The Gwinnett Chamber’s Washington D.C. Fly-In presented by Jackson EMC offers our members an opportunity to connect with Members of Gwinnett’s Congressional Delegation. As our mission to champion business was relayed to our delegation, fly-in guests also had the opportunity to hear legislative updates and interact with Members and their staff. Chamber members also had the opportunity to visit some of our nation’s most iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol.
Representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce kicked off our program with presentations from Evan Jenkins, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist, and Jon Baselice, Vice President, Immigration Policy. Jenkins, former U.S. Representative for West Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District and former West Virginia’s Chief Justice, shared an encouraging message that in spite of a divided Congress, members can still work together to pass meaningful legislation.
Ali Ehrlich, U.S. Chamber’s Senior Director of Operations for Political Affairs & Federation Relation, presented the 5-Star certification achievement, a first in Gwinnett Chamber history and a fitting moment during the fly-in as the public policy category received a perfect score.
Day two consisted of visits with Gwinnett’s Congressional delegation. Chamber members met with Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) and Congressman-elect Rich McCormick (GA-06), whose districts will encompass parts of Gwinnett County at the start of the 118th Congress. The chamber welcomed visits with U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock’s legislative staff. Senator Ossoff discussed his visits in South Korea and India to strengthen the economic partnerships between Asia and Georgia.
In a bittersweet close to a chapter in partnerships, the Gwinnett Chamber thanked Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07), Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Congressman Jody Hice (GA-10) for their leadership in Congress and commitment to supporting business. Each member was recognized with the chamber’s Award of Excellence, given to elected officials and community leaders that exhibit outstanding leadership and dedicated partnership with the Gwinnett Chamber. Last week, Congressman Johnson awarded the Gwinnett Chamber with the Small Business Pinnacle Award. Johnson was able to present the award again in front of chamber guests in D.C.
The fulfillment of our fly-in trips is not primarily found in the lobbying of our members on bills or in the enjoyment of our nation’s history. Rather, it is in the strengthening of friendships and building new ones where we discover a trip as worthwhile. Our commitment to championing your business is only made possible by the trust you give us to offer opportunities to build relationships with one another and with those that represent you in Washington D.C.
