Eggs & Issues in Effingham

Last week, I was proud to join Congressman Buddy Carter, Chairman Bill Hitchens and a host of community and business leaders for the Effingham County Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast.  This event allows us to discuss the issues facing our state – both opportunities and challenges – as we get ready for the legislative session which will begin on Monday, January 8.

Georgia is the envy of the nation when it comes to our economic development and financial strength.  Our unemployment rate sits at a near record-low, our rainy day reserve fund is solid and the state enjoys the highest-available credit rating.  New companies continue to seek out our state for relocations and expansions.  From large projects like Hyundai to smaller businesses, Georgia remains the state that businesses and families want to call home.

As we look ahead to the 2024 legislative session, we have the opportunity to change Georgia’s future for the better.  We are going to examine how to recruit, retain, and reward our state law enforcement officers to bolster the ranks of our Georgia State Patrol to keep our highways and our communities safe.  We are going to invest in early childhood education, with a continuing emphasis on literacy, to help our students be successful throughout their lifetimes – both in school and later in the workplace.  We will continue to work with Governor Kemp to lower income tax rates, ensuring Georgians keep more of their hard-earned money.

I greatly appreciate the support of the 159th district as we prepare for another productive legislative session.  

Welcoming Bradshaw Home to the Coastal Empire

In July, Bradshaw Home announced a new distribution center that, when fully operational, will employ 230 people.  Last week, I was proud to join several state and local officials at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for this 1.2 million square foot facility in Bloomingdale.  Bradshaw Home markets a wide assortment of kitchen tools, gadgets, bakeware, cookware, food storage, and cleaning products.

I want to thank all the partners who helped make this facility a reality including the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Georgia Ports Authority.

Bradshaw Home’s decision to locate in our area reflects our ready workforce, a world-class logistics infrastructure and a business-friendly regulatory environment.  

As Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said, “Counties near the Port of Savannah are experiencing unprecedented growth, attracting companies with national and global footprints like Bradshaw Home.  The region around Savannah has an impressive industry mix, with recent wins ranging from automotive to logistics.  Effingham County and the Georgia Ports Authority have actively pursued a variety of industries to create a strong local economy.”  

Quality well thought out economic growth benefits our citizens today and in the future.