ATLANTA — State Representative Sam Watson (R-Moultrie) recently received the 2014 Top Freshman Legislator of the Year Award from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Representative Watson was elected as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives in 2012 and recently completed his first legislative term as a state representative.
“I am honored that the Georgia Chamber selected me as the top freshman Legislator of the Year,” said Rep. Watson. “As a farmer and agri-businessman, I understand firsthand the challenges that businesses in rural Georgia can face, and it is important that we continue to promote economic growth through adversity. It has been a pleasure to work with the Chamber throughout my first legislative term, and I look forward to our continued efforts to ensure that Georgia is seen as a beacon for jobs and industry.”
The Georgia Chamber chose Rep. Watson for this award based on his support of policies that promote job growth and economic development in Georgia. Additionally, Rep. Watson received an A+ on the Georgia Chamber’s 2014 Legislative Scorecard for the 2013-2014 legislative term. During the 2014 legislative session, Rep. Watson authored House Bill 774, and co-authored House Bills 825, 866 and 1042, all of which have been signed into law by Governor Deal.
“It is great to see a new legislator like Representative Watson step up to support the needs of his constituents,” said David Raynor, the Georgia Chamber’s senior vice president for public affairs. “As our Chamber works for the betterment of all Georgia industries, it is great to have a new partner who is looking out for the needs of the agriculture community and rural Georgia.”
The Georgia Chamber presents its Legislator of the Year awards annually after the conclusion of the legislative session and the release of its legislative scorecard. Other legislators to receive the award were Senator Fran Millar (R-Atlanta) and Representative Mark Hamilton (R- Cumming).
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is Georgia’s largest business advocacy organization. It is focused is on keeping, growing and creating new jobs throughout the state of Georgia. The organization has an aggressive, proactive approach to state policy issues, and it transcends regional boundaries to create a state-wide network of business leaders working to help Georgia’s economy thrive.
For more information on the Georgia Chamber Legislator of the Year Award, please click here.
Representative Sam Watson represents the citizens of District 172, which includes portions of Colquitt, Thomas, and Tift counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Juvenile Justice, and Transportation committees.
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