RURAL PROSPERITY SUMMIT TAKE-A-WAYS
After last year's cancellation due to Hurricane Helene, the energy and enthusiasm at the 2025 Georgia Chamber’s Rural Prosperity Summit were undeniable. Held on October 1st at the University of Georgia’s Tifton campus, the event brought together leaders and innovators to champion the bright future of rural Georgia.
Key takeaways from a day dedicated to growth and opportunity:
Building Collaborative Tables - The summit highlighted that economic development relies on teamwork. Barbara Rivera Holmes, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor, credited Georgia's success to its collaborative approach. Communities thrive by forming "STPs"—groups who regularly align shared goals—and by preparing partnerships for future challenges.
Industry's Expanding Role in Communities - Businesses across rural Georgia are stepping up to support their workforce and communities in new ways. Beyond just providing jobs, industry partners are becoming essential to talent development and retention. This includes providing critical services to employees during emergencies, as seen during Hurricane Helene restoration, as well as investing in housing solutions to support industry expansion and accommodate a growing workforce.
The Power of Regionalism - Small communities are making a big impact by working together. Regionalism allows rural areas to pool resources and amplify their strengths to attract new industries and foster growth. This collaborative approach is bearing fruit statewide, with the Georgia Department of Economic Development reporting that 77% of new projects in FY25 were located outside Metro Atlanta.
The message from the summit was clear: Rural Georgia is collaborating, innovating, and driving significant progress for the entire state. These communities are proving that their impact is anything but small.
Find more updates from this year’s summit on our selectgeorgia.com/blog. |