Yesyerday, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce announced the Blue Bird Vision Electric School Bus at the winner of the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Georgia competition. The announcement was made during the Georgia Chamber’s 2026 Congressional Luncheon.

Manufactured in Fort Valley, the Blue Bird Vision Electric School Bus represents Georgia’s longstanding leadership in innovation and manufacturing. Blue Bird was founded in Fort Valley in 1927 and has remained a Georgia business for nearly 100 years.

The Blue Bird Vision Electric School Bus first debuted at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and was reintroduced to the market in 2018. Today, more than 4,000 Blue Bird electric school buses are operating across the United States. By providing sustainable transportation and reducing emissions, the electric school bus showcases cutting-edge engineering while supporting a more sustainable future. The Blue Bird Vision Electric School Bus is also a testament to the contributions of Fort Valley and Peach County and their enduring legacy of manufacturing excellence.

TifTuf Drought Tolerant Bermudagrass was named the runner-up in this year’s competition. Synovus, now part of Pinnacle Financial Partners, proudly served as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Georgia competition.

John Wyskiel, President and CEO, Blue Bird, said:

“We’d like to thank the Georgia Chamber and all of the voters for being named ‘The Coolest Thing Made in Georgia’ for our zero-emissions electric school bus. This recognition reflects years of innovation, dedication and a shared belief that student transportation can be safer, cleaner and, yes, apparently cooler than we ever imagined.”

Charlie Clark, State Head of Georgia Banking, Pinnacle Financial Partners (now merged with Synovus), said:

“Blue Bird Electric Bus is a powerful example of the innovation, determination and manufacturing strength that continues to fuel Georgia’s economic engine. This winning product reflects the talent and ingenuity found across our state in companies big and small. We are grateful to the Georgia Chamber for creating a platform that celebrates the companies and people building what’s next right here in Georgia."

Chris Clark, President and CEO, Georgia Chamber, said:

“Georgia is home to innovative companies and products that are making an impact far beyond our state’s borders. The Blue Bird Vision Electric School Bus represents the ingenuity and manufacturing excellence that make Georgia a global leader in business. Congratulations to Blue Bird on this achievement and on its nearly century-long legacy of creating innovative products right here in Georgia. We also congratulate every participant in this year’s competition for showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our state exceptional.”