25 LC 112 3110 House Resolution 365 By: Representatives Williamson of the 112 th , Gaines of the 120 th , Jones of the 47 th , Efstration of the 104 th , and Burchett of the 176 th A RESOLUTION Congratulating the Georgia Association of Manufacturers on the 125th anniversary of its 1 formation; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM) was founded in 1900 as the3 Georgia Industrial Association; and4 WHEREAS, at its first annual meeting in May 1901, G. Gunby Jordan, president of the Eagle5 and Phenix Mill in Columbus, offered a benediction, stating, "I wish this newborn6 Association Godspeed in its mission for the financial betterment of all the institutions which7 compose it, for the developing and cementing of closer ties of friendship . . . for the one8 glorious purpose – the betterment of mankind"; and9 WHEREAS, the Georgia Industrial Association became the Cotton Manufacturers of Georgia10 in 1912 then was later renamed the Georgia Textile Manufacturers Association in 1960; and11 WHEREAS, in 2007, the Association expanded its membership scope to represent all12 companies engaged in manufacturing within the State of Georgia, eventually becoming13 known as the Georgia Association of Manufacturers in 2011; and14 H. R. 365 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3110 WHEREAS, from its beginning to this day, the Association has served its membership as a 15 unifying entity that has contributed substantially to the growth and development of an16 industry of essential importance to the economic and social prosperity of this great state; and17 WHEREAS, GAM has served and continues to serve proudly, ethically, and in a nonpartisan18 manner as the voice of the manufacturing industry on matters of public policy at the state19 capitol, the Georgia Public Service Commission, and other state agencies; and20 WHEREAS, GAM also serves its growing roster of members by providing thought21 leadership on critical issues, hosting numerous forums to discuss developments of interest22 and best practices, creating workforce solutions, promoting modern manufacturing as a23 compelling career choice, and providing research and intelligence to members to support24 their success in the global marketplace; and25 WHEREAS, Georgia is home to approximately 10,000 manufacturers who employ 435,00026 people, including many in rural Georgia, provide jobs with above-average wages and27 benefits, and support numerous businesses outside the manufacturing sector; and28 WHEREAS, the manufacturing industry generated total output for the State of Georgia in29 2023 of $77.2 billion, accounting for 9.6 percent of Georgia's total gross state product; and30 WHEREAS, GAM continues to provide critical representation and thought leadership as31 manufacturers and their employees help move our state into a more technologically advanced32 future, ensuring that Georgia is a great place in which to invest in manufacturing, to work,33 to live, and to raise our families.34 H. R. 365 - 2 - 25 LC 112 3110 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that 35 the members of this body congratulate the Georgia Association of Manufacturers upon its36 125th anniversary and wish GAM and the industry it serves a bright future with "one glorious37 purpose"–the betterment of humankind.38 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized39 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the40 Georgia Association of Manufacturers.41 H. R. 365 - 3 -