ATLANTA- House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) has appointed Representative Virgil Fludd (D-Tyrone) to the Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation — a new standing committee in the Georgia House of Representatives.
“I’m honored that Speaker Ralston would appoint me to this newly formed committee,” said Representative Fludd. “I look forward to helping Georgia’s small businesses grow and create jobs for Georgians during these tough economic times.”
Speaker Ralston appointed Representative John Lunsford (R-McDonough) as chairman of the committee, Representative Bob Smith (R-Watkinsville) as vice-chairman, and Representative Billy Horne (R-Newnan) as secretary.
“We are going to make small businesses in Georgia a priority,” said Speaker David Ralston. “Small business growth will lead the way back to a strong and vibrant economy in this state by creating jobs. I have asked this committee to take a leadership role by examining proposals which will promote small business and job creation.”
“Our members are encouraged that Speaker Ralston and the House of Representatives are planning to focus on small business this year,” said David Raynor, Georgia state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, the state’s leading small business association. “Small business is the engine that drives Georgia’s economy. When you pass legislation that helps small businesses grow and create jobs, you help everyone.”
Other members of the committee include Representative Amy Carter (D-Valdosta), Representative Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Representative Tom Graves (R-Ranger), Representative Mark Hamilton (R-Cumming), Representative Sean Jerguson (R-Woodstock), Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville), Representative Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody), Representative Howard Mosby (D-Atlanta), Representative Allen Peake (R-Macon), Representative Alan Powell (D-Hartwell), and Representative Barbara Sims (R-Augusta).