25 LC 112 3093
Senate Resolution 308
By: Senators Kennedy of the 18th, Robertson of the 29th, Brass of the 6th, Anavitarte of the
31st, Gooch of the 51st and others
A RESOLUTION
Congratulating the Georgia Association of Manufacturers on the 125th anniversary of its
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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
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WHEREAS, from its beginning to this day, the Association has served its membership as a
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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
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
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congratulate the Georgia Association of Manufacturers upon its 125th anniversary and wish36
GAM and the industry it serves a bright future with "one glorious purpose"– the betterment37
of humankind.38
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed39
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia40
Association of Manufacturers.41
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