On Aug. 5, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce welcomed nearly 2,000 business, civic and government leaders to Athens for its annual Congressional Luncheon, one of the state's premier public policy events. The luncheon brought together leaders from across Georgia for bipartisan conversations on the state's economic future and the issues shaping its next chapter.

The program featured welcome remarks from Congressman Mike Collins, remarks from Governor Brian P. Kemp, a fireside chat with Georgia's gubernatorial candidates, Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson, and a congressional panel discussion featuring members of Georgia's delegation. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between business and government in advancing Georgia's continued economic success.

AT&T and Georgia Power proudly served as presenting sponsors. Recordings of the 2026 Congressional Luncheon can be found on the Georgia Chamber’s YouTube channel.

Stuart Countess, President & CEO, Kia Georgia, and 2026 Chair, Georgia Chamber, said:

"Georgia's continued success depends on strong partnerships between business leaders and policymakers. The Congressional Luncheon provides an important opportunity to discuss the issues that drive economic growth, workforce development, and competitiveness. The Georgia Chamber remains committed to advancing policies that create opportunity and keep Georgia one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and do business."

Chris Clark, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Each year, the Georgia Chamber’s Congressional Luncheon serves as a reminder that Georgia’s greatest strength is the partnership between leaders who share a commitment to our state’s future. The 2026 event highlighted that commitment by bringing together Governor Brian P. Kemp, Georgia's top gubernatorial candidates, and a new generation of congressional leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges ahead for our state. These conversations reflect the importance of collaboration across government and the business community as we continue building on our state’s economic success and ensuring Georgia remains the best place to live, work, and do business for generations to come.”

David Bradley, President & CEO, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, said:

"Athens was honored to welcome business and policy leaders from every corner of Georgia for this year's Congressional Luncheon. Events like this strengthen the partnerships that drive economic growth across our state and define our communities. We are grateful to the Georgia Chamber for bringing this important conversation to Athens and look forward to continuing to work together to advance Georgia's future."

During the luncheon, the Georgia Chamber recognized several outstanding leaders and organizations for their contributions to Georgia's business community.

First Lady Marty Kemp received the 2026 Blanchard Servant Leadership Award in recognition of her service to the state and her leadership on initiatives supporting Georgians, including efforts to combat human trafficking, mental health advocacy, and promote pet adoption.

Cox Enterprises was honored with the Georgia Chamber Corporate Citizen Award for its longstanding commitment to corporate responsibility, community engagement, and environmental stewardship throughout Georgia and beyond.

The Georgia Chamber also announced the winner of the second annual Coolest Thing Made in Georgia competition, presented by Synovus, now merged with Pinnacle Financial Partners. After a statewide, bracket-style competition featuring 32 Georgia-made products, the Blue Bird Vision Electric School Bus was named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Georgia.

The annual Congressional Luncheon serves as a forum for meaningful dialogue between Georgia's business community and elected leaders while reinforcing the partnerships that have helped position the state as the nation's top destination for business and economic opportunity.

The full list of speakers and panelists at the 2026 Congressional Luncheon is as follows:  

Welcome Remarks

Stuart Countess, President & CEO, Kia Georgia and 2026 Chair, Georgia Chamber

Welcome to Georgia's 10th Congressional District

U.S. Representative Mike Collins (GA-10)

Conversation with Georgia’s Gubernatorial Candidate

Keisha Lance Bottoms

Tharon Johnson, Paramount Consulting Group, and Host, WABE's Political Breakfast.

Winner of the Blanchard Leadership Award and the Georgia Chamber Corporate Citizen Award

Presented by: Chris Clark, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber

Winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia

Winner: Blue Bird Vision Electric School Bus

Finalist: TifTuf Drought Tolerant Bermudagrass

Presented by: Chris Clark, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber; and Charlie Clark, State Head of Georgia Banking, Pinnacle Financial Partners

Conversation with the Governor

Governor Brian P. Kemp

Chris Clark, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber

Georgia’s Congressional Candidate Panel

Dr. Jasmine Clark, Candidate for GA-13

Dr. John Cowan, Candidate for GA-11

Houston Gaines, Candidate for GA-10

Jim Kingston, Candidate for GA-1

Moderated by: Congressman Drew Ferguson

Conversation with Georgia’s Gubernatorial Candidate

Rick Jackson

Brian Robinson, Robinson Republic, and Host, WABE's Political Breakfast