Chamber leaders encouraged by Washington, D.C. trip
BY ANGELA GARY
Banks County officials were encouraged by their talks with the nation’s leaders during a visit to Washington, D.C., last week.
“I believe the visit went well,” said Clyde McArthur, a member of the Banks County Planning Commission. “It was good to hear from Senator Isakson and Chambliss and Congressman Broun that they are committed to help our county in the area of economic development. We were fortunate that they were willing to spend a large part of their time with us and discuss our county and its needs. I also enjoyed meeting with Congressman Broun and hearing his views on illegal immigration, healthcare and government spending. All in all, I believe we presented a united community to our congressional delegation and I believe we will benefit.”
Businessman Jerry Boling said: “I think the group represented Banks County with professionalism and a focused agenda. The trip was well planned and very efficient use of the group’s time. We were very well received by our elected officials and I believe the trip will be proved successful.”
Chamber president Helen Hewell said: “It was my second trip to Washington and I felt it was a great success. I feel any time local leaders and business owners from the chamber of commerce take their time to go to Washington, it makes more of an impression to these senators and congressmen than any lobby group.”
Banker Beau Sheppard said: “I think that the trip to Washington was a great success for Banks County. It provided us, as a county, the opportunity to be seen and heard before our elected officials, while showing the large support from a vast cross-section of our community. It is very important that these individuals know where and who we are. Although I feel that we received a lot of positive feedback and direction during or meetings, I feel that the most important thing is what we do with that feedback and direction. The greatest benefit that we can take away from this experience is knowing where we stand in regards to our county’s needs/requests and the possible hurdles before us and moving forward to accomplish our goals.”
Chamber member Martha Threatt said: “I was especially impressed with Congressman Broun in that he doesn’t appear to have been ‘Washingtonized.’ He still acts and interacts as a regular person instead of being on an elected person’s pedestal. I appreciate his efforts to downsize the national government. Also, I appreciate all of their position on not supporting earmarks on frivolous spending - hopefully the entire Georgia delegation is on the same page on that one.”
Megan Martin, director of sales and marketing at Document Destruction, said: “I thought the trip was great. It’s not every day you get to sit down with your senators.”
Chamber director Tara Fulcher said: “This is a perfect opportunity for the business and civic leadership of Banks County to meet face to face with key decision makers in Washington, D.C. It’s our intent to let them know our priorities and to stay focused on solutions as we move forward.”
County extension agent Bob Waldorf said: “I thoroughly enjoyed being on the Washington, D.C. It was great to see this many people from the many different walks of life come together and be supportive of the trip’s agenda and the fast-paced itinerary. It was definitely an education for me especially since I have never been to Washington D.C.”
