[FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 1.) Ed Elkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Norfolk Southern and Chairman, Georgia Chamber 2.) U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff]

On August 20, 2025, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 Congressional Luncheon, the premier event convening Georgia’s federal elected officials and the statewide business community. The 2025 Congressional Luncheon took place at the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center with 1,000 of Georgia’s strongest corporate citizens in attendance. The members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation who headlined the 2025 Congressional Luncheon were: 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 proudly served as presenting sponsors of the 2025 Congressional Luncheon.

A recording of the 2025 Congressional Luncheon will be available shortly on the Georgia Chamber’s YouTube Channel.

Ed Elkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Norfolk Southern and 2025 Chair, Georgia Chamber said:

“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 said:

“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 said: 

“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 the Congressional Luncheon, the Georgia Chamber announced that the Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules is the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia for 2025. The Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules won the title following a statewide, knockout style competition that saw hundreds of thousands of Georgians cast their votes for 64 cool Georgia-made products. The Midnight eVTOL from Archer Aviation was the second finalist for the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia. Presented by Synovus, the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia is a new, competition, designed to celebrate Georgia’s outstanding innovators. Click here for more information about the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia.

Shan Cooper, CEO at Journey Forward Strategies, LLC was named the recipient of the 2025 Blachard Servant Leadership Award. The award, named after Jim Blanchard, retired Chairman of the Board and CEO of Synovus, were first presented in 2008 as part of the Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum. The Georgia Chamber in partnership with Mr. Blanchard revived the award which will be a feature of future Congressional Luncheons. 

W.C. Bradley Co. was named the inaugural recipient of the Georgia Chamber Corporate Citizen Award. The Georgia Chamber Corporate Citizen Award will be presented annually to a strong corporate citizen that defines “the Georgia Way” of doing business, going the extra mile for their communities and the people on their team.  

The full list of congressional speakers at the 2025 Congressional Luncheon is as follows:  

Welcome Remarks

Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02)   

National Security & Intelligence   

Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA)  

Moderator: Ed Elkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Norfolk Southern and 2025 Chair, Georgia Chamber   

Inside the House  

Representative Mike Collins (GA-10)  

Representative Austin Scott (GA-08)   

Moderator: The Honorable Drew Ferguson, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, and Head of Washington Office, Hyundai Motor Group DC 

Powering Policy  

Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01)   

Commissioner Fitz Johnson, PSC District 3  

Moderator: Stuart Countess, President & CEO, Kia Georgia and 2025 Vice Chair, Georgia Chamber