The Georgia Chamber of Commerce held its 2025 Congressional Luncheon at the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center, drawing about 1,000 business leaders from across the state. The event featured several members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation as headliners, including Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Representative Mike Collins (GA-10), and Representative Austin Scott (GA-08).
AT&T and Georgia Power were presenting sponsors for this year’s luncheon.
Ed Elkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern and 2025 Chair of the Georgia Chamber, highlighted the collaboration between business leaders and elected officials: “2025 underscored the impact of strong partnerships with Georgia’s business community and elected leaders. During the Congressional Luncheon, the Georgia Chamber, in large part thanks to our Business Climate Policy Committee and Small Business Policy Council, celebrated our collaboration with the state’s Congressional Delegation to advance pro-growth policies—efforts that will help Georgia businesses expand operations, hire more Georgians, and continue driving our state’s economic momentum for future generations.”
Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber, spoke about ongoing cooperation: “Georgia’s economic success has been fueled by a longstanding, bipartisan, and bicameral partnership between our congressional delegation and the statewide business community. At the 2025 Congressional Luncheon, the Georgia Chamber honored that tradition while marking a new chapter in our history by announcing the winners of our three new awards. This shared commitment to Georgia’s prosperity, innovation, and strong corporate citizenship means Georgia is firmly on track to remain the number one state to do business for the next 25 years and beyond.”
Jansen Tidmore, President & CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce added: “Georgia’s standing as the best state for doing business for 12 consecutive years is a testament to what is possible when leaders work together with vision and purpose. Across our state, partnerships between the business, government, and nonprofit communities have been fueling innovation, connecting opportunities, and crafting a stronger future for all our residents. Columbus is proud to play a role in fostering that success. It is a privilege to welcome Georgia’s business and congressional leaders to our city as we continue building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
During this year’s luncheon program—which included remarks from several congressional representatives—the Chamber announced that Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules was named “Coolest Thing Made in Georgia” for 2025 after winning a statewide competition involving public voting on products made within Georgia. Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL was runner-up.
Shan Cooper of Journey Forward Strategies received this year’s Blachard Servant Leadership Award—a recognition revived by partnership between Jim Blanchard (retired Synovus Chairman) and the Chamber—and W.C. Bradley Co. was presented with the inaugural Corporate Citizen Award.
Founded over a century ago in 1911—and incorporated four years later—the Georgia Chamber represents tens of thousands of members across all regions of the state through offices located in Atlanta, Brunswick, and Tifton.
A recording of this year’s event will be available soon on the organization’s YouTube channel.
