Georgia Secretary of State Speaks to Local Chamber

05/07/2010

The Georgia Secretary of State tells local business owners he sees small businesses as the future.

Brian Kemp spoke to those in attendance at the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet Thursday at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center.

Kemp said that while large industries are great news, in his opinion, a great deal of economic development moving forward will rely on the small business owners and entrepreneurs of Georgia.

“95 percent of our over 500,000 Georgia corporations have less than 50 employees, so small business is the backbone of the economy and where job growth will come quickest and first as the economy turns,” said Kemp.

He went on to say that it is his opinion that government could use more of a small business mindset and that he is trying to bring that to the Secretary of State’s office.

“I think we need that type of mentality in government right now of entrepreneurship,” said Kemp. “Somebody asked me if this is the next Great Depression or the depression that will make us great and I believe it is the latter.”

Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President Wendi Bailey said Kemp’s message was a very good one for the local business community to hear.

“As a small business owner himself, he can relate to our membership,” said Bailey.

Kemp also thanked local business owners for investing in the Toccoa-Stephens County community.