HR1169: HR1169 The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, and their partners in conjunction with Effingham Day at the Capitol; exceptional leadership, collaboration, and economic impact in Effingham County; recognize

26 LC 129 0729 House Resolution 1169 By: Representatives Burns of the 159th and Hitchens of the 161st A RESOLUTION Recognizing the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, the Effingham County Industrial1 Development Authority, and their partners in conjunction with Effingham Day at the Capitol2 for exceptional leadership, collaboration, and economic impact in Effingham County; and3 for other purposes.4 WHEREAS, the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, working in partnership with the5 Effingham County Industrial Development Authority and other pub lic and private6 stakeholders, has advanced a collaborative approach to economic development and business7 advocacy that supports job creation, investment, and long-term prosperity in Effingham8 County and the greater Coastal Empire region; and9 WHEREAS, this collaborative work is showcased through Effingham Day at the Capitol, an10 annual initiative led and organized by the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, which11 convenes state and local leaders, employers, educators, and com munity stakeholders to12 highlight Effingham County's economic momentum, workforce prior ities, infrastructure13 needs, and regional opportunities; and14 WHEREAS, the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce serves as the primary convener15 and driver of Effingham Day at the Capitol, providing leadershi p in business advocacy,16 H. R. 1169 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0729 legislative engagement, and regional coordination to ensure that Effingham County's voice17 and priorities are effectively represented at the state level; and18 WHEREAS, under the leadership of Susan Kraut, President and Chief Executive Officer, the19 Effingham County Chamber of Commerce has expanded its impact th rough strengthened20 advocacy, workforce and leadership development initiatives, tou rism and place-based21 promotion, and a sustained focus on balanced and strategic economic growth; and22 WHEREAS, Susan Kraut has been recognized for her statewide influence through inclusion23 in the Georgia 500: Most Influential Leaders, reflecting her le adership in economic24 development, public-private partnership building, and civic engagement across the State of25 Georgia; and26 WHEREAS, the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, a presenting partner27 of Effingham Day at the Capitol, plays a critical role in advan cing industrial recruitment,28 supporting major capital investment, and strengthening Effingha m County's long-term29 economic competitiveness under the leadership of Brandt Herndon, Chief Executive Officer,30 who has likewise been named to the Georgia 500: Most Influentia l Leaders in recognition31 of that work; and32 WHEREAS, the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce is governed by a volunteer Board33 of Directors elected by the Chamber's membership and currently chaired by Brett Bennett,34 whose leadership reflects a strong commitment to sound governan ce, accountability, and35 service to the business community; and36 WHEREAS, the leadership and convening role of the Effingham Cou nty Chamber of37 Commerce, in partnership with the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority and38 H. R. 1169 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0729 a broad network of stakeholders, has helped position Effingham County as a growing hub39 of opportunity while maintaining its character, quality of life, and long-term resilience.40 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that41 the members of this body comme nd the Effingham County Chamber o f Commerce, the42 Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, and their pa rtners for their43 collaborative efforts and economic impact; recognize Effingham Day at the Capitol as a44 meaningful example of effective business advocacy and regional leadership; and honor the45 service of Susan Kraut, Brandt Herndon, and Board Chair Brett B ennett for their46 contributions to Effingham County and the State of Georgia.47 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized48 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the49 Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, the Effingham County Industrial Development50 Authority, Susan Kraut, Brandt Herndon, and Brett Bennett.51 H. R. 1169 - 3 -