GROWTH

"In water and transportation, some of the challenges we face are the result of our success. We have outgrown our investment. We can't afford to let unmanaged growth pressure the resources in such a way that we engender an anti-growth sentiment. The business model in Georgia is dependent on growth."

WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT

"I never met anyone that wasn't for work force development, but what we failed to do is commit the necessary resources to it and get serious about it. That is the No. 1 issue that companies look at when they determine where they want to go.

"In Georgia, we've done a good job of it, but we've got to get better."

EDUCATION

"We've got to insist on higher-level performance in K-12 education. I'm amazed at consistently being at the bottom that we're not outraged by what's going on. That is probably the greatest failing that we have as a state that we permit to exist.

"The money is there. We've got to increase our level of performance."

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

"Some have suggested that little was accomplished by the Legislature this year after rather grandiose promises by some elected officials. To the contrary, we at the Georgia chamber were quite pleased with the results of the legislative session. ... Many things that are important to the business community were accomplished."

TAXES

"Some important tax plans passed with little fanfare.

"House Bill 237 ... it provides a sales tax exemption for the purchase of manufacturing equipment. We all know that manufacturing in America is challenged. There is an awful lot of manufacturing in Richmond County that can benefit by a strategic advantage that HB 237 offers them.

"House Bill 272 provides a sales tax cap on energy use in manufacturing. Georgia is the only state in the Southeast to levy a sales tax on energy use in manufacturing. As energy prices spike, the consequence to the state is a windfall, which is just insult to injury. The reality is, it was making Georgia less competitive with other states."