HR1259: HR1259 Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce; significant contributions to economic development, community leadership, and the cultivation of local talent through Leadership Monroe program; commend

This House resolution formally recognizes the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, which has operated in Monroe County since 1978. The resolution praises the Chamber's role in promoting local business, tourism, and community growth, and highlights its Leadership Monroe program, a nine-month course that teaches participants about local government, economic development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and community service. The resolution also credits the Chamber for hosting the annual Forsythia Festival in downtown Forsyth and for the leadership of President and CEO Melissa Lee and Chairwoman Kerri Swearingen. It directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for the Chamber. The resolution does not change any Georgia law; it is a formal statement of recognition passed by the House.

• Formally commends the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce for its economic development and community leadership work in Monroe County.
• Recognizes the Chamber's Leadership Monroe program, a nine-month leadership training course covering government, economic development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and community service.
• Praises the Chamber for organizing the annual Forsythia Festival in downtown Forsyth.
• Names President and CEO Melissa Lee, Chairwoman Kerri Swearingen, and the Chamber's Board of Directors and staff for recognition.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the Chamber.

The resolution directly names and honors the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, its President and CEO Melissa Lee, Chairwoman Kerri Swearingen, its Board of Directors and staff, and participants in the Leadership Monroe program.

The resolution carries no legal or funding effect; it is a symbolic honor from the Georgia House of Representatives. Its main practical effect is public recognition for the Chamber and its leadership program, along with a printed copy for the organization's records.

• The preamble outlines the Chamber's history since 1978 and its mission to promote commerce, community, and tourism in Monroe County.
• Describes the Leadership Monroe program as a nine-month experiential learning course covering six pillars of county life.
• Notes the annual Forsythia Festival as a recognized Southeastern Tourism Society Top 20 Event.
• The resolving clause commends the Chamber for its efforts in economic growth, community leadership, and quality of life.
• A further resolved clause names specific Chamber leaders for recognition.
• A final clause directs the House Clerk to provide a copy of the resolution to the Chamber.

1. 2026-02-05House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-05House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-05House Hopper (House)

• Tangie Herring (D, HD-145)Primary sponsor
• Clint Crowe (R, HD-118)
• Dale Washburn (R, HD-144)
• Robert Dickey (R, HD-134)
• Beth Camp (R, HD-135)

• chamber of commerce
• Monroe County
• economic development
• community leadership
• legislative honor