HR 1259: 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 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Georgia House of Representatives. It does not change any law. It formally praises the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, which has operated in Monroe County since 1978, for its role in promoting local business, community life, and tourism. The resolution specifically highlights the Chamber's Leadership Monroe program, a nine-month course that teaches participants about local government, economic development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and community service. It also notes the Chamber's annual Forsythia Festival in downtown Forsyth. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy for distribution to the Chamber, and names its President and CEO and Chairwoman for recognition.

• Formally commends the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce for its work on economic development and community leadership in Monroe County.
• Recognizes the Chamber's Leadership Monroe program, a nine-month civic education course covering government, economic development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and community service.
• Acknowledges the Chamber's annual Forsythia Festival as a notable regional tourism event.
• 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, its Chairwoman, and its Board of Directors and staff. It has no legal effect on the public, businesses, or government operations beyond this formal recognition.

This resolution carries no legal or regulatory effect; it does not change any Georgia law, create funding, or impose requirements. Its practical impact is symbolic, giving the Chamber of Commerce official recognition from the state legislature for its community and economic development work.

• The resolution states the Chamber's history dating to 1978 and its mission to promote commerce, community, and tourism in Monroe County.
• It describes the Leadership Monroe program's nine-month curriculum and its focus areas, including government, economic development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and community service.
• It references the annual Forsythia Festival as a Southeastern Tourism Society Top 20 Event.
• The resolving clauses commend the Chamber, recognize named individuals, and direct the Clerk of the House to distribute a copy of the resolution to the organization.

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

• Tangie Herring (D, HD-145)Patrocinador principal
• 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
• Forsythia Festival