Senate Resolution 308
By: Senators Kennedy of the 18th, Robertson of the 29th, Brass of the 6th, Anavitarte of the
31st, Gooch of the 51st and others
A RESOLUTION
Congratulating the Georgia Association of Manufacturers on the 125th anniversary of its
formation; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM) was founded in 1900 as the
Georgia Industrial Association; and
WHEREAS, at its first annual meeting in May 1901, G. Gunby Jordan, president of the Eagle
and Phenix Mill in Columbus, offered a benediction, stating, "I wish this newborn
Association Godspeed in its mission for the financial betterment of all the institutions which
compose it, for the developing and cementing of closer ties of friendship . . . for the one
glorious purpose – the betterment of mankind"; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Industrial Association became the Cotton Manufacturers of Georgia
in 1912 then was later renamed the Georgia Textile Manufacturers Association in 1960; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, the Association expanded its membership scope to represent all
companies engaged in manufacturing within the State of Georgia, eventually becoming
known as the Georgia Association of Manufacturers in 2011; and
WHEREAS, from its beginning to this day, the Association has served its membership as a
unifying entity that has contributed substantially to the growth and development of an
industry of essential importance to the economic and social prosperity of this great state; and
WHEREAS, GAM has served and continues to serve proudly, ethically, and in a nonpartisan
manner as the voice of the manufacturing industry on matters of public policy at the state
capitol, the Georgia Public Service Commission, and other state agencies; and
WHEREAS, GAM also serves its growing roster of members by providing thought
leadership on critical issues, hosting numerous forums to discuss developments of interest
and best practices, creating workforce solutions, promoting modern manufacturing as a
compelling career choice, and providing research and intelligence to members to support
their success in the global marketplace; and
WHEREAS, Georgia is home to approximately 10,000 manufacturers who employ 435,000
people, including many in rural Georgia, provide jobs with above-average wages and
benefits, and support numerous businesses outside the manufacturing sector; and
WHEREAS, the manufacturing industry generated total output for the State of Georgia in
2023 of $77.2 billion, accounting for 9.6 percent of Georgia's total gross state product; and
WHEREAS, GAM continues to provide critical representation and thought leadership as
manufacturers and their employees help move our state into a more technologically advanced
future, ensuring that Georgia is a great place in which to invest in manufacturing, to work,
to live, and to raise our families.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
congratulate the Georgia Association of Manufacturers upon its 125th anniversary and wish
GAM and the industry it serves a bright future with "one glorious purpose"– the betterment
of humankind.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia
Association of Manufacturers.