ATLANTA – State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah) recently hosted the fifth annual Georgia Economic Empowerment Summit on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Savannah Technical College. The Georgia Economic Empowerment Summit was the opening event for “Family Empowerment Week,” which is a series of events taking place this week to support Chatham County residents.
“I am pleased by how many residents, stakeholders and experts participated in this year’s Georgia Economic Empowerment Summit,” said Rep. Gilliard. “Families across Georgia are facing financial instability at no fault of their own and are at the mercy of businesses who choose to invest in their communities. Many people are aware of food insecurities, but Georgians are affected by more than just food ‘deserts.’ I am glad this year’s summit provided new insight on how to address various ‘deserts’ and inequities faced by underserved communities.”
The Georgia Economic Empowerment Summit focused on educating the community, elected officials and stakeholders on “deserts” that adversely affect many underserved and under-resourced areas throughout Georgia. The summit featured vendors from various companies, businesses and universities near the Savannah area.
State Representatives Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia), Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Dr. Rickie Keys served as special guests speakers at the summit. These guest speakers discussed the lack of access to banking and credit, pharmacies, as well as food insecurities/food deserts. They also highlighted potential funding inequities that they would like to see addressed and discussed Georgians For Resource Equity (GFRE). More information about GFRE can be found at https://gfre.org/.
The summit featured vendors from various companies, businesses and government departments near the Savannah area. Several government agencies and programs that support economic development were promoted during the event, including the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Georgia Dream Program, Georgia Rental Assistance Program and the Georgia Department of Revenue. This event also provided information about career opportunities, and free gas cards were given to the first 50 attendees.
“Our state has ample funding for programs that help families overcome financial instability, but we just need to get the word out there so that families can take advantage of these programs,” added Rep. Gilliard. “‘Family Empowerment Week’ is a great opportunity for families to learn about these resources, and I am looking forward to our remaining family-friendly events.”
“Family Empowerment Week” is a series of events that focuses on providing Chatham County families with resources to empower them to overcome financial instability. The “Family Affair,” which is the final event for “Family Empowerment Week,” will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2022, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Daffin Park in Savannah.
For more information about the final “Family Empowerment Week” event, please click here.
Representative Carl Gilliard represents the citizens of District 162, which includes portions of Chatham County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development and the Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, State Properties, Creative Arts & Entertainment and Transportation committees.
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