Abshire, Founder and CEO of Abshire Public Relations in Savannah, GA, discusses strategies for supporting women in the workplace. From creating work-life balance to the importance of mentorship, Jennifer shares advice and wisdom for women at every stage in their careers. 

Welcome to episode eleven of the Session Series from the Georgia Chamber Podcast.This week, we're providing an update on legislation that has passed both chambers and is heading to the desk of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. The Georgia Chamber Podcast's Session Series brings you insider information and weekly updates from under the Gold Dome. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Kayla Roberson and Katie Duvall will keep you in the know about the issues and policies most important to Georgia's business community. 

Welcome to episode ten of the Session Series from the Georgia Chamber Podcast.This week, we provide updates on two of the Georgia Chamber's Scorecard Bills and preview Georgia's 2024 election cycle. To keep up with the Georgia Chamber and future endorsement announcements, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! The Georgia Chamber Podcast's Session Series brings you insider information and weekly updates from under the Gold Dome. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Kayla Roberson and Katie Duvall will keep you in the know about the issues and policies most important to Georgia's business community. 

Welcome to episode nine of the Session Series from the Georgia Chamber Podcast.This week, we had the opportunity to hear from several special guests about two of the Chamber's Scorecard bills and the 2025 budget. Representative Bethany Ballard (R-Warner Robins) provided an update on her military spouse licensing bill, Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville) gave insight into his role as one of the Governor's floor leaders, and Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin) met with us to discuss the budget process.  To keep up with the Georgia Chamber and future endorsement announcements, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!  The Georgia Chamber Podcast's Session Series brings you insider information and weekly updates from under the Gold Dome. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Kayla Roberson and Katie Duvall will keep you in the know about the issues and policies most important to Georgia's business community. 

In this episode of the Georgia Chamber Podcast, Kayla Roberson and Stuart Countess, President and CEO of Kia Georgia, discuss strategies and solutions to Georgia's ongoing workforce challenges and Kia's visionary workforce development programs. 

Welcome to episode eight of the Session Series from the Georgia Chamber Podcast.In this special edition episode of the Session Series, Katie and Kayla provide you with updates from Crossover Day at the Capitol. Hear from special guests including members of the Georgia Chamber's Government Affairs Council, the Executive Director of the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition, and Representative Rick Jasperse.   The Georgia Chamber Podcast's Session Series brings you insider information and weekly updates from under the Gold Dome. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Kayla Roberson and Katie Duvall will keep you in the know about the issues and policies most important to Georgia's business community.

Welcome to episode seven of the Session Series from the Georgia Chamber Podcast.This week, we're providing an overview of the Chamber's fifth scorecard bill of the 2024 Legislative Session dealing with rural hospital tax credits. We also discuss "Crossover Day" coming up next week on Thursday, February 29.   The Georgia Chamber Podcast's Session Series brings you insider information and weekly updates from under the Gold Dome. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Kayla Roberson and Katie Duvall will keep you in the know about the issues and policies most important to Georgia's business community. 

Welcome to episode six of the Session Series from the Georgia Chamber Podcast.This week, we're discussing the Chamber's latest scorecard bill that incentivizes local communities to allow for the building of workforce housing. We also discuss the Chamber's support positions on several education bills and welcome the newly appointed House Rules Committee Chairman.   The Georgia Chamber Podcast's Session Series brings you insider information and weekly updates from under the Gold Dome. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Kayla Roberson and Katie Duvall will keep you in the know about the issues and policies most important to Georgia's business community.

Welcome to episode five of the Session Series from the Georgia Chamber Podcast.This week, we're providing an overview of the highly anticipated tax incentives announcement from Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Speaker Jon Burns.   The Georgia Chamber Podcast's Session Series brings you insider information and weekly updates from under the Gold Dome. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Kayla Roberson and Katie Duvall will keep you in the know about the issues and policies most important to Georgia's business community. 

Welcome to episode four of the Session Series from the Georgia Chamber Podcast.This week, we're discussing the first piece of highly anticipated lawsuit reform legislation of the 2024 session. We also discuss the Utility Workers Protection Act, the first Chamber Scorecard bill of the year, and several other bills that received a Georgia Chamber support position over the course of the week!  The Georgia Chamber Podcast's Session Series brings you insider information and weekly updates from under the Gold Dome. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Kayla Roberson and Katie Duvall will keep you in the know about the issues and policies most important to Georgia's business community. 

Each year, the Georgia Chamber Foundation releases an Economic Competitiveness Redbook with strategic data and insights that compare Georgia's key economic metrics to the rest of the nation. Daniela Perry, Vice President of the Georgia Chamber Foundation, breaks down several of the most important statistics found in this year's Redbook including access to healthcare, the state of our infrastructure, and rural education. Click HERE to download a copy for yourself. 

Welcome to episode three of the Session Series from the Georgia Chamber Podcast.This week, we're summarizing the tax policy announcement from Speaker Jon Burns and other members of House leadership. We also discuss several workforce bills that include occupational licensing reform and increased funding for education in some of our state's high-demand career fields. Click HERE to contact a member of the Chamber team! The Georgia Chamber Podcast's Session Series brings you insider information and weekly updates from under the Gold Dome. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Kayla Roberson and Katie Duvall will keep you in the know about the issues and policies most important to Georgia's business community. 

Welcome to episode two of the Session Series from the Georgia Chamber Podcast.Today, we're recapping the remarks from our state's leaders at Eggs and Issues 2024 and diving into the events of weeks one and two of the Legislative Session.  The Georgia Chamber Podcast's Session Series brings you insider information and weekly updates from under the Gold Dome. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Kayla Roberson and Katie Duvall will keep you in the know about the issues and policies most important to Georgia's business community. 

Welcome to episode one of the Session Series from the Georgia Chamber Podcast. This week, we're recapping the highlights of the 2023 Legislative Session and sharing the 2024 legislative priorities of the Chamber.  The Georgia Chamber Podcast's Session Series brings you insider information and weekly updates from under the Gold Dome. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Kayla Roberson and Katie Duvall will keep you in the know about the issues and policies most important to Georgia's business community. 

Employers across the country and the globe are facing unprecedented workforce shortages. Here in Georgia, we're leading the way in developing innovative solutions to alleviate the impact on our companies.In this episode of the Georgia Chamber Podcast, Daniela Perry, Vice President of the Georgia Chamber Foundation, shares the strategies the Peach State is implementing to win the ongoing War for Talent.To view the Chamber's previous quarterly updates and to stay informed about the data and trends driving our economy, click here! 

Intentionality is the message that Mishaune Sawyer, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council Chair, says encompasses the scope of her work throughout the state and in her role as a Senior DE&I Manager with JE Dunn. In this episode of the Georgia Chamber Podcast, Kayla Roberson and Mishaune Sawyer discuss the implementation of DE&I initiatives in the workplace, women in the construction industry, and the work of the Chamber's DE&I Council. 

As Georgia continues to become more diverse, our state’s leaders must seek to understand, engage in, and accept the responsibility to work towards an inclusive environment. In this episode of the Georgia Chamber Podcast, Tasha Allen, the Chamber's Vice President of Talent Management and Diversity, and Kayla Roberson, The Chamber's Press Secretary, take a closer look at several of the panels featured at this year's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit. 

Matt Stevens, the Senior Director of Strategic Impact with Creature Comforts Brewing Company, shares the literacy initiatives Creature Comforts sponsors throughout the Athens community. 

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner, Tyler Harper, provides an update on the state of Georgia's number one industry. He is then joined by panelists Dr. Laura Perry Johnson and Arthur Tripp to discuss the issues agriculture faces throughout the state. PANELISTS: Dr. Laura Perry Johnson, Associate Dean for Extension, University of Georgia Arthur Tripp, State Director, USDA Farm Services Moderated by Tyler Harper, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Agriculture  

Dr. Bronwyn Ragan-Martin, the Deputy Superintendent of Rural Education and Innovation with the Georgia Department of Education, provides an overview of the state of rural education throughout Georgia. She is then joined by panelists Aaron Geter, Richard Smith, and Kathleen Da Silva to further discuss the success strategies of Georgia's rural school districts. PANELISTS: Aaron Geter, Superintendent, Wilkinson County Schools  Bronwyn Ragan-Martin, Deputy Superintendent of Rural Education and Innovation, Georgia Department of Education  Richard Smith, Executive Director, First District RESA  Moderated by Kathleen Da Silva, Regional Engagement Manager, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education 

Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner, Russell McMurry, provides a comprehensive overview of the state of Georgia's transportation systems. The Executive Director of the Georgia Transportation Alliance, Seth Millican, leads a panel discussion on the investment strategies needed to ensure the strength and security of our critical transportation infrastructure. PANELISTS: Paula Dowell, Vice President of Integrated Planning, HNTB Sandy Lake, Director of Logistics, Georgia Center of Innovation Stacy Watson, Director of economic and industrial Development, Georgia Ports Authority Moderated by Seth Millican, Executive Director, Georgia Transportation Alliance 

Panelists Walt Farrell, Daryl Ingram, Matt Colvin, and Grant Cagle discuss Georgia's record-breaking economic investment announcements in rural Georgia and the strategies we need to adopt in order to maintain our current levels of success. PANELISTS: Walt Farrell, Vice President of Community & Economic Development, Georgia Power Daryl Ingram, Senior Vice President & Chief External Officer, Electric Cities of GeorgiaMatt Colvin, Director of Economic Development, University of GeorgiaModerated by: Grant Cagle, Executive Director, Georgia Economic Developers 

Carl Garofalo, Director of Sustainability Solutions with Southern Company Gas, provides an update on the state of sustainability practices throughout Georgia and discusses Southern Company Gas' approach to implementing sustainability solutions. 

Lisa Kelly is joined by panelists Senator Billy Hickman, Charles Tarbutton, and Carlyle Walton as they discuss the current state of Georgia's rural healthcare systems and the comprehensive solutions for ensuring every Georgian has access to healthcare. PANELISTS: Lisa Kelly, Executive Director, Georgia HEART Hospital Program Senator Billy Hickman, Georgia State Senator, District 4 Charles Tarbutton, President and Director, B-H Transfer Co. and Board Member, Georgia HEART Hospital Program 

Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Chris Clark, delivers remarks on the current state of rural prosperity throughout Georgia. If you're interested in learning more, click HERE to read the Georgia Chamber Foundation's Third Quarter Economic Update which contains a collection of data on the status of the rural Georgia economy and projections for the growth of the state’s 122 rural counties.

Kevin Perry, President and CEO of the Georgia Beverage Association and Chairman of the Georgia Chamber's Government Affairs Council, is joined by Georgia's senior United States Senator, Jon Ossoff, for a federal policy update. 

Georgia Chamber President and CEO, Chris Clark, is joined by Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12) and Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-06) for a discussion surrounding Georgia's looming healthcare workforce crisis, threats from China, workforce housing, and more. 

President and CEO of Georgia Power, Kim Greene, is joined by U.S. Congressman Drew Ferguson (GA-03) to discuss some of our state's most pressing economic issues including federal tax policy, education, our position as the buckle of the battery belt, and more. 

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announces the third consecutive year of record-breaking economic development in the Peach State and declares his support for implementing civil justice reforms to the state's judicial system. 

Equipping Georgia Students with New Economy Skills  Chancellor Sonny Perdue, University System of Georgia    Scott Steiner, President & CEO, Phoebe Putney Health System   Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager of Air Mobility and Maritime Missions, Lockheed Martin  Moderator: Neil L. Pruitt, Jr., Chairman and CEO, PruittHealth   

Reflections and Next Steps to Align Georgia’s Talent Pipeline   Franz Gilbert, Managing Director, Human Capital Ecosystems and Alliances, Deloitte  

Enhancing Georgia Students’ Real World Learning Experience: K-12    Kirk Nooks, President, Gordon State College  Chris Hatcher, President and CEO, 4C Academy   Melissa Dark, President and CEO, Fitzgerald- Ben Hill Chamber of Commerce   Paul Cramer, President and CEO, The Classic Center    Moderator: Shay’ne Murphy, AVP, Curriculum & Programs Sr. Learning Program Lead, Truist   

Increasing College and Career Awareness and Readiness for Georgia Students     Superintendent Richard Woods, Georgia Department of Education    Stuart Countess, President and CEO, KIA Georgia   Joseph Lillyblad, Director of Education and Workforce Development, Georgia Power Company   Moderator: Dana Rickman, President, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education   

Enhancing Georgia Students’ Real World Learning Experience: Higher EducationSon Pham, Director, University Relations and Events, Cox Enterprises    Dr. Billyde Brown, Senior Research Faculty, EWD Director, Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute, Manufacturing Program Advisor, MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center Sruthi Kumar, PIN Workforce for Tomorrow Fellow, Cox Enterprises and GT Strategic Energy Institute  Moderator: Clarence Anthony Ph.D., Workforce Development Manager, Partnership for Inclusive Innovation  

Improving Real World Experience for Georgia Students  Commissioner Greg Dozier, Technical College System of Georgia   Burt Fealing, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Southwire     Gianetta Jones, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc.   Moderator: Lee Jarboe, Vice President, JE Dunn Construction    

Greg Wilson, Assistant Director- State Services and Decision Support, Carl Vinson Institute of Government   

Economic Impact of Early Learning   Amy Jacobs, Commissioner, Department of Early Care and Learning   Mindy Binderman, Executive Director, GEEARS   Kelli Henderson, VP, HR Total Rewards, Aflac   Moderator: Daniela Perry, Vice President, Georgia Chamber Foundation, Georgia Chamber of Commerce   

Georgia’s Workforce: Skills and Competencies of the Future   Elizabeth Murthy, Partner, McKinsey & Company   Bryan Hancock, Partner, McKinsey & Company 

Future of Talent  presentation by Chris Clark, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber