Lindsay Thomas: Selling Georgia's Strengths
Thomas currently serves on the Joint Comprehensive Water Plan Advisory Committee. The issue of water resources remains a priority for the enthusiastic Chamber president because, as he says, "If we treat these resources with the careful planning and respect they deserve, there is no reason why Georgia can't continue to grow and be healthy economically. Georgia's got it all."
In addition to excellent, if limited, natural resources, Thomas attributes Georgia's economic strength to its diversity: "We have diverse populations living in diverse communities, from rural to urban, from the coast to the mountains. We have excellent educational and research institutions and a workforce that is trained in everything from 'high-tech,' to agribusiness, to manufacturing. Above all, it is the integrity and 'can-do' positive attitude of Georgia's people and their strong work ethic that make this diversity pay off," he explains.
Fortunately, Georgia also boasts a high quality of leadership in the business sector, leadership that takes an active role in shaping the state's economic well-being. Thomas, himself a winner of the J.W, Fanning Leadership Award, points to the "stable" of great entrepreneurs, financiers, and thinkers that have emerged from Georgia's private sector to be great national business leaders. "Our people produce great leaders," says Thomas, "and this is where we will always have an advantage. Our business people are willing and able to participate in the development of educational and workforce preparedness in ways that allow innovation and growth that otherwise might not see the light of day. I can't think of another state in this country that has such a diverse and dynamic pool of business leaders."
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce, which has approximately 3,400 members, represents a geographically and economically diverse base and serves as an advocate for business to the state legislature. What does a fifth-generation farmer and seasoned political leader see as the main goal of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce?
"We are the voice of business and serve as the sentinel of the laws, rules and regulations that affect business in the state," explains Thomas. "Another main thrust is economic development. We feel strongly that if you don't have a good business environment, economic development cannot thrive. We are here to spread the word.
Thomas believes Georgia has moved beyond old divisionsracial, economic, and cultural. One place where this is particularly evident is in the workplace. Where not so long ago agriculture dominated employment, now a broad and varied fabric of manufacturing, education, health care, computer technology, and tourism have diversified our economy.
"The key to our competitiveness is our ability to provide and train an effective workforce. Workforce preparedness is our biggest challenge and one that cannot be separated from education," Thomas says.
To bring economic growth to Georgia, Thomas acknowledges the importance of proactive leadership, well-managed natural resources, cultural diversity, and long-range business plans. "But a lot of this is 'shotgun.' You can't always know how effective they will be or the details of their effect. Quick Start, on the other hand, is a 'rifle shot.' It gets you ready to do the job that a particular industry or business needs at a particular moment. It is flexible, effective, and to-the-point training, and it is an essential selling tool for us here at the Chamber."
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Born and raised in Patterson, Thomas worked as an investment banker in Savannah after graduating from the University of Georgia. From there he returned to Wayne County to run the family farm and then ventured into political life. In 1982 he was elected to the U.S. Congress, where he served for 10 years. His background in tobacco farming and banking served him well as a member of the Agriculture Committee, the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, and the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
"As president and CEO of the Chamber, I think of myself as a messenger, a coalition builder whose job is to listen and respond to people and organizations interested in investing in Georgia's economy. From small businesses to large associations, we are here to build alliances," says Thomas.